A section of Kenyan farmers from Kajiado county have attracted global after rolling out a rare farming technique that has been touted as a game-changer.
Agrivoltaics is a farming technique practised by farmers in Isinya and involves crops being planted under solar panels.
This farming technique uses the shade from the solar panels to provide a more conducive environment for crops, making them healthier compared to those planted in open fields.
The farmers mount the solar panels a few meters from the ground in order to provide the much required shade.
This allows the crops to grow underneath and get protected from excessive heat and water loss.
Agrivoltaics was introduced in Kenya by the University of Sheffield, York. Other organisations supporting this farming technique are Stockholm Environment Institute, World Agroforestry, the Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation, and the African Centre for Technology Studies.
Global media outlets have hailed the farming technique and its impact on Kenyan communities.
According to The Guardian, a British Newspaper, cabbages grown by Kenyan farmers under the rare technique were three times bigger and healthier than those grown in open fields with the same amount of fertiliser and water.
In an interview with a section of the farmers, The Guardian further explained that other crops such as aubergine and lettuce grew well under the technology.
The British media house also noted that the rare farming technique would solve the country's maize shortage.
Besides The Guardian, University of Sheffield, Prof Sue Hartley, maintained that the new farming technique would significantly benefit communities.
"This project is an excellent example of how ground-breaking interdisciplinary research can deliver really significant benefits to communities. It's really exciting to see this research being showcased in Kenya in this way, and I am confident the event will stimulate even greater interest in the potential of this novel technology," Sue explained.
Christine Lamanna, a climate change ecologist at World Agroforestry, reiterated that growing crops under solar panels will address issues surrounding climate change, crippling agricultural production in the country.
India also praised the project after a report indicated that the Asian country could also adopt the new farming technique.
