Hundreds of traders, corporate companies and innovators with food security solutions drawn from various counties of the Lake Region Economic Bloc under the IREN Technologies and Innovation Challenge (ITIC-2018) umbrella showcased their products during the 14th IREN Bukura Trade and Cultural Fair themed “Culture, Trade and Technology in Agribusiness.” The event aims to demonstrate the interplay between culture and business by gathering communities from the Lake Region to celebrate culture, exhibit their products, get enlightened on new technologies and receive capacity support on enterprise development, agribusiness and productivity.
The event featured both Trade and Cultural activities including: An Agribusiness Enterprise Exhibition, Culinary Arts Competition, Cultural Show, Music and Dances Competition and Sports.
“Farmers should embrace appropriate technologies and diversification in order to maximize their yields. Providing farmers with market linkages is also crucial,” said Tobias Anyanje of Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme, Kakamega County.
“Next year IREN plans to train the youth on robotics, information and communication technology (ICT) in partnership with Giza systems, an Egyptian company. The company is committed to work with the youth to come up with smart solutions for food security,” said James Shikwati, IREN Director and Founder.
“It is important for the youth to be involved in matters of agriculture and it is for this reason that the Friedrich Naumann Foundation will continue to support IREN in activities which involve engaging and training the youth in the field of agricultural innovation towards food security,” Irene Lema, Assistant Programme Officer, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, East Africa.
Rose Maundu the Culinary Arts competition while Muyanga Music Group won the Music Competition. In sports, Bukura Red Stars football team and Bukura Netball Team emerged the winners.
Initiated in 2005, The Inter Region Economic Network-IREN has hosted 13 Trade and Cultural Fairs hosting farmers and traders with enterprises along different agriculture value chains, corporate companies and also individuals.
