Kakamega County Prioritizes Food Security

BY ISAIAH ANDANJE

Kakamega County announces its plans to prioritize food production to ensure local families are food sufficient.

This is in line with the world food celebration day held on Wednesday.

The celebrations which are held in 150 countries across the globe for the last 80 years, saw Kakamega county based within the Western region of Kenya visit one of the pioneer farms belonging to one Joel Mmbasu.

Various exhibitors showcasing various seedlings, farm inputs and machineries, poultry, fish farming, bee-keeping and various farming methods graced the occasion.

Governor Fernandez Barasa termed as best practices to stamp out poverty not only in the county but country at large.

This year’s theme (Right to food for a better life and better future) set the stage for the county government announce various plans it had put in place to generate enough farm produce for consumption and agribusiness as well.

While addressing the farmers and other guests who turned up in large numbers in Manda Shivanga ward with Malava sub county to learn the new and affordable farming practices for better yields, the governor insisted on the need to prioritize food production initiatives.

"That will ensure food security to families and a country as a whole and also create agriculture related job opportunities across the county" Barasa said.

The governor called on the national government of Kenya to timely release funds to support agriculture within the counties stating that the many farmers were practicing poor farming practices due to late funds and farm inputs release from the government.

“We have to say no to hunger and we have the land with good climate for various crop production but our main challenge even as a county is the cumbersome distribution of resources to support our farmers" he said.

He said this has seen low yields for farmers who do not have alternative source of income to timely purchase seeds and fertilizer when the planting season approaches, "government bureaucracy is hurting our farmers and affecting our annual yields” he said.

He pointed out that as a county they have the potentiality to produce enough food only if agricultural subsidies and financial support from relevant authorities are disbursed on time noting that most farmers have had a bumper harvest due to his government on spot distribution of fertilizers and seeds.

He however discouraged farmers against cheaply selling their harvest and instead store for future consumption and when prices are favourable.

“As a county, are working towards boosting our economy through sustainable agriculture and my administration is committed in investing heavily in agricultural activities aimed at branding us as a food secure county.

Exhibitors training farmers on best agricultural practices. Photo/ ISAIAH ANDANJE 

Already we have spent Ksh.700Million to purchase maize seeds and fertilizer for the farmers and this has improved this year’s yields. 

He said Kakamega county has partnered with other organizations including Kakamega dairy development cooporation (KDDC) to set up smart farms in each of the 12 sub counties within.

Malava leads with 26 dairy cows then Matungu, Khwisero, Lugari, Lurambi, Likuyani and Ikolomani farmers being the beneficiaries and the ongoing Ksh. 150Million Malava dairy plant will be operational come this year December.

Farmers through their smart farms will supply it with milk while the youth will benefit from employment created.

Further the county working with national agricultural value chain project (NAVCP) to spruce up Avocado and poultry farming with its produce being marketed at the Likuyani industrial park where farmers can earn from their produce.

It has also commenced fish farming by supplying fingerlings to farmers as a rich source of white meat rich in protein and as an income generating venture.

The county executive committee member (CECM) for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, cooperatives and irrigation Godfrey Owori urged the agricultural extension officers to reach out to the grass root levels and offer their expertise to the farmers in order to assist them practice quality farming .

"This initiative is part of the county's broader efforts to tackle food insecurity while creating a vibrant agricultural sector that will boost economic growth and support local farmers" he said.