Agriculture
Agriculture serves as the lifeblood of Kenya’s economy, contributing an impressive 33 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This sector’s significance cannot be overstated, as it supports millions of livelihoods and sustains the country’s food supply.
Recognizing the vital role agriculture plays, the Ministry of Agriculture has been proactive in its efforts to enhance agricultural practices and ensure farmers reap the maximum benefits from their endeavors.
In the lush and fertile Omoringamu area of Gucha sub-county, Kisii County, farmers have received invaluable basic education from the sub-county agriculture officers, Richard Ogendo and Happiness Omundi.
These sessions were designed to impart critical knowledge on field management and effective animal rearing practices. The officers emphasized the importance of adopting modern agricultural techniques to boost productivity and ensure sustainability.
During the gathering of local farmers, Ogendo, spoke to the farmers about the community-based approaches the agricultural department plan to implement. These approaches include practical demonstrations that provide farmers with hands-on experience and detailed information about effective farming techniques.
Ogendo underscored the importance of soil conservation measures, identifying soil degradation as a major issue in the area. He explained that poor soil management leads to crop diseases and increased soil erosion, which significantly hampers agricultural productivity.
“We are going to organize projects focused on building gabions, terraces, and fallows, as well as planting trees in sloped areas. We will provide the necessary trees to the farmers for planting in these vulnerable regions,” Ogendo emphasized. These initiatives aim to protect the soil, prevent erosion, and improve overall agricultural output.
During the meeting, Omundi addressed the myriad challenges faced by the farming community. One of the key issues she highlighted was the difficulty in spraying cattle, a task that is often fraught with challenges.
To alleviate this burden, she said that the agriculture department in the county plans to introduce Service Sprayer Providers (SSPs) by hiring local youngsters who possess the necessary expertise in this field. This initiative aims to provide farmers with much-needed assistance, ensuring that their cattle receive proper care and treatment.
Omundi also delved into other pressing challenges plaguing the farmers, such as limited access to capital, low-income levels, manpower shortages, low output, soil acidity, and the prevalence of counterfeit or substandard agricultural supplies, including seeds and fertilizers. These issues collectively hinder the farmers’ ability to achieve optimal productivity and profitability.
“We are going to help you, the farmers, form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOS) through which you can easily access loans to have enough capital to purchase farm inputs and also save the excess income you get from the sale of your products,” she assured the farmers.
She further emphasized the importance of involving stakeholders in the formation of these SACCOS to safeguard the farmers’ welfare and ensure the sustainability of the cooperative organizations.
The farmers voiced their concerns about being sold substandard farm inputs, such as poultry feeds, seeds, and animal drugs. Gideon Atera, a farmer who raises hens, shared his frustration saying that his chickens are dying, and even the number of eggs they are laying is less than expected.
In response, the agricultural officers promised to assist farmers in obtaining quality farm inputs and to oversee projects related to rearing various types of livestock through the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
By addressing the challenges faced by farmers and providing them with the necessary resources and knowledge, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to foster a thriving and sustainable agricultural industry that contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth.