Agriculture, contributing a significant 33 percent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is the cornerstone of the nation’s economy. It supports millions of livelihoods and sustains the country’s food supply. Recognizing its vital role, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken proactive steps to enhance agricultural practices, ensuring farmers maximize their benefits.
In the lush and fertile Omoringamu area of Gucha sub-county, Kisii County, farmers have recently received invaluable basic education from 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, emphasizing the adoption of modern agricultural techniques to boost productivity and sustainability.
During a gathering of local farmers, Ogendo discussed community-based approaches that the agricultural department plans to implement. These include practical demonstrations to 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 significant issue in the area. He explained that poor soil management leads to crop diseases and increased soil erosion, significantly hampering 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, highlighting the difficulty in spraying cattle, a task often fraught with challenges. To alleviate this burden, the agriculture department plans to introduce Service Sprayer Providers (SSPs) by hiring local youngsters with expertise in this field. This initiative aims to provide farmers with much-needed assistance, ensuring their cattle receive proper care and treatment.
Omundi also discussed other pressing challenges, 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, noting that his chickens are dying and that 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 significantly contributes to the nation’s economic growth.
