As the short rainy season brings much-needed precipitation to many parts of Kenya, the Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Agriculture, Edwin Seroney, has issued a timely call to action for local farmers. Seroney urged farmers to leverage the ongoing rains to plant crops that can be harvested quickly, enhancing both food security and economic stability within the county.
“We encourage all residents to make use of the available rainwater and get back to their farms,” said Seroney. He stressed that planting crops suitable for the season could yield results within a few months, helping communities achieve food security and generate income more swiftly.
Promoting Agribusiness through the Wealth Creation Policy
Seroney also highlighted the importance of the county’s wealth creation policy, which was recently launched by the Elgeyo Marakwet County government to stimulate agricultural entrepreneurship. The initiative encourages local farmers to transition from subsistence farming to more lucrative commercial agriculture.
“Through the wealth creation policy, we are enabling farmers to venture into commercial farming, such as growing pyrethrum, coffee, avocados, mangoes, and sorghum, among others,” he explained. “This initiative aims to transform the lives of our residents by putting money in their pockets and helping them fight poverty.”
The wealth creation policy is designed to empower farmers by providing them with resources, education, and access to markets. This strategic approach is meant to not only secure food for local families but also create a surplus that can be sold commercially, thus contributing to the broader economic development of the county.
Targeted Agricultural Zoning for Maximum Output
Seroney further elaborated on the county’s agricultural zoning strategy, which supports different regions to cultivate specific crops best suited to their unique climate and soil conditions. For instance, the upper regions of Elgeyo Marakwet, known for their cooler climate and fertile soils, are ideal for growing high-value crops such as coffee, avocados, pyrethrum, Irish potatoes, French beans, and Nyota beans.
In contrast, the lower regions, particularly the Kerio Valley, are more suitable for heat-tolerant crops such as mangoes, sorghum, Nyota beans, and soya. Seroney emphasized that this strategic approach not only maximizes crop yields but also ensures efficient use of the county’s diverse environmental conditions.
“We have good water catchment as a County, with most of the water flowing into the valley. Through the Department and our annual development plan, we have managed to set aside funds for avocado farming in the upper regions of the county,” he said. “Meanwhile, the lower regions, particularly the Kerio Valley, are suitable for growing mangoes, sorghum, Nyota beans, and soya.”
Engaging the Youth in Agriculture
To further bolster agricultural productivity, Seroney called on parents to involve the younger generation in farming activities. He encouraged them to allocate portions of land to young people for commercial farming purposes.
“Parents should give the youth a portion of land to engage in commercial farming. They can plant vegetables, green grams, avocados, and many other crops. The income they generate will uplift their lives,” he emphasized.
Seroney believes that engaging the youth in agriculture is crucial for the county’s sustainable development. By providing young people with opportunities in agribusiness, the county hopes to foster a new generation of farmers who are innovative, entrepreneurial, and committed to boosting food production.
A Path Toward Sustainable Agricultural Development
With the support of the county government and the active participation of local communities, Elgeyo Marakwet is poised for sustainable agricultural development. Seroney’s emphasis on utilizing the short rains and supporting the wealth creation policy reflects the county’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of its residents through enhanced food production and income generation.
As the rains continue, farmers are encouraged to heed this call to action, ensuring they take full advantage of this critical period to secure both their food supply and economic future.
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