Makueni County Boosts Animal Health and Food Security with New Initiative

In a concerted effort to enhance animal health and food security, Makueni County, in partnership with the Candle Hope Foundation, has successfully vaccinated 94,696 animals against Skin Lumpy Disease and Rift Valley Fever. This ambitious project, covering Kilome, Kibwezi East, and Kibwezi Sub-counties, underscores the county’s commitment to improving agricultural practices and animal health.

The vaccination campaign targeted a diverse range of livestock, including 33,274 cattle, 18,738 sheep, and 42,684 goats. Alongside the vaccinations, the animals were also dewormed to combat internal parasites, further supporting their overall health. This initiative, funded by the Norwegian government and managed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), highlights the critical role of international cooperation in addressing local agricultural challenges.

The Candle Hope Foundation, tasked with implementing the project, received veterinary supplies such as dewormers and acaricides from the FAO. Jonathan Mwaniki, Programme Director at the Candle Hope Foundation, emphasized the success of the vaccination campaign during a recent County Steering Committee meeting. “We have been able to vaccinate the animals in the targeted areas to enhance animal health,” Mwaniki stated.

The meeting, chaired by Kathozweni Deputy County Commissioner Annabel Gitonga, took place in the Makueni County Commissioner’s boardroom in Wote town. It was an opportunity to review not only the progress of the vaccination campaign but also the broader impacts of the project on local farmers.

In addition to the animal health initiatives, the project included educational components designed to equip farmers with essential knowledge and skills. Farmers received training in good agricultural practices, soil conservation, and the use of certified seeds. These practices are expected to boost food production and improve food security in the region.

A notable aspect of the initiative was the distribution of cone gardens to 500 households. Each garden can hold up to 200 seedlings of various vegetables, providing families with a sustainable source of nutritious food. Mwaniki emphasized the importance of adopting climate-smart agriculture technologies, such as conservation agriculture, drip irrigation, and cone gardens, to enhance food security. “There is a need to embrace climate-smart agriculture technologies to improve food security in the area,” Mwaniki said.

The Deputy County Commissioner, Annabel Gitonga, praised the efforts of the Candle Hope Foundation and stressed the importance of dedicated public service. “It is imperative for public workers to prioritize service delivery to the people, as this is the essence of being on the government payroll,” Gitonga said. She commended the foundation’s role in training local farmers and promoting smart agricultural practices, which are crucial for increasing food production and ensuring food security.

Overall, the collaboration between Makueni County, the Candle Hope Foundation, and the FAO represents a significant step forward in addressing both animal health and food security challenges in the region. By combining vaccination efforts with educational initiatives and practical support for farmers, the project is laying the groundwork for a healthier and more self-sufficient agricultural sector in Makueni County.