Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a clarion call to the residents of his county to embrace agribusiness as a critical step toward enhancing food security and tackling the pervasive poverty that plagues the region. Speaking during the World Food Day celebrations held at Simerro village in Ugunja Sub County, Governor Orengo lamented the underutilization of the county’s natural resources, despite its favorable climate and fertile soils.
Orengo expressed concern that Siaya County, along with the broader Nyanza region, has not fully capitalized on its agricultural potential. He noted that the region is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including fertile land and numerous rivers and streams that eventually empty into Lake Victoria. Yet, these resources remain largely untapped, with the water flowing downstream to other countries like Egypt, where it is used to produce agricultural products that are later sold back to Kenya.
“It is a pity that we allow our water to flow to Lake Victoria and the River Nile, only for it to be used by countries like Egypt to produce food that they then sell back to us,” Orengo stated. “We cannot command respect among nations if we are not food secure,” he added, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in food production.
The governor’s remarks underscore the pressing need for Siaya County to harness its natural resources more effectively to achieve food security and reduce poverty. He stressed that the region’s potential for agricultural development has been neglected for too long, resulting in missed opportunities for economic growth and improved livelihoods for local residents.
Orengo was accompanied by his deputy, William Oduol, who echoed the governor’s sentiments and emphasized the importance of reviving cash crop farming in the county. Orengo specifically called on residents to return to the cultivation of crops that were once staples in the region, such as cotton, sugarcane, and Robusta coffee. These crops, he noted, were historically grown in parts of Ugunja, Ugenya, and Gem sub-counties but have since fallen into decline.
“I am urging our people to go back to the cultivation of cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and Robusta coffee,” Orengo said. “These crops used to be a significant source of income for our farmers, and we must make efforts to revive them.”
To support this agricultural revival, Governor Orengo announced that his administration would be hiring more agricultural extension officers. These officers will play a vital role in educating and assisting farmers in adopting modern farming techniques and improving crop yields. The governor’s commitment to increasing the number of extension officers highlights the importance of providing farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in agribusiness.
In addition to addressing crop farming, Orengo also expressed concern about the future of the fishing industry in Siaya County. He warned that the county could soon be forced to rely on fish supplies from central Kenya, particularly Sagana, as fish stocks in Lake Victoria continue to dwindle. The governor pointed out that while regions like Sagana have embraced fish farming, Siaya County has been slow to adopt this practice, putting the local fishing industry at risk.
“In the next five to 10 years, we will be going to Sagana for fish,” Orengo cautioned. “Fish stocks in Lake Victoria are dwindling, and our friends in Sagana have embraced fish farming. If we do not take action, they will be the ones supplying us with fish.”
Orengo’s comments highlight the urgent need for Siaya County to diversify its agricultural activities and adopt sustainable practices that can ensure food security for future generations. The decline in fish stocks in Lake Victoria is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the county’s traditional industries, and the slow pace of adopting alternative practices, such as fish farming, is a cause for concern.
The governor’s call to action is a wake-up call for the residents of Siaya County. By embracing agribusiness and reviving cash crop farming, the county can unlock its full agricultural potential and pave the way for economic growth and poverty alleviation. The commitment to hiring more agricultural extension officers is a positive step in this direction, as it will provide farmers with the support they need to adopt modern farming techniques and improve their productivity.
As the World Food Day celebrations concluded, it was clear that the message from Governor Orengo had resonated with many in attendance. The event served as a reminder of the region’s untapped potential and the opportunities that lie ahead if the county’s resources are utilized effectively.
In conclusion, Governor Orengo’s challenge to the residents of Siaya County to embrace agribusiness is not just a call to action but a vision for a brighter future. By leveraging the county’s natural resources, reviving cash crop farming, and adopting sustainable practices, Siaya can achieve food security and reduce poverty, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents. The time to act is now, and the path to a more prosperous future begins with embracing the potential of agribusiness.
