Farmers in Taita Taveta County are set to benefit from commercial farming through value chain addition under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). This initiative follows the validation of several proposals from farmer cooperatives by the National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU).
The proposals submitted by Tagho Dairy, Mwafugha Dairy Cooperative, Diwadane Green Gram Aggregators, and Tataba Banana Merchants were carefully evaluated to ensure they align with the objectives of supporting marginalised groups and promoting sustainable investments. The evaluation process was designed to identify projects that would drive growth in the agricultural sector while addressing the challenges faced by local farmers.
The introduction of better storage facilities for bananas is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, a major challenge for farmers in the region. Banana farmer Lucy Mwasigha expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that improved storage solutions would enable farmers to preserve their produce and access markets with higher-quality goods.
For dairy farmers, the planned expansion of milk processing operations is a game-changer. With the addition of pasteurisation and packaging facilities, farmers will no longer rely solely on raw milk sales, which often yield lower incomes. Dairy farmer John Mwakio highlighted the potential for increased earnings and market access, thanks to these advancements. In a significant boost for Mwafugha Dairy Cooperative, the donation of a 5,000-litre chilling tank by the national government will enhance milk preservation and processing capabilities.
Meanwhile, Diwadane Farmers Cooperative plans to automate green gram cleaning and packaging, a move expected to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the market. Automation will enable the cooperative to process larger volumes of produce and meet the quality standards required by bigger suppliers, thus opening new opportunities for growth.
The County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Mcharo Mwalugha, underscored the transformative potential of these investments. He highlighted the county government’s commitment to raising productivity and improving farmer livelihoods through strategic partnerships and robust support for the agricultural sector. These efforts are aligned with the broader goal of enhancing food security and nutrition in the county.
The livestock sector is also set to benefit, with initiatives aimed at stabilising the milk market and improving animal health services. The Chief Officer for Livestock and the Blue Economy, Paul Maneno, reiterated the county government’s dedication to empowering the dairy value chain. By addressing key challenges in the sector, the government aims to create a stable and profitable environment for dairy farmers.
These initiatives represent a significant step forward for Taita Taveta County, as they aim to boost productivity, uplift farmer incomes, and promote sustainable growth. The integration of modern technology, improved infrastructure, and strategic support from both the county and national governments will provide farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive agricultural landscape.
By focusing on value addition and efficiency, the projects will enhance the overall competitiveness of the county’s agricultural products. This not only benefits individual farmers but also contributes to the county’s economic development. As the projects are implemented, they are expected to create a ripple effect, improving livelihoods and fostering resilience among farming communities.
The collaborative efforts of farmer cooperatives, government agencies, and other stakeholders demonstrate a shared commitment to transforming agriculture in Taita Taveta County. These initiatives are a testament to the power of collective action and strategic investment in achieving sustainable development goals.
