Trans nzoia: The Kenya Government, International Agricultural Development Fund (IFAD), and Trans Nzoia County Government have struck a six-year deal which will ensure farmers in the region are supported to uplift the agricultural value chain. The deal will be implemented through the Green Farming programme, which will provide farmers with Sh92 million in low-interest loans. This programme is also being implemented in 13 other counties across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Green Farming programme is designed to boost farmers' income by promoting economic growth through climate-smart agriculture. Speaking after receiving a delegation from IFAD and the National Government, Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to spur growth in the agricultural sector. Kapkory affirmed the county government's commitment to the project, emphasizing that it would empower farmers not only with necessary funds but also with financial literacy. "We are glad to work with you in making the initiative a great success and we will endeavor to support this course so that it benefits our farmers," she said.
IFAD Kenya Country Director Ms. Mariatu Kamara disclosed that the project would support farmers through Micro-Finance Institutions in the county, including Skyline Sacco, Juhudi Kilimo, and Progressive Credit. She explained that these institutions would receive funds from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) and subsequently offer low-interest loans to farmers at the grassroots level to support their green ventures. Ms. Kamara revealed that Sh11 million of the Sh92 million has already been released through Skyline Sacco, with several farmer groups having been issued loans.
To ensure the effectiveness of the initiative, the Department of Agriculture is collaborating with Anglican Development Services (ADS) and Cordaid to mobilize farmers to benefit from the programme. The groups that have been allocated funds have begun their green ventures, including the installation of water tanks and solar energy systems to generate sufficient water for irrigation farming during dry seasons.