Makueni: Farmers in Makueni County are set to benefit from a groundbreaking digital soil sampling exercise aimed at improving agricultural productivity in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise is spearheaded by Makueni County Government, the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). It seeks to assess soil quality and provide farmers with crucial data on soil fertility management.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who spoke during the launch at Kwa Kathoka town, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that soil health directly impacts crop yields and food security. This marks a major step in addressing soil fertility challenges across all 30 wards in the county. He urged farmers to cooperate with the KALRO officers conducting the exercise, assuring them that the findings would guide them on appropriate fertilizer use and better farming practices. “The soil analysis will help determine nutrient levels and guide farmers on proper fertilizer application,” Governor Mutula stated.
KALRO’s Director for Environment and Natural Resources Management, Dr. David Kamau, highlighted that declining soil fertility has been a growing concern in Kenya, making such interventions critical for sustainable agriculture. “This exercise is part of a national digital soil mapping program designed to create a soil information system that will guide farmers on soil fertility management,” added Dr. Kamau.
The three-month exercise will engage 120 young Agripreneurs-four from each ward-who will be responsible for collecting soil samples, raising awareness, and educating farmers on the importance of soil testing. With the digital soil mapping initiative underway, Makueni farmers can look forward to science-driven agricultural solutions that will enhance productivity and contribute to the county’s food security agenda.
The launch event was attended by Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua, Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka, Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza (Livestock), and Dr. Victoria Kyalo (Agriculture), among other officials.