Kwale: Kwale County Government has commenced the distribution of 5,000 hybrid coconut seedlings to small-holder coconut farmers across nine Administrative Wards. This initiative by the devolved government aims to boost rural economic growth and diversify incomes through cash crop farming.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Fatuma Achani stated that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote agricultural sustainability, enhance food security, and boost economic empowerment. Governor Achani emphasized that the devolved government has launched a coconut farming campaign, recognizing it as a fast-growing cash crop in the coastal county. Coconut is seen as a significant commodity culturally, socially, and economically in the region.
The Governor highlighted the potential of the coconut sub-sector to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and promote sustainability. The improved certified coconut seedlings are expected to enhance both the quality and quantity of coconuts produced in Kwale. Achani noted that the seedlings are tailored to thrive in the local climatic conditions, aiming to empower small-scale coconut farmers to increase their yields and improve the quality of their produce.
During the flagging-off ceremony at the Kwale County Headquarters, Governor Achani urged beneficiaries to plant and nurture the trees diligently. She emphasized that coconut farming plays a crucial role in the county's economy and encouraged farmers to take the opportunity seriously. Achani, along with Roman Shera, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, stressed the importance of farming for food security.
Under the program, each of the nine wards will receive 555 seedlings. The wards benefiting from the distribution are Tsimba/Golini, Mkongani, Kubo South, Ramisi, Kinondo, Bongwe/Gombato, Vanga, Dzombo, and Pongwe/Kikoneni. Governor Achani assured farmers that all County-owned tractors with mechanical issues would be repaired to support land preparation and enhance productivity.
County Agriculture Executive, Roman Shera, encouraged farmers to embrace the opportunity and expressed the County's commitment to providing support, training, and resources to maximize coconut farming potentials. The new variety of coconut seedlings is resistant to many common diseases and starts bearing fruits earlier, leading to quicker returns on investment.
Karama Pore, Chair of the Agriculture Committee in Tsimba/Golini Ward, expressed gratitude to the County government for its support. Pore highlighted the economic significance of coconut farming and urged residents to plant more trees rather than cutting them down for building materials. The primary product from coconuts is cooking oil, widely used in households and the food industry, while shells are utilized as firewood and crafted into ornaments and handicrafts, providing income for local artisans.