Kwale: The coastal county of Kwale is actively working towards revitalizing the agricultural sector through value addition initiatives by building farmers' capacities to enhance value chains.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiatives include establishing special agro-industrial processing zones, improved farming practices, climate-smart agriculture, and promoting mechanization by deploying tractors and other machinery to enhance productivity and market access for agricultural products. Governor Fatuma Achani emphasizes that these efforts aim to boost food production, create economic opportunities, especially in rural areas, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Governor Achani highlights the potential of agriculture as a powerful economic driver and the county's commitment to establishing agribusiness ecosystems with a focus on adding value to raw agricultural products. Smallholder farmers in Kwale are gradually adopting climate-smart agriculture practices to improve productivity, enhance resilience to climate variability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and store carbon. This integrated approach addresses the challenges of food security and climate change.
Confronted with erratic rainfall patterns and low yields, farmers across Kwale are embracing climate-smart agriculture practices to increase crop yields and farm income. 'We are seeking to reposition agriculture as a key driver for socio-economic transformation, job creation, and diversification, ensuring a steady supply of food throughout the year,' Governor Achani stated.
Achani further elaborated on the county's focus on innovative farming techniques, value chain optimization, strengthening small-scale farmers' resilience, and strategic investments in climate-smart agriculture, which is more resilient to climate shocks. Practices like improved water management, drought-resistant crops, and diversified farming systems are being promoted to mitigate the impacts of climate change, increase productivity, and improve livelihoods.
During the issuance of a Sh3.7 million cheque to Community-Driven Development Committees (CDDCs) through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) in Tiwi ward, Matuga Sub County, Governor Achani reiterated the county's commitment to improving food security, enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, and creating a more diversified and resilient agricultural sector. The NAVCDP, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and funded by the World Bank, is a five-year project aimed at increasing market participation and value addition for farmers.
Governor Achani, along with County Executive Committee Members Roman Shera (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) and Michael Mutua (Trade and Tourism), expressed the county's support for national and international efforts to revamp the agricultural sector. 'Kwale will continue to collaborate with the national government, development partners, and other stakeholders to enhance the livelihoods of our people,' Achani stated, emphasizing the empowerment of local smallholder farmers to improve yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase household incomes.
Roman Shera, the county agriculture executive, reiterated the county's focus on value addition and agribusiness to improve smallholder farmer incomes, boost food and nutrition security, and foster socio-economic growth. The county aims to establish agribusiness hubs, promote agro-processing industries, and create linkages between farmers and markets to enhance food security, create jobs, and foster economic growth within the agricultural sector.