Uasin Gishu: In a bold move to bolster climate resilience and promote sustainable agriculture, the County government of Uasin Gishu has distributed high-quality pasture seeds to over 200 farmers in Soy Sub-County. This significant intervention is part of the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programmes, which aim to empower communities to adapt to climate change and improve food security.
According to Kenya News Agency, the seed distribution exercise, held at Soy Ward, included farmer groups from Kaptait FCS, Soy Merewet FCS, Mateny FCS, and Soy Navillus FCS. The farmers also received training on pasture production techniques and their economic benefits to local communities. Isaac Chirchir, the area member of the county assembly, remarked, 'This initiative is not only about improving livestock productivity but transforming livelihoods as well.'
The distribution of high-quality pasture seeds was just one component of the broader FLLoCA commitment that includes agriculture, water management, drainage, and crop diversification. The pasture varieties distributed include Desmodium, Panicum maximum, Boma Rhodes, Lucerne, and Forage sorghum. The improved pasture species are expected to significantly enhance the quality and quantity of livestock feed, leading to better meat and milk production.
Chirchir noted that enhanced livestock health and productivity are key to strengthening household incomes and boosting food security. Farmers expressed optimism about the programme's potential to increase their economic resilience, with most of them explaining that access to quality pasture has long been a limiting factor in livestock farming, particularly under the strain of changing climate patterns.
This distribution exercise is part of Uasin Gishu's broader commitment to champion locally driven climate action. Through community-focused solutions, the county aims to mitigate climate-related risks while promoting environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.