Nyamira: Twenty farmer SACCOs in Nyamira County have received Sh20 million in funding from the World Bank to enhance their farming and agribusiness ventures. The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Dr. Peris Monga're, announced the funding at the Nyamira County headquarters, noting that the farmers were part of the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NAFCDP) supported by the World Bank.
According to Kenya News Agency, the NAFCDP project aims to economically support organized farmer groups that focus on priority value chains such as dairy, poultry, banana, and vegetable farming. Dr. Mong'are explained that agriculture is vital for the residents of Nyamira, with over 80 percent relying on it for their livelihood. The program has been instrumental in ensuring food security and economic stability, addressing poverty in the rural population.
Dr. Mong'are highlighted the county's main economic agricultural value chains, including bananas, vegetables, coffee, and avocado. She emphasized that with adequate support, these sectors could transform household incomes through value addition and access to larger markets. The CECM confirmed that all benefiting SACCOs have been trained in financial management to ensure the grants lead to long-term improvements in their lives.
The CECM for Trade, Tourism, and Cooperative Development, Benard Maina, commented on the fruitful partnership between Kenya and the World Bank, which has significantly benefited rural communities. He encouraged Nyamira farmers to take full advantage of the World Bank grant to improve their agribusiness ventures.
Dr. Mokaya Osoro, the county NAFCDP project coordinator, stated that the initiative would uplift thousands of farmers and promote local processing of bananas, coffee, and avocado products, creating jobs and new revenue streams. He emphasized that the program aims to build sustainable agricultural enterprises capable of competing regionally and internationally.
Among the beneficiaries, Denis Nyachieng'a from Township Tuner Community Sacco expressed gratitude for the support, noting that it would help farmers increase production and seize farming startup opportunities. The Nyamira County NAFCDP project represents a transformative effort to revolutionize agriculture and improve rural communities' lives through collaboration between the government of Kenya and the World Bank.