By Reporter
A new initiative aimed at enhancing livelihoods, promoting biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change has been launched in the Malindi and Magarini constituencies of Kilifi County.
Spearheaded by the Institute of Participatory Development-Kulamusana (IPD-K), the Dzalani Farmers Initiative project seeks to improve agricultural practices by empowering farmer groups, giving them a platform to voice their concerns, and engaging with decision-makers.
According to Raphael Mzungu Ngoma, the Executive Director of IPD-K, many agricultural initiatives introduced by the national and county governments have failed to achieve the desired impact because the beneficiaries were not involved in the initial stages of implementation.
Speaking during a workshop for eight farmer groups drawn from eight wards of the two constituencies, held at the Jamii Villas in Kilifi North Constituency, Mr. Ngoma emphasized the importance of building stronger farmer organizations for better results.
He said the initiative recognizes that for farmers to increase production, they must have a voice in both governmental and non-governmental plans.
“The Dzalani Farmers Initiative project emphasizes the importance of building strong farmer organizations to give them a platform to voice their concerns and engage with decision-makers,” said Mr. Ngoma.
Noting that adverse climatic conditions had significantly impacted agriculture in Kilifi County, Mr. Ngoma said the Dzalani initiative would promote practices by restoring soil fertility by using organic fertilizers.
“Our goal is to make the soil fertile again by planting trees and using organic fertilizers,” said Ngoma. “These natural fertilizers will sustainably improve crop production.”
He said the project would begin with the establishment of Farmer Field Schools, where farmers will receive training at central locations and be able to replicate the knowledge to other farmers.
Farmers in each ward will also be empowered to raise nurseries of nitrogen-fixing trees, fodder, and fruit trees to help them become self-sufficient in food production.
“Each targeted group will be provided with 10,000-litre water tanks to ensure the nurseries are properly maintained,” he added.
He also highlighted that IPD-K would target honey production in communities within the eight wards, starting with an initial 40 modern beehives.
Ngoma encouraged farmers to plant drought-resistant crops due to the fluctuating rain seasons and to venture into livestock production, using animal droppings as manure to improve soil fertility.
Participants welcomed the initiative, saying it would greatly improve crop and livestock production in their areas, and promised to sensitize other farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture.
Pastor Fredrick Mjape Lugho urged fellow farmers to employ modern farming practices and agroforestry for higher yields and to meet the government’s requirement that at least ten percent of every farm be under tree cover.
His sentiments were echoed by Juma Abadiva and Philippina Kulola, who said they would use the knowledge acquired during the workshop to sensitize their respective communities to improve crop and livestock production.
