BY SHABAN OMAR
About 598 farmers from vulnerable communities in Lunga-Lunga sub-county, Kwale County, have received farm inputs worth KSh 2.5 million.
The inputs were donated by Kidscare Kenya, in partnership with the Kwale County government.
The farmers were provided with five tonnes of certified seeds, consisting of green grams and cowpeas, to boost their crop yields.
Each farmer received two kilograms of each type of seed and some fertilizers and pesticides to maximize production.
The seeds are drought-resistant and designed to mature quickly, helping address hunger, promote better nutrition and support agribusiness opportunities for poor communities, enabling them to achieve sustainable livelihoods even in the face of challenging climatic conditions which is rampant in Lunga-Lunga.
According to Kids Care Kenya Executive Director George Baya, the program is aimed at enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers in the area.
“Our mission has always been clear to empower communities, uplift families and secure brighter future for the next generation,” he said.
Baya said apart from providing farm inputs, farmers were also trained in modern farming methods to further enhance productivity.
He said the move is designed to assist farmers from poor backgrounds and households in building sustainable livelihoods.
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Baya emphasized that providing local farmers with knowledge and resources enables them to become more resilient, self-reliant, and capable of overcoming challenges while fostering long-term economic stability.
The Executive Director said that the farm inputs represent more than just seeds adding they are a symbol of hope, resilience, and the potential for growth.
He also said the organization is committed to creating an empowered, equitable society where everyone thrives and is prepared for a better future.
“Together, we are building an ecosystem of support where farmers can flourish, communities can prosper, and children can dream of a brighter future,” he said.
County Executive for Agriculture, Roman Shera, praised the program, noting that it aligns with the county’s efforts to enhance food security and improve livelihoods in the region.
He mentioned that the county has a similar initiative and will soon launch another seed distribution exercise for farmers in Kwale across all 20 wards.
Shera noted that the seed distribution program is timely, as it coincides with the short rain season.
The CEC said with the improved seeds and proper farming techniques, farmers are assured of a bountiful harvest.
“The seeds are well-suited for minimal rainfall, and even with limited rain, one can achieve a plentiful harvest,” he said.
Shera revealed that the county plans to launch a soil testing initiative next year to help farmers assess soil quality and enhance crop production.
He added that the Kwale government will hire agri-preneurs, who will be assigned to each ward to provide farmers with the necessary technical support and essential resources to ensure successful harvests and economic stability.
Shera emphasized that the county is committed to tackling all challenges affecting farming to improve the livelihoods of the local people.
The CEC said the county wants to ensure that farming becomes a reliable source of income and food security for the people.
He encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the programs noting that agriculture plays a key role in fostering sustainable development in the region.
Shera cautioned farmers against misusing the farm inputs, urging them to utilize the resources responsibly to transform their lives.
Beneficiary Bahati Mkulu said that the farm inputs will largely boost their production.
He said that previously, they relied on traditional farming methods, which were often unproductive.
“We are optimistic that with the new resources, food will soon be abundant, and poverty will become a thing of the past,” he said.
Another farmer Grace Dena said they wxpect to use the farm proceeds to improve living of standards and cater for school fees among other basic needs.
