The National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, a joint initiative between the Kenyan government and the World Bank, has disbursed Sh28.8 million to over 5,700 farmer groups in Homa Bay County. The funds will be used to support farmers in 40 co-operative societies, enabling them to undertake various agricultural activities. The project aims to enhance food production and security in the county.
The grant will target farmers engaging in five key agricultural value chains: rice, coffee, banana, cotton, and dairy production. According to Henry Nzinga, NAVCDP Project Co-ordinator in Homa Bay County, the funds will be lent to farmers through their co-operatives, allowing them to access capital for agricultural ventures. The project also includes plans to establish demonstration sites in each ward to equip farmers with knowledge on modern farming methods.
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Danish Onyango presided over the distribution of the grant to the farmers through their co-operative societies. He expressed optimism that the increased agricultural productivity will transform the lives of the farmers by enabling them to become job creators. Onyango emphasized that the funds will serve as seed capital, enabling farmers to create employment opportunities rather than seeking jobs.
County Executive Members Joash Aloo, Elijah Munga, Sarah Malit, and Isaac Ongiri attended the event, assuring farmers that the project will enhance food security and socio-economic development in Homa Bay. Dr. Aloo announced that the project will enable farmers to expand crop and livestock farming, reducing economic pressure on farmers who often borrow funds from financial institutions with high interest rates.
Elijah Munga urged farmers to utilize the funds maximally, emphasizing that effective use of the funds will significantly transform the lives of Homa Bay residents. He encouraged farmers to produce food in large quantities for commercial purposes, rather than just for subsistence. Munga stressed the need for farmers to seize the opportunity to boost food production in the county.
Farmers who attended the event expressed hope that the project will improve their lives. Jacob Nyamai, a farmer, noted that the project has given him the impetus to engage in large-scale crop production, which was previously unaffordable due to lack of capital. The NAVCDP project is implemented in partnership with the Government of Kenya, county governments, and funded by the World Bank.
Key points
- The grant will support farmers in five key agricultural value chains: rice, coffee, banana, cotton, and dairy production.
- The project aims to enhance food production and security in Homa Bay County.
- The funds will be lent to farmers through their co-operatives, allowing them to access capital for agricultural ventures.
