Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has announced plans to establish more model farms in the county to boost revenues and reduce over-reliance on livestock. The governor made the announcement during a visit to the Rahole community farm in Buna, Wajir North. He praised the farm, saying agriculture can build resilience, improve food security, and create alternative livelihoods in arid areas. The Rahole community farm brings together four cooperatives, providing them with opportunities to engage in food production.
The Rahole community farm has been supported by the county government with a Sh22 million investment. The farm has a solarised borehole, 30 acres of fenced land, 10 acres under drip irrigation, greenhouses, water storage and distribution infrastructure, a hay store, paddocks, and livestock watering troughs. The farm is currently producing sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage, and simsim, alongside fodder for livestock. The governor said the project was proof that farming could thrive in Wajir’s harsh climatic conditions if communities were provided with the necessary infrastructure, technology, knowledge, and access to markets.
Governor Abdullahi said his administration would continue investing substantially in agriculture and supporting model farms across the county. He said the county was deliberately promoting agriculture as an alternative livelihood, particularly for women and young people. The governor added that the purpose of these model farms is to demonstrate that agriculture is possible in Wajir’s arid environment when communities have access to water, technology, knowledge, and markets.
The county government has been undertaking preparedness and public awareness activities in various parts of Wajir as it seeks to strengthen community resilience ahead of El Niño. The governor’s visit to Buna also provided an opportunity for the county to engage residents on preparedness measures. Officials sensitised communities on the need to take early action to minimise the impact of possible flooding and other climate-related risks.
Governor Abdullahi said investments such as Rahole were part of a broader strategy to ensure that Wajir communities could withstand recurring climatic shocks while improving food production and creating new economic opportunities. He said the county would continue expanding the model, revealing that he had committed to supporting the establishment of another similar farm in Buna.
The governor also announced that the county’s department of trade would soon attach a small and medium enterprises officer to the farmers to help them establish market linkages and find better markets for their produce. This move aims to ensure that increased agricultural production translates into improved household incomes and sustainable livelihoods.
Governor Abdullahi said agriculture had significant untapped potential in Wajir, particularly with investments in water harvesting, irrigation, technology, and market access. He added that the Rahole project had demonstrated the possibilities that could emerge when communities were supported to move beyond traditional livelihoods and embrace climate-resilient economic activities.
Key points
- Wajir County plans to establish more model farms to boost revenues and reduce over-reliance on livestock.
- The Rahole community farm has been supported by the county government with a Sh22 million investment.
- The county government aims to strengthen community resilience ahead of El Niño through preparedness and public awareness activities.
