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Agriculture

MAKUENI CHAMPIONS AGROECOLOGY TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND RESILIENT FARMING

The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with development partners, on Wednesday held the Makueni Farmers’ Field Day at Kee Ward, bringing together more than 300 farmers for sensitization on agroecology farming practices aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and food security.

The field day, themed 𝘈𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘚𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘴, 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, brought together farmers, agricultural officers and stakeholders to showcase environmentally friendly farming methods that reduce dependence on harmful chemicals while improving farm productivity.

During the event, farmers were trained on the use of organic manure, mulching, crop rotation, intercropping, natural pest control and water harvesting technologies to improve soil health and conserve moisture.

Speaking during the field day, County Executive Committee Member Damaris Kavoi encouraged farmers to embrace agroecology practices, noting that the approach plays a key role in restoring soil fertility, conserving the environment and enhancing food production through safe and sustainable farming methods.

The event was attended by Chief Officer for Agriculture Japheth Kiminza, who noted that the adoption of agroecology practices would help lower production costs by reducing reliance on expensive farm inputs while improving yields and soil health. He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting farmers through strengthened agricultural extension services and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture across the county.

Key partners including Pelum Kenya, Biovision Africa Trust, Effective IPM Association, INADES-Formation and Agroecology Fund emphasized the need for farmers to embrace sustainable farming systems to enhance food security, improve nutrition and build resilience against climate change.

MBOONI MANGO FARMERS RALLY BEHIND COLLECTIVE MARKETING

The Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Ahadi Achievers Empowerment – CBO on Thursday convened over 100 mango farmers from Mbooni Subcounty for a sensitization forum aimed at strengthening collaboration in mango farming and marketing.

Ahadi Achievers, a community-based organization championing climate action and sustainable farming, is spearheading initiatives to empower farmers through environmental conservation and improved productivity.

The programme also creates awareness on Farmer Producer Organizations through structured SACCO formation.

Addressing the farmers, CECM Damaris Kavoi noted that mango production remains a key economic driver in the county and urged farmers to unite in production and market access.

During the forum, farmers were sensitized on the importance of working together under a common farming goal and agreed to form a structured organization to strengthen modern farming practices and improve their bargaining power in the market.

This joint forum reflects the county’s commitment to empowering local farmers and advancing sustainable development goals.

GOVERNOR MUTULA COMMISSIONS KAVUTHU COLD STORE, UNVEILS PLAN FOR WARD COOPERATIVES

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has commissioned the Kavuthu Cold Store and Pack House in Mbitini Ward, a 10-metric-tonne facility aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving produce handling for local and export markets.

The project is expected to boost farmers’ incomes and support economic growth through increased agricultural trade.

During the event, the governor announced plans by the county government to champion the establishment of cooperative societies in every ward to address farmers’ challenges and strengthen agricultural productivity.

The governor, who is on a day-long development tour, was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Speaker Douglas Mbilu, CECMs, and MCAs.

He also met residents to discuss challenges affecting the community and possible solutions.

EQUIPPING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS FOR GLOBAL MARKETS

Makueni’s thriving fruit sector continues to stand out as a key pillar for household income, job creation and economic empowerment.

With horticulture farming supporting thousands of families, efforts are now shifting towards strengthening farmers’ access to high-value international markets through improved standards and compliance.

To advance this agenda, the County Government, in partnership with TradeMark Africa with East Africa Market Development Associates as the market facilitator, on Tuesday launched a three-day intensive training for Agricultural Extension Officers on ways to enhance technical capacity in export compliance, traceability systems, pest management, food safety and quality assurance within the horticulture value chain.

Facilitated by experts from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service(KEPHIS), HCD, certification bodies and International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), the training seeks to bridge critical gaps that have affected export performance and market confidence in recent years.

Opened on Tuesday by CECM Damaris Kavoi, the training is anchored in the 2025 partnership agreement between the County and TradeMark Africa, and reflects the broader commitment of Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to promote sustainable, market-driven agriculture and increase farmer earnings through competitive global trade.

MAKUENI HANDS OVER MODERN FARM EQUIPMENT TO BOOST FRUIT FARMING.

The County Government has handed over modern agricultural equipment to trained service providers under the Sema Kenya 2 Project in a move aimed at strengthening mango and avocado farming.

The initiative, funded by the European Union through CIHEAM Bari is targeting wards known for high mango and avocado fruit production.

During the exercise led by CECM Nicholas Nzioka and attended by Felistus Mutune, beneficiaries received knapsack sprayers, pruning saws, aluminium ladders, loopers, fruit pickers and secateurs to support farmers with turn on efficient and modern farm services.

Nzioka noted that the equipment will improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and increase household incomes in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development agenda.

26,000 MAKUENI YOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM LIVESTOCK VALUE CHAIN PROJECT

Makueni County is set to empower at least 26,000 young people through a transformative livestock value chain project aimed at creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

The five-year initiative, dubbed Creating Shared Value in the Livestock Sector with Young People in Kenya’s ASALs (CASHA), is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization and funded by the Mastercard Foundation. The programme spans 15 counties, with Makueni positioned as a key beneficiary.

The initiative seeks to unlock opportunities for youth across the livestock sector, making agriculture a sustainable and attractive source of income.

Speaking during a meeting with FAO Kenya Assistant Country Representative Khamisi Williams, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. welcomed the programme, reaffirming the county’s commitment to youth-driven agricultural growth.

He emphasized that Makueni will actively support and incentivize the initiative to ensure maximum impact for local youth. Williams commended the county’s proactive leadership, noting that Makueni’s strong collaboration will be critical in delivering lasting benefits and expanding employment opportunities.

The delegation also included Hon. Francis Mutuku, Chairperson of the County Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development.

BUILDING SKILLS FOR COMPLIANCE AND COMPETITIVE EXPORTS

Proper knowledge on pest prevalence, export licensing processes, farm production certification and horticulture traceability remains essential for farmers to unlock full value from their produce.

In Makueni County, mango, orange and avocado farmers increasingly require this information to meet export standards and access global markets.

It is against this backdrop that a capacity-building forum for agricultural extension officers has entered its second day, focusing on strengthening extension systems for export readiness, compliance, and market access.

The forum, attended by Ag. CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Damaris Kavoi is organized by TradeMark Africa through East Africa Market Development Associates.

Facilitated by experts from KEPHIS, HCD, and ICIPE, the training aims to equip officers with practical skills to guide farmers in meeting export requirements.

Kavoi noted that empowering extension officers is key to transforming farmers into competitive exporters.

The forum was also attended by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza Mutuku and Felistus Mutune

EMPOWERING MAKUENI FARMERS FOR EXPORT SUCCESS

Makueni County is stepping up efforts to position its farmers for global markets through a focused capacity-building training for Extension Officers.

On Tuesday, a section of Agricultural Officers started a three days’ programme, organized by TradeMark Africa (TMA) through EAMDA in collaboration with the County Government, to sharpen skills in export compliance, traceability and quality assurance.

Delivered by experts from KEPHIS, HCD, certification bodies and ICIPE, the training addresses key gaps in meeting international standards; particularly in the mango value chain, which has faced recent export hurdles.

The programme anchored in the 2025 MOU between the County and TMA, aims to boost farmer incomes and restore market confidence.

It also reflects the commitment of Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to empower farmers through sustainable, market-driven agricultural growth.

MAKUENI BOOSTS IRRIGATION DRIVE TO EMPOWER FARMERS

The Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), on Thursday held an Irrigation Accelerator Platform forum aimed at strengthening irrigation adoption and improving farmers’ incomes.

Attended by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili, the meeting brought together farmers, private sector players, government officials and development partners to unlock challenges and attract investment in irrigation.

The initiative focuses on helping smallholder farmers increase production, access markets and add value to their produce.

Speaking at the forum, Mulili emphasized the county’s commitment to practical solutions noting that investing in irrigation is paramount to secure livelihoods and make farming profitable and sustainable.

The forum was also attended by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Felistus Mutune alongside farmer-led representatives and irrigation officers.