Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock is currently in the process of crafting an agroecology policy aimed at tackling issues surrounding food safety and security through the integration of agroecology-friendly practices.

The department is collaborating closely with pivotal partners in the sector, including the Cereal Growers Association( CGA), Bio Vision, and ICRAF.

Following a two-day workshop which closes on Thursday, the team concluded the development of a detailed work plan.

The policy’s completion is anticipated by the end of the year.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Thursday met a delegation of the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat led by the head, Augustine Cheruiyot, that paid him a courtesy call in Wote.

Discussions centered on strategies to make Makueni a centre of excellence for fruits production. Development of the mango value chain for both local and export markets was addressed in detail.

Talks with the Agriculture and Food Authority, through Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), are at an advanced stage for establishment of a fruits hot water treatment facility in Makueni to curb the menace of fruitfly.

The team also explored key areas of livestock production in the county.

A delegation from the National Technical Advisory Committee for National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) has lauded Makueni for Successful Implementation of the project, saying that the county is ready to transition to the new project, National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project(NAVCDP).

NAVCDP is a Government of Kenya project with co-funding from the World Bank and the National Government. The project will be implemented in 32 counties, Makueni among them,  targeting to increase market participation and value addition for farmers in select value chains.

James Muturi who led the team said  that NAVCDP will build on the strong foundation laid by NARIGP  emphasizing the importance of the assessment.

Muturi was wowed by some of the interventions to farmers which have led to improved livelihoods and agricultural productivity. 

The team, hosted by Makueni Agriculture and Livestock Joyce Mutua on Tuesday visited  Kilombo dam in Kiima-Kiu Kalanzoni Ward, Kwa Nguni Watershed Sustainable Land Management project in Kako-Waia Ward and Kilome Farmers Sacco.

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock has launched a campaign to completely eliminate rabies in Makueni. 

The campaign targets to vaccinate 40,000 dogs across 17 wards in the county.

The launch was officiated by Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Friday at Kyangoma in Mbooni Sub- County.

She was accompanied by Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua, Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and Mbooni Ward Member of County Assembly Alexander Mulemba

Thange: March 22, 2024

Farmers’ Field Schools Enhance Productivity and Income

Numerous farmers have participated in the Farmer Field day events held at Thange and Mbitini wards.

The initiatives serve as a platform for acquiring knowledge from successful Farmers’ Field schools (FFS) teams, which received support from the National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP).

These groups demonstrated exemplary agricultural practices in tomato, Mango, green grams, and poultry value chains that have resulted in increased production and profitability.

Beneficiaries hailed FFS as an innovative approach that has positively impacted their behavior towards adopting improved skills and knowledge while exposing them to practical learning by doing techniques.

Makueni County NARIGP Coordinator Paul Musyimi graced the event on Friday in Thange, where he disclosed that over Sh 13 million had been invested to support 50 value chain groups in Thange Ward.

Additionally, he encouraged farmers to join saccos so they could access affordable credits through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), a new program aimed at commercialization.

Ilima Ward: March 20, 2024

Avocado Farmers Receive Organic Fertilizer

A total of 306 avocado farmers from Ilima Ward have received 15.3 metric tonnes of organic fertilizer to bolster productivity.

The initiative is a ward project which was requested by the farmers through public participation.

The distribution exercise was led by Agriculture and Irrigation Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyallo on Wednesday at the Ward Administration office.

2000 farmers drawn from 8 distinct Wards in Makueni have received 4 metric tonnes of assorted certified seeds for sorghum, cowpeas and green grams from the County Government of Makueni in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Some of the areas that have benefitted are Ukia, Kako-Waia and Makindu who have received cowpeas while Kalawa, Mtito-Andei and Masongaleni have received green grams. Others are Ivingoni-Nzambani and Thange Wards where farmers have received sorghum.

Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua said the selected wards were targeted due to the low rainfall predicted for the long rains period of March, April and May 2024. She further added that the resilient seeds will help boost food security.

Speaking at Mukuyuni on Tuesday when distributing seeds to Ukia farmers, Mutua encouraged all farmers to plant drought-resistant crops adding that the Meteorological Department has predicted low rainfall in Makueni.

Over 125 farmers residing in Mavindini Ward have received pasture seed (Ndata Kivumbu- African Foxtail) by the Makueni County Government.

The primary objective of the initiative is to expand pasture acreage land and livestock feed resources, leading to enhanced productivity levels, as well as improving food and nutrition security.
Furthermore, it aims at augmenting household incomes and livelihoods by enabling farmers to vend their pastures.
The decision to select this particular seed variety was based on its climate appropriateness and public participation requests by the locals.
The distribution exercise was presided over by Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza who was accompanied by his director David Musyoki.

Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza encouraged Makueni farmers to consider joining saccos. By doing so, they can access affordable credit options that will help them increase their agricultural productivity and profitability.
Kiminza emphasized that saccos offer opportunities for farmers to save money and borrow loans with the sole aim of starting or expanding their agri-businesses.
Speaking on Thursday at Kalawa during the launch of Kalawa Farmers Sacco offices, Kiminza stated that government agencies and partners support farmers who are members of saccos or cooperatives.
The chairperson for Kalawa Farmers Sacco, Peter Mwanthi reported a membership of 335 with a cash base amounting to Sh. 345,000.
However, he expressed his commitment towards mobilizing more members to join the sacco in order to attain a minimum membership qualification required by the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) which is set at 600.
Mwanthi further promised to ensure full compliance with the Cooperatives Act, rules and regulations while running Sacco operations.

During a development tour of Kathonzweni Ward, Friday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Speaker Douglas Mbilu, and the Project Committee inspected the construction progress of the project. Governor Mutula has proposed the introduction of cattle auctions as a strategy to attract more partners in the livestock value chain