Agriculture

Masongaleni: May 2, 2024

Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua on Thursday toured Silgama Beef Ltd in Masongaleni, one of Makueni’s pioneering feedlot farms.

The objective of the visit was to exchange knowledge and explore avenues for partnership to enhance the meat value chain in the county.

They exchanged ideas on improving livestock management techniques, optimizing feed formulations, and implementing sustainable farming methods.

Mutua expressed her enthusiasm for potential partnerships between the county government and Silgama Beef Ltd to support local farmers and boost the meat value chain in Makueni.

Silgama Beef Ltd’s representatives showcased their innovative approaches to cattle rearing, emphasizing animal welfare standards, and efficiency in feedlot operations. They also highlighted their commitment to environmentally friendly practices and community engagement initiatives.

Mutua was accompanied by Livestock Director David Musyoki and the Area Member of County Assembly Brian Nzoka.

The Government of Kenya, with the support of the World Bank through the NAVCDP and FSRP projects, is rolling out a business acceleration model in 46 counties. This program will equip individuals, especially youth, with correct skills to become agricultural entrepreneurs or “agripreneurs.”

These agripreneurs will serve as catalysts for change, bringing innovative technologies, resources, and market connections to farmers. Agripreneurs will operate as independent businesses, providing services and products to farmers for a fee or other forms of remuneration, making the model sustainable and scalable.

Recognizing the value of experience, the government is prioritizing youth who participated in last year’s national farmer registration exercise.

Grab the opportunity before it closes. Click on this link to apply.

https://apeoi.kalro.org

400 farmers from Tulimani Ward in Mbooni have received agrochemicals as part of an initiative to bolster fruit value chain development in the county.

The assorted agrochemicals will play a crucial role in managing destructive pests and controlling fruit diseases.

The distribution exercise, spearheaded by Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza, took place on Friday at Kalawani Social Hall. He was accompanied by the area MCA, Kyalo Mumo.

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock, through NARIGP has launched a campaign to raise awareness among farmers in the county about the benefits of joining SACCOs.

The goal of the campaign is to bring together smallholder farmers and Common Interest Groups (CIGs) into SACCOs, enabling them to access affordable credit for adopting advanced technologies, innovations, and management practices.

The County Project Coordinator, Paul Musyimi is spearheading the sensitization efforts, which commenced on Thursday in Mtito-Andei and Kiima Kiu Kalanzoni Wards.

This campaign serves as a precursor to the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), which will collaborate with SACCOs, a departure from NARIGP’s focus on CIGs.

NAVCDP envisions each SACCO having a minimum membership of 600 and a capital threshold of Kshs. 500,000 to qualify for an inclusion grant of Kshs. 1 million, aimed at facilitating office setup.

Musyimi is actively urging all farmers in Makueni to join respective ward-based SACCOs.

Wote: April 24, 2024

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr receives a consignment of assorted agricultural chemicals and equipment from the Ministry of Agriculture, in Wote, for pests management and control of crop diseases.

Governor Mutula has directed the Department of Agriculture to set up a rapid response crop protection unit to help farmers manage pests and control crop diseases for enhanced food security.

He was accompanied by Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua.

April 23, 2024

MESPT Delegation Applauds Makueni Agriculture School for Innovative Technologies

A high-powered delegation from the Micro Enterprises Programme Trust (MESPT) visited Makueni to assess the Agriculture TVET at Kwa-Kathoka and engage with students on field attachment, as part of their oversight roles for co-funded projects.

These students, sponsored by the County Government of Makueni, ADSE, and MESPT, are part of the inaugural cohort undergoing agricultural courses at the school, expressing hope for a bright future and aspirations to establish their own enterprises.

The 60 trainees are gaining valuable insights from leading agriprenuer enterprises in the county, such as BEFA Feeds, Iviani Farm, RipeGrow Enterprises, Kwa Malika Farm, and Makueni Chicken Queen Enterprise.

The county government, collaborating with like-minded partners, aims to expand the Agricultural school at ATC Kwa-Kathoka to equip more youth with green skills to boost their employability and ensure food security in the region.

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.