Uasin Gishu County Government, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Regenerative Agricultural Practices for Improved Livelihoods and Markets (REALMS), a programme under the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), is working together with the aim of improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
The County Director of Agriculture, Reuben Seroney, said that SNV is working with the county and other relevant stakeholders, such as Kilimo Trust and the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), among others, to create the necessary enabling environment for the application of regenerative agriculture.
Mr Seroney lauded SNV for its efforts to improve and revitalise soil health. “SNV has come at a time when it is greatly needed due to poor soil that has led to a troubling decrease in arable topsoil available for food production,” said Seroney.
According to REALMS project manager Claire Brosnihan, more than 10,000 smallholder farmers from Uasin Gishu County continue to benefit from Regenerative Agricultural Practices, such as farmer training to improve agriculture.
Ms Brosnihan noted that the partnership of SNV with the county is set to improve the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, which will lead to improved soil and water quality and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Kuona Mbele cooperative society, which comprises the elderly members of society above the age of 60 years drawn from Ainabkoi and Kesses sub-counties, was a community business organization when SNV began working with them.
They have done great exploits through their agricultural economic empowerment projects operated under the cooperative movement, making them an attraction to many.
By Judy Too
