By: Josphine Kasimu
Residents of Kitui County have been urged to embrace rabbit farming as part of efforts to enhance food production and improve household incomes.
The Kitui County Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, is intensifying initiatives aimed at promoting livestock farming at the household level to strengthen food security and create sustainable economic opportunities.
In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the county government has received six motorcycles to support livestock officers in reaching communities more effectively.
The officers will use the motorcycles to educate residents on rabbit rearing, including breeding, management, and its role in improving agricultural productivity.
The initiative is being implemented under the IFNUS project, which focuses on strengthening food and nutrition security for both food production and economic empowerment, particularly among small-scale farmers.
Through the project, the county has introduced a rabbit ranching programme that includes training for farmers and schools.
So far, the county government has distributed over 400 rabbits to farmers and learning institutions. With the additional mobility provided by the motorcycles, officials expect to scale up training and distribution efforts across the county.
Speaking after receiving the motorcycles from JICA, the Chief Officer for Livestock in Kitui County, Jonathan Kyambi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through practical agricultural projects.
“Through our partnership with JICA under the IFNUS project, we are ensuring that residents access nutritious food while also engaging in income-generating activities. The rabbit ranching programme is already benefiting schools, with 15 institutions currently rearing rabbits to supplement feeding programmes and improve nutrition among learners,” he said.
Rabbit meat is widely regarded as highly nutritious, rich in protein, and beneficial for boosting immunity. Additionally, rabbits are relatively inexpensive to rear, reproduce quickly, and require minimal space, making them ideal for small-scale farming.
Mr. Kyambi encouraged residents to adopt rabbit farming, noting that the county government will continue to support farmers with improved breeds and technical training to ensure the success of the initiative.
