Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has asked farmers to embrace practices that will help in environmental conservation and also boost productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Speaking at the County headquarters during the cheque presentation Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture, Mandago expressed the need for farmers to ensure at least 10% of their land is occupied by forest as a way of conserving the environment.
He also noted that with the unpredictable weather patterns, farmers need to plants crops that are resilient to climate changes.
During the event, Sh.58 million was distributed to various groups where the county boss asked them to ensure they make good use of the funds.
“We will follow up on you to ensure your practice improves production,” said Mandago who expressed optimism that the program will help open up more areas to development.
“We will ensure everybody knows that you have the financial support and a group that will not work, we shall recover the money,” he added.
The Governor also asked groups that benefited from the program to maintain close contact and learn from each other on best practices saying “if you want to succeed, work as a team and share ideas.”
He also challenged the beneficiaries to do their very best that will see the region attract more visits in benchmarking for a program well executed.
Speaking at the same event, Deputy Governor Daniel Chemo challenged farmers to make good use of available resources and boost food production as well as their livelihoods.
Eldoret Airport
He named availability of an international airport, rivers and good soils as some of the resources that farmers need to maximize on.
We have an international airport here which provides a huge potential in horticulture, which we need to take advantage of,” Chemno said.
Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Program is a project that seeks to increase agricultural productivity and build resilience to climate change risks in targeted smallholder farming and pastoral communities in Kenya.
Among the beneficiaries of the program is Tarakawa ward that received Sh17 million, Ainabkoi/Olare Sh9 million, Ilula (8 million), Kapsoya (8 million), Kapkures, Sh8 million and Sh6 million for Kipsomba ward.
