The Mountain Journal
A delegation from Vihiga county toured Murang’a County to
learn more on the implementation of agro ecological farming practices in
efforts to address food security and environmental conservation.
The delegation led by county agriculture CEC Mr Nicholas Kitungulu
toured farms in Kangema, Kiharu, Kigumo and Gatanga where farmers have adopted
the agro ecological practice, in line with addressing effects of shortage of
food and climate change.
He said the visit to Murang’a County follows the increased
food production over the adaptation of the agro ecological practice and
embracing climate smart agriculture.
Photo/ Vihiga delegation in Gatanga visiting an agro ecology demonstration farm.
“The lessons learnt in Murang’a will be put into use back
home, focusing at increased food production to match without neighbour Trans
Nzoia,” said the CEC.
Mr Kitungulu said they are investing in irrigation schemes
following the erratic rainfall pattern, forcing the locals to buy food from the
neighbourhood.
“We have an irrigation scheme covering 24 acres of land
supporting 174 people, which are working towards expanding it to cover a larger
part thus increasing food production,” said the CEC.
Murang’a County Agriculture CEC Prof Kamau Kiringai said
the majority of the local farmers have embraced new farming methods to avoid
the destructive chemicals.
He said it was an honour for the visiting delegation
interested in acquiring agro ecological skills seven months after the county
passed a policy after five years of struggle.
Photo/ Agro ecological learning .
“There is a need for the national government to facilitate the
county governments in formulating the friendly agricultural related policies to
enhance stability in food production,” said Kiringai.
Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (Pelum)
Coordinator Mary Irungu said Murang’a is the best case study of the use of the
friendly farming method where the majority are using the locally available
resources.
“ The farmers are encouraged to use friendly methods in
efforts to address the concerns related to diseases,” said Ms Irungu.
She added that through the support from other partners
hundreds of farmers across the country have established personal and community
seed banks.
Photo/ Packaged herbs grown by Gatanga farmers in Kirwara area.
Farmer Elizabeth Musiele said the visit to Murang’a was an eye
opener as there are opportunities in organic farming.
“ The benchmarking was fruitful as we are to do anything
harmful , and adopt the organic way,” she said.
Photo/Vihiga farmers taken through valeu addition of organic produce
The team toured Gathinja, Kanyenya ini, Kangari and
Gatanga, where farmers are doing organic farming.
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