Kenya Invests Sh9.46 Billion to Enhance Livestock Farming and Support Rural Farmers
The Kenyan government, together with IFAD and Heifer International, has invested Sh 9.46 billion to uplift livestock farming for 110,000 rural households. This six-year initiative focuses on improving income through four key value chains and aims to empower women and youth, enhancing food security and nutrition across ten counties.
The Government of Kenya, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Heifer International, has allocated Sh 9.46 billion to enhance livestock farming. This substantial investment aims to support 110,000 small-scale farmer households situated in ten counties, thereby improving livestock production and increasing the income of these rural communities.
The Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), which spans six years, was highlighted by Prof. Moses Kembe, the National Project Coordinator. He indicated that the initiative is centered around four key value chains: indigenous poultry rearing, beekeeping, sheep farming, and dairy and goat meat production.
The project targets productive employment and food security, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups engaged in small ruminant farming and poultry production. Prof. Kembe emphasized, “The project is focusing on improving opportunities for the rural poor to enable them to increase their output by starting the commercialisation of their livestock.”
In terms of geographical impact, the project encompasses Kakamega, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Marsabit, Samburu, Busia, Siaya, Nakuru, and Trans Nzoia counties. In Kakamega alone, the initiative directly supports approximately 18,844 small-scale farms, focusing particularly on empowering the youth and women in the regions of Lugari, Shinyalu, Khwisero, and Butere.
This comprehensive project is set to conclude in September 2027 and aligns with the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda. It aims to enhance nutrition, food security, and overall incomes for rural farmers, ultimately fostering sustainable development within the agriculture sector.
In summary, the Government of Kenya, with assistance from IFAD and Heifer International, is making a significant investment in livestock farming with a focus on supporting marginalized communities. The initiative not only aims to increase production and incomes for small-scale farmers but also enhances food security and nutrition. With a clear timeline and defined goals, this project represents a strategic effort towards agricultural transformation in the country.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke