Kitui starts 200 demo farms to boost food security and incomes

Kitui CEC for Agriculture and Livestock Stephen Kimwele addressing farmers in Kyuso town on Tuesday/Musembi Nzengu.

Kitui CEC for Agriculture and Livestock Stephen Kimwele and farmers from Mwingi North hold a dummy Sh20 million cheque for demonstration farms project on Tuesday /MUSEMBI NZENGU

In a renewed push to break the persistent cycle of food insecurity, the government of Kitui, in partnership with the national government, has launched a grassroots-driven initiative to equip farmers with practical agricultural skills aimed at increasing crop production.

Agriculture and livestock executive Stephen Kimwele announced on Tuesday that the county will establish 200 agricultural demonstration farms across all wards. 

The initiative is designed to enhance food production through hands-on learning and the adoption of modern farming practices.

“The programme will also incorporate animal husbandry, where farmers will be trained on best practices in goat and poultry rearing for income generation,” he said.

The initiative is funded by the National Agricultural and Value Chain Development Project. Speaking during the disbursement of cheques totaling Sh20 million, Kimwele noted that the funds are intended to support common interest groups, as well as vulnerable and marginalised communities across the county.

Under the programme, five community groups in each of Kitui’s 40 wards will receive Sh100,000 to establish and manage the demonstration farms. The funds will be channeled through Community Driven Development Committees.

The cheque distribution was held in Kyuso town in Mwingi North subcounty and Nguni town in  Mwingi Central subcounty.

Kimwele emphasised that a total of 200 farmer groups - five per ward - will benefit from the initiative. He explained that the funding will facilitate on-farm technology demonstrations and agronomic training to help farmers adopt improved methods and boost productivity.

“Without proper training in farm preparation, management, use of appropriate tools, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest handling, farmers cannot achieve optimal production levels,” he said.

He added that the financial support will enable farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices, increase yields, and ultimately improve their livelihoods.

At the same time, Kimwele urged residents to join organised farmer groups and cooperative societies, noting that collective action enhances access to training, resources, and funding opportunities.

“It is crucial for farmers to join cooperatives and producer organizations to attract support and strengthen their bargaining power for better market prices,” he said.

He further revealed that the county government will identify top-performing farmer groups and cooperatives for benchmarking visits in high-producing regions.