Bungoma County bets on extension officers to improve crop yields

Bungoma County is banking on its extension officers to drive high agricultural yields in a move to enhance food security and agricultural productivity. 

Equipped with motorbikes to improve mobility and provide broader access to services, the officers are offering valuable training on modern agricultural techniques, pest management, and sustainable farming practices.

According to Herbert Kibunguchi, the Chief Executive Committee Member(CECM) for Agriculture, the extension officers are vital in educating small and large-scale farmers on best agricultural practices and products to use in order to boost their produce.

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“Last year we handed over 25 motorbikes to our county extension officers to ease their mobility and help reach a larger number of farmers, I believe this is going to give a positive output in this year’s harvest, “said Kibunguchi. 

He said the extension officers have been deployed across the 45 wards within the county.

Farmers have also been urged to diversify their crops to mitigate the risks associated with monoculture, especially in light of climate change. 

The CEC recommended planting drought-resistant crops such as millet, sorghum, and legumes. Additionally, the county is encouraging farmers to explore crop insurance options to safeguard their livelihoods against potential weather-related losses.

“Climate change is here with us and we have to learn how to cope with it, our farmers are encouraged to take up planting of draught resistant crops to prevent losses. At the same time, it is important to do crop rotation as a way of retaining soil nutrients, “he added.

The county also announced plans to provide subsidised fertiliser and seeds to over 22,000 farmers, with a specific focus on maize – the region’s staple crop. This initiative is a cornerstone of the county’s broader agricultural support program.

Kibunguchi stressed that the subsidy will be pivotal in helping local farmers overcome ongoing challenges, such as unpredictable weather patterns and the rising demand for food.

“This initiative is crucial for improving food production in Bungoma County, especially as we confront the challenges posed by climate change and a growing population,” Kibunguchy said. “Over 22,500 farmers will benefit from this subsidy, helping them boost their harvests and strengthen the county’s food security.”

The county government has already begun procuring the necessary fertilisers and seeds, ensuring timely distribution before the onset of the rains. This year’s expanded program follows the success of last year’s initiative, which reached approximately 21,900 farmers. The increase in beneficiaries reflects the growing need for agricultural support in the region.

A significant concern for the county is the spread of counterfeit seeds and fertilizers, which threaten the success of the subsidy program. Kibunguchy urged farmers to be vigilant and report any suspicious products to authorities.

“There have been reports of fake agricultural inputs being sold to unsuspecting farmers. These substandard products undermine our efforts to improve yields and could derail our goal of achieving a 4-million-bag maize harvest,” Kibunguchyi said.

To combat this issue, Bungoma County is working closely with law enforcement and agricultural authorities. In a recent operation, Bungoma South Police Commander James Odera announced the seizure of eight tons of expired fertilizer being transported illegally, resulting in two arrests. Investigations are ongoing.

“This serves as a stern warning to anyone involved in the sale of fake agricultural inputs. We are committed to ensuring that our farmers have access to quality, reliable products,” Odera said.

With the combination of timely fertilizer and seed distribution, expert guidance from extension officers, and a crackdown on counterfeit products, the county is determined to empower its farmers to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable agricultural environment.