GIZ enters into pact with Marsabit County to support agriculture

The GIZ-German has entered into a pact with Marsabit County Government to support programmes in agriculture for enhanced food security and economic growth.

The commitment by GIZ would see 20 acres of land put into irrigation farming in Loglogo ward of Laisamis Sub-County at a cost of Ksh.6 million.

GIZ Country Director, Dr. Braun Paul said during the official launch of the irrigation programme in Loglogo ward that the funding would be used to support production of vegetables through irrigation farming by local residents.

Dr. Paul called on the local community who are part of the tripartite agreement that was witnessed by Marsabit governor, Mohamud Ali to embrace it and work hard for the program’s success and sustainability.

The Country Director added that the organization would uphold the collaboration with the County government in efforts to attain food security through its five agricultural potential areas that include, Kinisa, Dakabaricha, Dirib Gombo, and Ngororoi.

GIZ also donated a vehicle to the department of agriculture, livestock and fisheries to facilitate extension outreach services in the vast county, which the country director noted was not ideal to use motorcycles.

The organization also donated 6water tanks of 10,000 litres to boost Kinisa irrigation pocket in Moyale, where11.5 acres is under crop cultivation, while Dakabaricha secondary school inSaku constituency received an assortment of farming tools.

According to the country director, Germany was backing the Kenya government’s big four agenda with GIZ supporting economic development goals of Marsabit County and five others that include, Kakamega,Turkana and Siaya across the country.

Dr. Paul said the county was expected to achieve a more healthy and balanced nutrition by 2022, besides achieving a transformed economy by making fisheries, agriculture and livestock sectors a more profitable and sustainable way of livelihood.

“It is anticipated that with a transformed economy will greatly contribute in propelling Kenya into a high medium income country by mid- 20’s’, he said.

In his remarks, Governor Ali said once actualized, the irrigation project would among other benefits enhance food security and transform lives by creating sources of income and wealth.

Original source: KBC
Published on 25 May 2018