Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has issued a Sh18.7 million grant to 20 farmers’ Savings and Credit Cooperatives Organizations (SACCOs) and farmer organizations in the county to boost agricultural production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
The beneficiaries include Kinango Ward Community Sacco, Mwavumbo Ward Community Sacco and Tsimba Golini Ward Community Sacco, among others.
Speaking during the grant disbursement ceremony at the Kwale County Headquarters, Achani said the funds will enable the organizations to expand farming activities, seek better markets for their produce and enhance value addition.
“The funds will help the associations expand their farming activities, find markets for their products and increase the value of their produce,” Achani said.
She noted that the county government was committed to supporting farmers by strengthening their organizations and improving their capacity to engage in productive economic activities.
Achani urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds prudently and ensure that the support reaches farmers at the grassroots.
“We want our farmers to benefit from their produce by ensuring that they have access to markets and are able to add value to what they produce,” she said.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza commended the county government for supporting farmers through financial assistance, saying the initiative would strengthen local agricultural activities and improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries.
Tandaza urged the beneficiary organisations to use the funds for their intended purposes to ensure that farmers derive maximum benefit from the programme.
Kwale Savings and Credit Unions Chairman Said Nyondo said the grant would strengthen the unions’ capacity to serve their members and support their economic activities.
Nyondo said the financial support would contribute to improving the livelihoods of farmers by enabling the organisations to undertake programmes aimed at increasing members’ incomes.
The grant is part of the county government’s efforts to promote agriculture and strengthen farmer organizations as a means of improving food production and household incomes in Kwale.
by Chari Suche
