Farmers in Uasin Gishu County are set to benefit from a new partnership aimed at reducing crop damage caused by grey crowned cranes while protecting the endangered birds and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The collaboration between the devolved unit and the International Crane Foundation (ICF) will supply local farmers with seedlings and alternative crops designed to minimise conflict between farming and crane conservation.
Speaking at his office in Eldoret City, while hosting the ICF team, the county executive for Agriculture, Dr. Sam Kotut, hailed the partnership, saying it offered a practical way to protect both wildlife and local livelihoods.
“This collaboration gives us an opportunity to balance the conservation of Grey Crowned Cranes with the interests and daily realities of farmers who live around our wetlands,” Kotut remarked.
“We cannot talk about protecting biodiversity while ignoring people who depend on the land for their income. Thus, we are introducing alternative crops, supporting wetland restoration and exploring ways to address crop losses,” he added.
The ICF delegation, led by Eva Tokoi and accompanied by Khadija Ibrahim and Neema Obiero, briefed the department on progress since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and outlined plans for the next phase of work.
“We are encouraged by the county’s commitment. Working together, we can restore wetlands, educate communities, and create livelihood options that reduce pressure on crane habitats while improving household incomes,” Tokoi noted.
Besides crop-protection measures, the partnership will also support wetland restoration, environmental education, and sustainable livelihood initiatives for communities living near wetlands and surrounding farmland.
The officials revealed a plan for possible compensation for farmers whose crops have been affected by the crane menace.
The devolved unit reviewed progress under the MoU and discussed arrangements for a stakeholder workshop scheduled for next week.
By Maurice Aluda
