What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a transformative journey that is boosting food security and empowering local farmers in Mungoma Ward, Vihiga County.
Under the leadership of Governor Wilber Ottichillo, the County government rolled out a greenhouse farming initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and creating opportunities for youth and women in agribusiness.
The project began with the preparation of a once-barren piece of land which was transformed into a thriving agricultural hub.
The County installed modern greenhouses, equipped with climate control and efficient drip irrigation systems, to ensure optimal water use and consistent crop production.
Governor Ottichillo also distributed indigenous vegetable seedlings to participating farmers.
A total of 100 farmers are now benefiting from the initiative, which includes the construction of greenhouses, distribution of farm inputs, and access to continuous training and extension services.
The training, conducted through the Directorate of Climate Change, provided farmers with hands-on experience in soil and water management, as well as installation and maintenance of small-scale irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler technologies.
The initiative aligns with the recently launched Agroecology Policy, which advocates for sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices that build resilience against climate change.
Demonstration farms were also established to serve as continuous learning centers, allowing farmers to observe and apply climate-smart techniques in real time.
Today, the results are visible and the excitement among local farmers is palpable.
A farmer, Ezekiel Boge, said before the project, farming was unpredictable. “The training we received has changed how we think about farming,” he said.
“We are no longer dependent on the weather. The greenhouse helps us plan our production, and we can now grow high-value crops like tomatoes and capsicum that fetch better prices,” he added.
As a result of these efforts, farmers in Mungoma are now harvesting and selling their produce, a clear sign of the programme’s success.
The project has not only strengthened food security but also improved livelihoods by increasing income for local farmers.
By embracing greenhouse technology, Vihiga County has enabled continuous production of high-value crops while reducing post-harvest losses.
Speaking during a recent visit to the project, County Director for Climate Change Winston Atamba commended farmers for their dedication and innovation.
“We trained farmers on greenhouse management, irrigation techniques, and climate-smart practices so that they could maximise yields and ensure sustainability,” he said.
“The goal is to build capacity and make greenhouse farming a long-term solution for food security in Vihiga County,” Atamba explained.
He said the programme is guided by community prioritisation, meaning that moving forward, other communities will also have the opportunity to benefit and engage in similar initiatives.
“If you look at the chain of beneficiaries, it reaches up to 1,000 people. Market access is not a problem because Vihiga County has been importing vegetables from other counties.
Even with what has been harvested so far, the supply is still not enough; we need more,” Atamba noted
The success of the Greenhouse Project stands as a testament to how innovation, training, and local partnerships can transform communities, turning a simple idea into a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture and food security.
By Rose Wasike
