The once lush landscapes of Vihiga County are facing a new challenge – land scarcity. With a growing population and limited arable land, many residents are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain themselves through farming in their own backyard.
For families like that of Erick Agosa, the solution has been to look beyond Vihiga County for agricultural opportunities. The rocky, unproductive land in Vihiga has pushed many like Agosa to migrate to neighbouring counties such as Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Nandi, and Busia in search of fertile land.
Agosa, who hails from Hamisi sub-county in Vihiga and now settled in Bungoma County, attests to the benefits of finding greener pastures elsewhere. The fertile land in Bungoma has enabled him to produce enough food for his family and even venture into cattle farming, a feat that would have been challenging in Vihiga.
Similarly, Douglas Muhehe’s decision to migrate from Vihiga to Trans Nzoia in the early 2000s has paid off. With limited land left by his father in Vihiga, Muhehe found himself struggling to make ends meet. The move to Trans Nzoia opened up new possibilities for him and his family, allowing them to escape the land pressure they faced in Vihiga.
As more and more Vihiga residents feel the squeeze of land scarcity, the trend of rural-to-rural migration is likely to continue. The call for those with the means to seek land elsewhere and relieve the pressure on Vihiga’s shrinking agricultural space is becoming louder. With limited options at home, many are looking beyond their county borders in search of a brighter agricultural future.
The land scarcity in Vihiga County is also driving residents to explore new and creative opportunities beyond their traditional boundaries.
Faced with diminishing farming space, many households are turning to alternative ventures such as modern agribusiness, aquaculture, and small-scale entrepreneurship—initiatives that are now transforming livelihoods across the region.
Local youth groups and women’s cooperatives have particularly embraced these emerging ventures, with many reporting improved income and social stability.
County officials say the shift is opening doors for training, partnerships, and investment, as more residents adopt innovative ways to make a living.
What initially appeared to be a challenge is now becoming a catalyst for economic growth, as Vihiga residents continue to seek “greener pastures” and build new success stories both within and beyond the county’s borders.
By Sylvester Muhadi
