Farmers in Migori County are set to benefit from a fresh program aimed at improving agricultural productivity and supporting their health needs.
This comes after a close collaboration was formed recently between the Migori County Government and the Kenya National Farmer’s Federation (KENAF), with a clear goal to improve food production, protect farmers from climate related losses, and provide affordable healthcare services.
The program which was discussed in May 2025, comes at a time when many farmers in the region are struggling with poor harvests, unpredictable weather and limited access to extension services and health care.
The new collaboration brings hope to thousands of farmers who depend on farming for their daily survival.
According to Migori Director of agriculture, Billy Nyagaya, the program seeks to focus on three main areas which include; promoting crop insurance, offering farmers’ education through extension services and introducing affordable health insurance.
These steps, he says, will help farmers improve their farming practices, reduce losses and secure their health and that of their families.
During the meeting, both county officials and KENAF representatives agreed that the challenges faced by farmers could only be addressed through joint efforts.
They recognised the urgent need to improve the livelihoods of farmers by offering support that goes beyond just farming inputs.
The first major focus of the program is on farmer education. Under this, farmers will be trained through workshops and field demonstration to help them improve their skills in areas such as pest control, soil conservation and crop rotation.
These training sessions will be conducted regularly across different wards in the county and will be open to all registered farmers.
Nyagaya emphasized that many farmers lack the right information and tools to deal with modern farming challenges. “We want to make sure that our farmers are equipped with knowledge that can help them increase their productivity “, he said.
By working together with KENAF, we will be holding joint training sessions and field visits so that farmers can learn practical skills that they can apply on their farms.
Another key part of the program is the promotion of crop insurance, especially in areas that are affected by climate change. Farmers will be encouraged to register for crop insurance plans that can help them recover in case of crop failure caused by floods or diseases.
“Farmers are the most affected. When rains fail or when pests destroy crops, families are left with nothing,” said Peter Chacha, the Lake Region Chairman of KENAF during a joint meeting held in Migori town.
“This is why we are introducing crop insurance so that farmers can feel secure and continue farming despite unpredictable weather.”
Mr Chacha urged those who are not yet members of farmers’ groups to register with KENAF to widen farmers out reach.
He explained that working as a group makes it easier for farmers to access training and support.
“Farming is not something we should do alone,” he said. “When farmers come together in groups, they can share ideas and access support,” he said.
Consequently, we are now calling on all farmers to register with KENAF so that they can contribute to and enjoy the progress, he added.
One of the most important parts of the collaboration is also the introduction of a health insurance scheme for farmers.
This new medical cover, developed in partnership with Britam Insurance, allows farmers to pay Sh2999 per year for access to healthcare services.
Mr. Chacha Elvin, KENAF’s Coordinator, said the insurance plan was developed after listening to farmers’ concerns about medical expenses.
“We know that many farmers avoid going to hospital because they don’t have the money,” he said, adding:
“This insurance will help farmers get medical help when they need it without having to sell their produce or borrow money.”
The program also includes plans to conduct soil testing in various parts of Migori County. This will help farmers know what types of crops to grow and which fertilizers to use.
Local leaders believe the collaboration will bring lasting change to the agriculture sector in Migori. They say that by combining agricultural support with health services, the county is setting a strong foundation for long-term development.
“Agriculture has been neglected in Migori for a long time,” said Nyagaya.
“But now, we are making real efforts to support the people who put food on our tables. This collaboration will make a big difference in their lives.”
The program has already received positive feedback from community members and farmers. Many see it as a fresh start that will help them overcome the challenges that have slowed their development for years.
In the coming months, implementation teams will begin visiting villages to register, train and help farmers sign up for the health and crop insurance packages.
Information centers will also be set up to provide farmers with regular updates and support.
The partnership between KENAF and the county government marks a new chapter in agricultural development in the region, with long-term benefits expected for thousands of farming families.
By Addah Awuor and George Agimba
