AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT &
VALUE CHAIN
The Agricultural Support & Value Chain Development initiative focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, improving income levels, and strengthening market linkages. This initiative emphasizes sustainable farming practices, water management, and infrastructure improvements, directly benefiting local communities.
Achievements:
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Expanded Irrigation Access: 1,777 hectares of land now irrigated, enabling year-round farming and increased income, with a target to irrigate 3,905 hectares.
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Growing Farmer Participation: The number of beneficiaries grew from zero in 2013 to 7,296, with 36% women actively involved in agricultural activities.
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Seedling Production: 7.1 million seedlings produced, with strong private sector involvement in the initiative.
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System of Rice Intensification (SRI): Rice yields have increased from 19 to 35 bags per acre following the expansion of the SRI method.
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A 2.5-ton-per-hour rice mill has been installed to support local rice processing, alongside the formation of new cooperatives to improve access to credit and farming inputs.
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This integrated approach boosts food security, enhances livelihoods, and fosters long-term economic growth by strengthening local agricultural value chains and improving access to key resources.
Seedling Production and Distribution
This focuses on improving the availability and quality of planting materials for farmers. By providing high-quality, disease-free seedlings and offering training in nursery management, the initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability. Ensuring farmers have access to the right materials for their crops helps enhance yields, improve food security, and elevate farmer incomes.
The project also emphasizes local nursery development, empowering farmers to manage their own seedling production and improve their agricultural practices.
Achievements:
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8 Million Seedlings Produced and Distributed: Successfully produced and distributed 8 million seedlings, promoting crop diversity and sustainable farming.
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2,600 Farmers Trained in Nursery Management: Trained 2,600 farmers in effective nursery management and clean planting material production, ensuring a steady supply of quality seedlings.
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12,600 Farmers Trained in High-Value Crop (HVC) Production: Exceeded the target by training 12,600 farmers in HVC production, increasing yields and boosting incomes.
Model Farms and Crop Production
The Model Farms & Crop Production component of the Lower Nzoia Project is dedicated to enhancing agricultural practices, boosting productivity, and promoting sustainable farming techniques for local farmers. This initiative introduces modern agricultural practices and innovative crop production methods aimed at increasing yields, ensuring food security, and improving farmers' incomes in the Lower Nzoia region.
The project has established model farms as key demonstration sites to equip farmers with practical knowledge of modern farming techniques, climate-smart agriculture, and soil conservation practices. These farms serve as training hubs where both experienced and new farmers can learn and implement the best practices suited to the region’s unique environmental and economic conditions.
Achievements:
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Model Farms Established: 3 model farms established for high-value crops (HVCs), including maize, beans, green grams, and vegetables.
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Farmer Engagement: 991 farmers engaged in rice and HVC production, benefiting from hands-on training and field demonstrations.
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Crop Diversification: Encouraging farmers to diversify their crops to increase resilience against climate variability and market changes.
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Increased Productivity: Supporting the growth of high-yielding crops like rice, maize, and vegetables, with better access to quality inputs, resources, and market linkages.
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Sustainable Farming Practices: Introducing advanced irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, and crop rotation methods to promote soil health and long-term productivity.
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Capacity Building: Over 7,296 farmers trained and supported in adopting innovative agricultural practices.
This initiative is a significant step toward transforming local agriculture into a sustainable, profitable, and resilient industry. Through model farms, the Lower Nzoia Project empowers farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their livelihoods, boost productivity, and contribute to the growth of the regional agricultural economy.
