The Government of Kenya through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), has intensified efforts to revive agricultural productivity in the Coast region.
Speaking during the official opening of this year’s Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani Agriculture Revitalization Summit in Malindi, Kilifi County, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Sen. Mutahi Kagwe emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between the region’s vast agricultural potential and its current production levels. He underscored the importance of close collaboration between the National and County Governments, the adoption of modern technologies, structured engagement with the private sector, and the active involvement of youth, whom he described as key culture changers leveraging their expansive social media networks to drive transformation in the sector.
Echoing the CS’s sentiments, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Acting Director General Mr. Calistus Kundu, reiterated that AFA is strengthening policy, regulatory, and institutional alignment across agricultural value chains in an effort to address persistent challenges facing the region resulting to constrained productivity and limited farmer incomes.
Mr Kundu added that the Authority has embarked on initiatives to support farmers in the region through the provision of quality planting materials. He further noted that the Authority is strengthening value addition efforts by facilitating financial linkages and offering targeted training to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance competitiveness and market access.
“We have sensitized county staff, farmers and stakeholders on climate-smart agriculture” Mr Kundu said adding that AFA is promoting climate-resilient and sustainable crop production practices to cushion farmers against erratic weather patterns that frequently affect the region.
Present during the two days summit include Tana River and Taita Taveta Governors Major (Rtd) Godhana Dhadho and Hon Andrew Mwadime, Deputy Governor Kilifi Ms. Flora Mbetsa, Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya, exhibitors in the agriculture value chain among other invited guests.
