Kitui County Senator Enoch Wambua has sought urgent intervention from the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries over what he termed as the exploitation of farmers in Kitui County by brokers and middlemen during the marketing of agricultural produce.
Speaking in the Senate, Wambua said farming remains the main source of livelihood for most households in Kitui, but poor market access continues to disadvantage farmers and expose them to unfair pricing by intermediaries.
He noted that challenges such as limited access to markets, inadequate storage facilities, poor market information, and weak bargaining power force many farmers to sell their produce at very low prices, reducing their incomes and undermining agricultural productivity.
“Due to limited access to markets, inadequate storage facilities, insufficient market information, and weak bargaining power, many farmers are compelled to sell their produce at unfairly low prices. This significantly reduces their incomes and undermines agricultural productivity and sustainability,” Wambua said.
The Senator called on the committee to outline measures the government has put in place to protect farmers from exploitation in the marketing of produce.
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He also requested an update on efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and farmer organizations, saying this would improve collective bargaining power and ensure better returns for farmers.
Wambua further sought details on government interventions to improve access to storage facilities, reliable market information, and other post-harvest support services.
He emphasized the need for stronger systems to link farmers directly with buyers in order to improve farm-gate prices and reduce dependence on intermediaries.
The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries for consideration and further action.
By Obegi Malack
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