- Taita Taveta banana farmers are set to benefit from a Sh8.6 million value chain grant.
- TATABA will invest in transport, storage and equipment to improve banana handling and market access.
- The cooperative will also shift its ripening facility to solar power to cut operating costs.
Banana farmers under the Taita Taveta Banana Farmers’ Cooperative Society (TATABA) are set to benefit from a Ksh8.6 million grant aimed at improving banana production, value addition and access to markets.
According to the cooperative’s management, the funding will support investments across the banana value chain, from production and handling to transportation and processing.
How the funds will be used
TATABA plans to use the funds to purchase more than 500 crates for the safe storage and transportation of bananas.
Additionally, the cooperative will acquire transport equipment, including tuk-tuks and motorcycles, as well as weighing machines to improve the handling and marketing of produce.
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Part of the funding will also finance the conversion of the energy system at TATABA’s banana ripening facility in Voi from electricity to solar power. This move is expected to reduce operating costs while promoting the use of renewable energy in agricultural processing.
Grant disbursed under national project
Authorities disbursed the grant earlier this month through a partnership between the Taita Taveta County Government and the National Bank of Kenya under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
Overall, the investment is expected to improve farmers’ access to markets, enhance the value and prices of bananas and strengthen agribusiness among cooperative members.
Farmers welcome the support
TATABA members have welcomed the support, saying the investment is already beginning to create optimism among farmers. They also commended Taita Taveta Governor Dr Andrew Mwadime for supporting initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening the county’s agricultural sector.
By Bernard Magada
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