- Taita Taveta’s agricultural potential could grow significantly with expanded irrigation investment.
- Governor Andrew Mwadime wants water challenges tackled to unlock farming, jobs and food production.
- New programme targets livestock, dairy, fruits, edible oils and rice as key growth areas.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime has called for more investment in irrigation infrastructure to boost agriculture, food security and jobs in the county.
Speaking during a consultative meeting in Mombasa that brought together the national government, county governments and development partners, Mwadime said expanding irrigation was essential for helping arid and semi-arid counties raise agricultural production.
He said Taita Taveta has significant agricultural potential but continues to face water challenges that limit farmers from fully exploiting available opportunities.
“We need to set aside adequate resources to support counties facing water challenges. Taita Taveta has the capacity to significantly contribute to the country’s food basket, but the only sustainable way forward is through irrigation agriculture. With proper irrigation infrastructure, this county can help feed the nation,” Mwadime said.
The meeting was held under the Agriconnect Compact Programme, which brings together national and county government priorities with private sector participation to accelerate agricultural transformation and create jobs.
County’s role in the programme
Taita Taveta falls under the Coastal Cluster of the programme, with livestock, dairy, fruits, edible oils and rice identified as priority value chains.
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Mwadime said his administration is committed to working closely with the national government and development partners to ensure the county benefits fully from the programme.
Because irrigation would give farmers a more reliable water supply, he added, investment in this area would strengthen household incomes and support job creation across the agricultural value chain.
CS Kagwe on agricultural transformation
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government was focused on transforming agriculture into a productive, resilient and commercially driven sector capable of creating jobs, raising farmers’ incomes and strengthening food security.
CS Kagwe said greater emphasis was being placed on value addition, innovation and technology to modernise the sector and make agriculture more attractive to young people.
For Taita Taveta, increased irrigation investment is expected to give farmers a more reliable water supply while reducing dependence on rainfall, supporting production throughout the year. The proposed interventions are also expected to open up opportunities for businesses and young people in the agricultural sector.
Mwadime urged stakeholders to prioritise investments that address water challenges and support sustainable irrigation, as part of broader efforts to transform agriculture in the county and contribute to Kenya’s food security.
By Bernard Magada
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