Governor Wanga encourages Homa Bay farmers to join cooperatives

By Robert Mutasi

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has encouraged Homa Bay farmers to join cooperatives to benefit from government support.

She has been moving from one area to another, together with the Department of Agriculture, to ask farmers to join the cooperatives.

Speaking in Wang Ching, Wanga said that cooperatives enhance the growth of agriculture through partnerships and programs.

The governor noted that progress is moving smoothly as many farmers are joining the cooperatives.

"I would like to say that today we have been moving around cooperatives with the Department of Agriculture. We have been able to go to the cooperative in Horse Run in Homa Bay, Rangwe, and here in Great Wang Ching," said Governor Wanga.

They have partnered with other organizations to ensure farmers are growing through acquiring skills and loans. "Partnerships like Narig have been able to come through and support these cooperatives with funds," she added.

Wanga praised the partners, stating that they have boosted agriculture and this will reduce farmers' burdens of expenses since many of them will be unable to afford.

According to Wanga, the development that Narig made in Homa Bay is going to increase value addition.

Farmers from the county experienced significant losses in the post-harvest as the produce was of poor quality.

She urged those who have not joined the cooperatives to do so in order to benefit and make profits from their harvests.

Wanga also claimed that the lack of cooling machines and warehouses has caused perishable products, such as milk, to spoil.

However, Wanga advised those who have already joined the cooperatives to be active members through active contributions.

The politician argued that all members should participate fully to ensure the cooperatives are active.

Narig partnerships have given out over 16 million Kenyan Shillings to Rangwe farmers and over 15 million Kenyan Shillings to Wang Ching.