USAID funds free rapid soil testing drive to small-holder farmers to boost food security

Kakamega

Monday, August 28, 2023

KNA by George Kaiga

A rapid soil testing campaign has been rolled out in nine counties of Western Kenya region to sensitize small-holder farmers on the importance of soil testing for improved agricultural productivity.

The United States of America International Development Agency (USAID) Funded –Feed the Future Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) targets 100,000 small-holders farmers from Homa Bay, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisii, Migori, Kisumu, Busia, Vihiga, and Siaya counties.

Speaking today during the launch of the campaign in Kakamega County, the KCDMS Deputy Chief of Party Judy Odongo said already more than 30,000 farmers have tested their soils that seeks to establish the soils’ acidity or alkalinity levels (pH) in order to adopt sustainable and environment friendly farming practices.

The campaign also seeks to provide the farmers with accurate and reliable soil nutrient information to make informed decisions regarding fertilization and crop selection.

“These small-holder farmers constitute a significant portion of the regions’ agricultural sector and stand to benefit greatly from the improved soil management practices” she said.

The Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Mr. Benjamin Adama, who flagged off the campaign, welcomed the initiative, noting that local farmers will be able to maximize their yields and boost food production.

“Poverty levels in Kakamega County currently stands at 31 per cent of the population, and with this kind of intervention and partnership, we believe farmers will be able to maximize yields and boost food security which is a key pillar under the county government,” he added.

He said the Kakamega County Government is strengthening the agricultural extension service with recruitment of 1,000 enumerators who will be expected to take specific details of farmers so as to know the economic activities they engage in as well as avoid duplication of services from various partners in the sector.

The campaign comes against the background of low food productivity in the country attributed to decrease of plant nutrients due soil acidity.

According to USAID, soil testing clinics will be set up in the county and will be equipped with modern soil testing kits, manned by qualified agronomists and technicians.

Farmers will be encouraged to bring soil samples from their fields for testing, access personalized soil health reports, including nutrient levels, pH and get recommendations for appropriate fertilization and crop choices.

Courtesy ; K. N. A