In a bid to revolutionize agriculture and uplift the livelihoods of its residents, the County Government of Kitui, in collaboration with Biovision Africa Trust, has unveiled a new agroecology initiative. The project, titled “Enhancing Food and Nutrition, Market Linkages, and Resilient Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers through Agroecology with a special focus on women and youth,”( The LDF Project ) was officially launched on 30th Aug 2024 in Kitui town.

The initiative aims to empower women and youth by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on agroecology, the project seeks to enhance food security, improve nutritional outcomes, and bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers. It also aims to provide better market access for agricultural products.

During the launch, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, Kitui’s Executive for Agriculture and Livestock, highlighted the crucial role of youth in the agricultural sector. He pointed out that agriculture accounts for 60-70 percent of employment opportunities in Kenya and urged young people to embrace farming as a viable means of improving their lives.

Dr. Kimwele also reaffirmed the County Government’s dedication to collaborating with development partners to uplift the people of Kitui, aligning with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s broader development agenda.

Expressing optimism about the project, Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust, spoke about its potential to transform agricultural practices in Kitui. He emphasized the importance of adopting agroecological methods, which are not only sustainable but also economically beneficial.

“This initiative is a key milestone in equipping smallholder farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to boost productivity and ensure food security. By adopting agroecology, we are not just increasing yields but also promoting biodiversity and enhancing resilience against climate challenges,” Dr. Amudavi stated.

The project has set ambitious goals for Kitui County, including increasing the adoption of agroecological farming, establishing a revolving fund to support farmers, enhancing the capacity of smallholder farmers to manage resources, and improving access to markets.

The workshop, marking the beginning of this initiative, brought together various stakeholders, including NGOs, the Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and smallholder farmers. This collaboration reflects a unified effort to drive the success of agroecological practices in the region.

Prepared by  Nicholas wambua