Posted on August, 19, 2016 at 09:16 am
Counties have not done much to improve agriculture because the national government still holds funds allocated to the ministry, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has said.
He said little has changed in the agriculture sector because the counties receive less than a third of the funds.Jama said the national government mainly deals with policy, but the actual implementation of programmes lies with the counties.
“We cannot do much with the little money we receive. This is evident on the ground,” he said. Jama was speaking at the Tawakal Irrigation Group’s farm on Tuesday during a tour. He said the county will continue supporting irrigation along Tana River to increase food security.
“We will continue helping our farmers with the meagre resources we receive from the national government,” the governor said. He said River Tana’s potential has not been fully exploited because of occasional uncontrolled flooding.
“The land along the river is fertile and can produce more than enough food for the entire region if properly exploited,” Jama said.
He said his administration will ensure farmers get market for their fruits and vegetables. “This will ensure they are not disadvantaged as before,” he said.
Agriculture was among sectors devolved under the 2010 constitution. The sector is key to ensuring food security and wealth creation. It remains Kenya’s economic mainstay, accounting for 74 per cent of employment and 24 per cent of the GDP.
Source: The - Star