The government has partnered with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to launch a KSh 34.1 billion programme aimed at strengthening climate smart agriculture and improving food security.
The Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme, INReMP, is an eight-year initiative that will be implemented in 10 counties across western Kenya, with Uasin Gishu County identified as one of the key focus areas.
The programme was unveiled during a courtesy call on Governor Jonathan Chelilim at the county headquarters ahead of its official workshop launch in Eldoret.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr Kipronoh Ronoh Paul and Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Eng Festus Ng’eno led the national delegation. They were joined by IFAD Country Director Mariatu Kamara.
Dr Ronoh described the project as a major step toward building resilient farming systems and protecting natural resources.
“The programme has three components. There is a big component for the management of natural resources. It involves making sure that we take care of the soil, we take care of the forested areas, we take care of the water affected areas, and also we take care of our farming mechanisms,” he said.
He explained that the second component focuses on livelihoods and value chain development, where cooperatives will receive machinery and support for value addition. Coffee is among the priority value chains under the programme. The third component covers governance and administration to ensure smooth implementation.
“This is a big programme which will really change our farming community in a positive way and also support marketing for farm produce, enhance capacity building for our cooperatives and protect the natural environment. We are looking forward to its implementation,” Ronoh added.
INReMP will be jointly implemented by the State Department for Agriculture and the State Department for Environment.
It will fund water infrastructure projects, support soil and forest conservation, rehabilitate degraded land and promote improved livestock production, including dairy development and animal feed technologies.
The programme also promotes regenerative agriculture and nature based value chains, with a strong focus on helping farmers adapt to climate change.
Governor Chelilim welcomed the initiative, saying the county was ready to provide the necessary support to ensure its success. As one of the country’s food producing regions, Uasin Gishu will concentrate on strengthening its dairy sector and expanding high value crops.
With IFAD support, the county plans to scale up artificial insemination services, improve livestock genetics and strengthen dairy cooperatives. Farmers will also be encouraged to diversify beyond maize and wheat by investing in crops such as coffee, avocado and macadamia.
The eight year plan is expected to raise incomes for smallholder farmers, women and youth while promoting sustainable management of forests, rangelands, wetlands and water resources.