Embrace Climate Smart Agriculture - Advises Dr. Temi

Dr. Temi Mutia training Mango farmers on value addition. 


Our Reporter

There is need for both levels of government to support mango farmers in Kitui County to cushion them from post harvest losses. 

At the same time, farmers should be supported to practice Climate Smart Agriculture as a way of cushioning them from the adverse effects of drought and climate change. 


This call has been made by Dr Temi Mutia, a value chain expert and a director at Rise Kenya, an NGO that is helping locals cope with the devastating effects of climate change.


Speaking while on a visit to Mwingi Horticultural Farmers Society at Kalisasi, Dr. Temi urged the national and county government to support fruit farmers to enable them reap maximum benefits from their produce.


The farmers' group based at Kalisasi in Mwingi Central is engaged in making mango flakes using solar driers, which makes it ideal for value addition and for keeping the fruits for a longer period. 


Dr. Temi revealed that there are 11 cooperatives for Mango farmers spread across Kitui County. He said that mango and other fruit farmers need strategic support.


"A lot of mango fruits to waste since they get ripe almost at the same time. The farmers need support which is focused and issue driven to market the produce both nationally and internationally," Dr Temi said.


"Drying mangoes to make flakes is a great idea because their shelf life is extended. A lot of people nowadays want to eat organic foods, this means with a good market, farmers can earn good money" added the value addition expert.  


He noted that the initiative had also created jobs, especially for women who now have a source of income. 


Dr. Temi said that with the depressed rains and adverse effects of climate change, innovative ways are needed to cushion the locals from hunger and starvation by engaging in Climate Smart Agriculture. 

Climate Smart Agriculture 

Mwingi Central DCC Catherine Njoroge who also visited the farmers praised Mwingi Horticultural Farmers Society for being innovative. 

She promised that the national government will give incentives to the farmers such as subsidized fertilizers to enable them produce more.


Governor Malombe's administration has committed to work closely with farmers and experts to improve the county's food security in the wake of the recurrent droughts occasioned by climate change.  


Mrs. Gladys Kivoto, Kitui's Chief Officer for Agriculture at her farm in Mwala village, Mutomo. 



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