This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
Published on June 10, 2020, the World Bank has allocated Sh585 million to Kisumu County to enhance food security in the region during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Dr. Paul Omanga, the County's Chief Officer for Agriculture, Sh50 million has already been released to farmers in seven sub-counties. The funding aims to address the negative impact of the pandemic on Kisumu's general food production since March.
Governor Anyang' Nyong'o revealed that the World Bank funds will be disbursed through the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) over the next five years. The county will receive Sh117 million each financial year from the project, which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
“KCSAP’s primary aim is to boost farmers’ productivity and food security while addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures,” Dr. Omanga said.
Prof. Nyong'o emphasized that farmers have been affected by climate change, which is affecting the productivity of crops and livestock. He stated that KCSAP targets to build resilience and minimize emissions from farming systems, enhance adaptation to climate risks, and improve agricultural productivity.
County agriculture officials have asked farmers to form groups to access the funds.
