Enhancing agricultural productivity in Turkana County took center stage at an engagement forum held by county government officials in Loima Sub County.

Residents were sensitised on agro-pastoral approaches for Building Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security (BREFONS) program, designed to improve living conditions and boost resilience against drought.

County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, Dr. Anthony Apalia, highlighted that BREFONS involves coordination with the national government to eliminate redundant efforts in addressing food and nutrition security within pastoralist communities.

Dr. Apalia emphasised the importance of considering local community dynamics, including their views and needs. He urged the selected committee to harmonise their work with the community for the benefit of all village units.

Chief Officer for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, Janerose Tioko, noted the region’s potential for cultivating crops like groundnuts and sweet potatoes.

She added that BREFONS would integrate other interventions, such as water provision, to enhance livelihoods.

Resident Hanna Tukei expressed her optimism about the initiative, stating, “We express our relief and optimism about the already cultivated farms, hay sheds, and storage facilities established by BREFONS. We look forward to a better quality of life and hope to eradicate years of hopelessness through this initiative.”

The sensitization engagement follows the completion of the first stage of the Kono-1 project. The next phase, Kono-2, will involve fencing and cultivating 200 hectares of land, drilling water, unlocking dykes and canals, training the committee, and introducing weaving for value addition.

The engagement was attended by Assistant Director for Agriculture Paul Njuguna, Deputy Director Pauline Emase, Senior Agricultural Officer Acham Erukudi, and sub-county agricultural officers, along with Ward Administrator Richard Lochuko and Area Chief Joseph Emuria.