Lodwar- 9th August,2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Seed Savers Network Kenya has launched an emergency seed project which seeks to benefit 1,300 farmers have graduated to agro-pastoralism from pastoralism in supporting food security in the county.

The two-year project which is set to be implemented in Loima and Turkana South Sub-counties aims to train the farmers on indigenous seeds, construct three seed banks with seed processing structures.

The Acting Director for Irrigation and Land reclamation, Peter Loree, lauded seed savers for the initiative which he said will complement the County Government in its effort to ensure farmer access to seeds.

“The diversity of seeds will increase value chains to enhance production hence the need for effective collaboration to realize the Governor’s agenda of food security, ” he said.

Deputy Director for Resource Mobilization, Mike Aupe, noted that the project aims at transforming agriculture through indigenous seed production for production of resilient food crops amid the changing climatic conditions.

“This project is in tandem with our approach of changing from Pastoralism to Agro-pastrolism hence the need for better coordination, integration and collaboration with other stakeholders for sustainability of the project,” he said.

Seed Savers Network Kenya’s Daniel Wanjama said that the project in collaboration with Swissaid will play a crucial role in enhancing seed diversity and building partnerships to support local farmers.

The project is targeting farmers in Katilu, Kalemunyang, Nanyee and Kang’alita and will distribute seeds for cassava, millet, sorghum, sweet potato, and traditional leafy vegetables, fodder among other crops.

Director Governor’s Press Omar Yusuf, county agriculture officers, developmental partners and farmers attended the launch.