Mohamed Abdi, the chairman of the Garissa farmers network./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa
Governor Nathif Jama presents a trophy to Mohamed Abdi, the chairman of the
Garissa farmers network./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has praised cooperatives as vital pillars of the county's agricultural sector.
He said the organisations have boosted food production and strengthened livelihoods.
"Agriculture is the backbone of the county's economy, providing food, employment and sustenance for the majority of the population," Jama said.
The governor spoke at an awards ceremony for Farmers’ Cooperative Societies.
He said cooperatives have
been instrumental in improving access to agricultural inputs through bulk
purchasing and distribution.
They have also facilitated access to finance, training and extension services for thousands of farmers.
"These awards are not just trophies—they are symbols of dedication, innovation and teamwork. I therefore congratulate the recipients and urge them to continue striving for excellence. By empowering cooperatives, we are empowering our economy," Jama said.
He said the county government is committed towards supporting cooperatives with training, credit access and improved
infrastructure.
Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed praised the farmers for their hard work and called for continued collaboration with the government and development partners to unlock the full agricultural potential of the region.
He stressed the importance of a thriving cooperative movement for achieving food security, poverty reduction and rural development.
Mohamed called for continued investment in capacity-building programmes
for cooperative leaders and members.
Mohamed Abdi, the chairman of the Garissa Farmers' Network, said cooperatives have helped create job opportunities and supported rural enterprises.
He appealed to the national
and county governments to continue supporting the entities.
The awards ceremony also served as a celebration of the broader agricultural transformation agenda in the county, which seeks to enhance food security and create new opportunities for the people of Garissa.
