Makueni farmers urged to embrace smart agricultural techniques

The government has encouraged farmers in Makueni county to shift to climate-smart agricultural techniques as a way of curbing drought in the county.

In a statement, Government Spokesperson Cyrus O. Oguna urged farmers in Makueni County to embrace the new technology while growing drought-tolerant crops.

“The government is also encouraging communities to shift to climate-smart agriculture techniques like diversification of crops, growing drought-tolerant crops and sustainable land-use practices like mulching and agroforestry,” Oguna said.

Oguna said the current drought situation in Makueni is on alert with a worsening trend across all the three livelihood zones.

The most affected is the marginal mixed farming livelihood zone which supports 40 per cent of the total population.

“The current drought situation in Makueni is on alert with a worsening trend across all the three livelihood zones. The most affected is the marginal mixed farming livelihood zone which supports 40% of the total population,” Oguna said.

Farmers have been encouraged to engage in agribusiness, specifically in fruit farming which is doing well; in return they will sell their produce and have money to finance their basic and other needs.