Kwale cassava farmers are looking forward to a brighter future after the commissioning of a small-scale cassava processing plant.
The plant was officially opened last week by Governor Fatuma Achani at Magodi in the Msambweni subcounty.
The factory has the capacity to process about one tonne of cassava flour per day. It also provides peeling, drying and milling services for small-scale farmers.
The European Union funds the project through the Go Blue Programme, which is being carried out by CIHEAM Bari (International Centre for Advanced Agronomic Studies) as a sub-delegated agency of AICS (Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation).
The objective of the programme is to boost cassava production and improve livelihoods through regenerative agriculture and modern farming techniques in the region.
Cassava has long been a staple food in Kwale's rural communities but due to climate change, poor farming methods and a lack of market, most farmers have abandoned the crop in favour of maize farming.
However, the programme aims to empower farmers by providing scientific skills in cassava production, value addition and a better market for the product, thereby improving food security and income.
Speaking during the launch, Achani said the farmers are set to be introduced to certified cassava seeds and of improved breed to boost production.
"The farmers will be supplied with the necessary farm inputs, including best certified seeds and techniques to improve cassava farming," she said.
Certified seeds not only ensure the large-scale success of agricultural projects, but also help to increase household income by allowing surplus produce to be sold in local and international markets.
The governor said that through the initiative, farmers will be provided with a variety of seeds and farm input to meet the needs of the local climate, thus maximising production.
"The farmers will receive more drought and disease-resistant seeds, which have the potential to help them fight poverty in the county," the governor said.
Achani said the county is determined to liberate farmers from losses and food insecurity by supporting smart agriculture.
She added that the project aims to empower local farmers to forge a path toward a more sustainable future and protect their lives and livelihoods from climate change through productive farming, thereby nurturing hope for their communities and the environment.
The governor said that the cassava processing plant provides a better platform for farmers to do value addition by taking raw cassava for basic processing, which includes peeling, cleaning, drying and milling for a higher price since they will have a more bargaining power.
The governor said that farmers can turn the cassava final product into flour, which can be used for a variety of nutritional and economic purposes.
Cassava has numerous by-products, ranging from food, paper, textile, adhesive, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and chemicals.
Achani promised to help farmers find a ready market for their crop produce, and county trade officers would be dispatched to assist them with product trademarking and branding.
She said her administration will keep on partnering with various investors to spearhead development projects to empower local farmers and their livelihoods.
The governor challenged farmers to grow cassava on a large-scale in order to keep up with the plant's milling process and attract a larger market.
She said that cassava farming is inexpensive and simple, with the potential to improve economic livelihoods.
The county boss urged farmers to seize the opportunity to transform cassava farming from an orphan crop to a high-value crop for socioeconomic development.
EU Representative Alexander Baron encouraged small-scale farmers to embrace cassava farming, emphasising its importance in supporting households and ensuring food security.
He said that cassava farming can help create employment opportunities, as well as generate income and revenue to support the county's growth.
Baron described the programme as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to self-sufficiency, food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
The initiative provides farmers with the skills and capacity they need to succeed in the ever-changing agricultural industry.
A farmer, Ann Kiswii, praised the project, saying that it will help transform their lives. She termed the programme as a game changer for the community, particularly cassava farmers.
She added that cassava farming will complement maize farming and aid in the fight against hunger and poverty as a result of climate change.
"We are confident in producing food even during the erratic rains because the new cassava species is more resilient and productive," Kiswi said.
The Magodi Cassava Processor started as Magodi Vision in 2013, with a total membership of 30 people.
Magodi Vision comprised farmers and traders who later developed an interest in agriculture and requested assistance in agricultural programmes from Kwale government.
