Cassava farmer. FILE PHOTO | NMG
Summary
- The cassava project, to be implemented through Self Help Africa, an Irish-based non-governmental organisation, is aimed at enhancing the quantity, quality and marketability of the crop in local and international markets.
- Self Help Africa will involve 28,000 small holder farmers in seven counties of Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Kitui and Kilifi.
- Mr Bett was speaking at the launch of the Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Cassava Value Chain Programme in Nairobi last week.
The European Union (EU) has given Kenya
6.5 million euros (about Sh800m)to boost cassava growing in a project
that will involve over 140,000 farmers countrywide.
The
cassava project, to be implemented through Self Help Africa, an
Irish-based non-governmental organisation, is aimed at enhancing the
quantity, quality and marketability of the crop in local and
international markets.
Self
Help Africa will involve 28,000 small holder farmers in seven counties
of Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Kitui and Kilifi.
“The
EU cassava project is in line with the agricultural sector goal of
achieving an average growth rate of seven per cent per year through
increased production levels,” said Agriculture secretary Willy Bett.
“The
government through my ministry will be a major partner in strengthening
the cassava crop and other drought-resistant crops so as to make the
country food secure during drought periods.”
Mr Bett
was speaking at the launch of the Strengthening the Competitiveness of
the Cassava Value Chain Programme in Nairobi last week.
He
said the ministry is currently focusing on diversification of food
crops to change the Kenyans eating habits and overreliance on maize as
the only staple food.
Cassava is tolerant to drought and high temperatures.
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