6 days Ago By KNA2
In response to the growing challenges of persistent drought and food insecurity, residents of Mandera County are increasingly turning to farming and agriculture, moving away from their traditional reliance on pastoralism. To support this transformative shift, local NGOs such as Racida, in collaboration with the Mandera County Government through the Hanano Project, are spearheading efforts to enhance agricultural resilience across the region. Currently, more than 480 crop farmers, 150 fodder farmers, and 165 kitchen garden farmers across Mandera East, Mandera North, Lafey, and Banissa sub-counties have received support through the initiative.
The assistance includes the distribution of certified, climate-adapted seeds and essential farm tools to ensure farmers are better prepared for the planting season. The initiative aims to boost household food security, improve agricultural productivity, and promote climate-smart farming practices that can withstand the region’s arid conditions. Distributed items include a variety of drought-tolerant seeds such as maize, sorghum, cowpea, watermelon, and Sudan grass, as well as key farming implements designed to enhance productivity.
Bernard Ogutu, Mandera County Director for Agriculture, urged farmers to prioritize planting the seeds and avoid storing the tools at home. “The farm tools and seeds are meant for the field. Let us make Mandera food secure by putting them to immediate use,” he said.
As the region looks forward to the long rains and the start of the planting season, farmers have expressed renewed hope for improved harvests and reduced dependence on food relief. Bare Mohamed, CECM for Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries, emphasized the county’s commitment to strengthening local livelihoods: “Mandera County remains committed to supporting our farmers and investing in resilient agriculture to secure a better, food-secure future.” NGOs involved in the project have pledged continued support, stressing the importance of helping communities become self-reliant through sustainable farming practices.
Across the county, residents are now embracing diverse farming methods such as fodder production, small-scale horticulture, and dryland farming, which are showing success even under harsh climatic conditions..
