 |
| Mr. Fred Khaoya, a farmer in Chepchoina in his farm |
Smallholder maize farmers in Chepchoina ward have raised concerns about the likely poor harvest this season, attributing their fears to a lack of access to ward-specific subsidized fertilizer.
The farmers have accused the area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Chakali of failing to include them in the ward-specific fund meant to support agricultural inputs.
Mr. Fred Khaoya, a farmer in the region, lamented the situation, saying it is unfair that a substantive amount of money was set aside for the program, yet very few farmers benefited.
"We never received fertilizer courtesy of the ward-specific fund when we were planting and not even when topdressing. As a result, our maize is emaciated with yellow coloring, which is a clear sign of nutrient deficiency," stated Rev. Khaoya.
Mrs. Sophia Recha, another affected farmer, shared similar sentiments, saying her long wait for the taxpayer-funded fertilizer ran out, forcing her to plant her produce without any fertilizer.
"The member of the county assembly had initially assured us that the fertilizer would be supplied to vulnerable farmers, but only a few benefited, and we don't know the selection procedure," said Mrs. Recha.
The concerns extend beyond just the financial hit to the farmers' incomes but highlight the broader social impact, casting a spotlight on the local leadership to remember the less privileged in society.
"As a widow, I rely heavily on my maize yield to sustain my family. This lack of support is devastating since my plantation is stunted," said Deborah Nasambu, a widow and farmer.
Other farmers, namely Patrick Wangila, Jothan Kipkoech, and John Imbanda, all maize farmers in Chepchoina ward, echoed these grievances, stressing the urgent need for intervention from the area county government.
The absence of subsidized fertilizer has left many maize crops in the ward undernourished, threatening the livelihoods of farmers who depend on their produce for sustenance and income.