The County Government of Kitui has taken a significant step towards bolstering agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods by launching the disbursement of SACCO Inclusion Grants under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
The grants, issued in phase one to 20 wards, aim to assist selected ward-based farmers’ SACCOs to establish their offices and equip them with the resources necessary to expand and enhance their operations.
Speaking while issuing the cheques in Endau/Malalani , Mutito/Kaliku, Zombe/Mwitika and Voo/Kyamatu wards, Kitui East Sub County, the Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries, Ms. Gladys Kivoto, reaffirmed the County government ‘s commitment to supporting farmer groups and cooperatives in the agricultural value chain, noting that the grants are expected to accelerate the growth of small-scale farmers by providing essential financial aid to establish offices and support operational costs such as office rent, internet services, stipends for bookkeepers,office furniture, computers, printers, stationary fire and burglar -proof safe among other benefits.
Ms. Kivoto emphasized the pivotal role of SACCOs in ensuring farmers have access to credit and other essential services.
“This disbursement is a crucial step towards strengthening our SACCOs, which will ultimately lead to increased productivity and improved livelihoods for our farmers,” she stated.
On his part, the Chief officer for Trade, Michael Kalii, echoed the importance of the grants for the development of the cooperative sector in Kitui, highlighting the initiative’s potential to promote a culture of savings, investment and aggregation of produce among farmers, for better price negotiation leading to more resilient and sustainable agricultural enterprises.
The SACCO Inclusion Grants align with the Kitui County Government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, create employment opportunities, and increase incomes within the agricultural sector.
*CGok.Comm.Dept
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