Farmers Challenged To Embrace Climate Smart Farming As Ripple Effect Holds Field Day In Bungoma

By Isabella Maua

Farmers have been urged to uphold government policies and bring out their livestock for vaccination to curb trans boundary diseases besides embracing climate friendly farming.

Speaking during a farmers’ field day on Tuesday at Tuuti Marakaru in Bungoma held by Ripple Effect in collaboration with Zoetis, Andrew Musungu, Chief Officer for Veterinary, Livestock, and Fisheries, accentuated the need for adapting environmentally friendly farming methods to mitigate climate change.

He also encouraged them to embrace diversity in their farming and quit focusing on one crop for livelihood.

“County government is dedicated to supporting Ripple Effect in this noble exercise of empowering farmers through giving them knowledge on crop farming and livestock keeping, especially donkeys who greatly assist in farm labour,” reiterated Musungu.

Jairus Wasike, county director for veterinary services, criticised people who are against the vaccination program saying it’s vital for creating hard immunity in livestock.

“It is crucial for farmers with all types of animals and birds to adhere to vaccination as a measure of reducing disease burdens, which eventually interrupts the economy by closing markets,” cited Wasike.

Country director, Ripple Effect, Titus Sagala challenged farmers to take up environmentally friendly farming methods like the use of organic fertilisers as opposed to synthetic ones, which may be harmful to the soil and human beings.

“We want our farmers to be economically empowered, have adequate food, and also embrace gender and social inclusion in their day-to-day activities,” he reiterated.

Dr. Peter Ng’ielo of Ripple Effect, on his part, highlighted the importance of donkey monitoring and surveillance as a measure of ending donkey slaughter in the country.

“Donkeys are slaughtered in bushes, and their meat is sold to innocent Kenyans in butcheries disguised as beef, which is risky because the meat isn’t inspected and not fit for human consumption,” decried Dr. Ng’ielo.

Chairlady of Namikelo Joy farmers, who were the host of the event, acknowledged Ripple Effect for their support since 2023, noting that their collaboration has changed the lives of farmers within the area.

She added, “Ripple Effect has made us experts not only in donkey farming, but they’ve also given us poultry, cattle, goats, and climate-smart crops to grow.”

The farmers also received 56 bicycles from World Bicycle Relief to aid in their day-to-day farm activities, transportation of produce to markets and other extension services.