NECOFA project kicks off

By: Joyce Okuta
 

Network for Ecofarming in Africa (NECOFA) has today launched a three year project in collaboration with Manitesse, an Italian based organization.

The project which is funded by the Italian Co-operation will focus on Local economies and protection of environment, favoring the inclusion of little producers and farmers in the food chain development and in the management of water and forestry resources.

“The project will be implemented specifically in the Molo River basin, from Nakuru county to Baringo County following the flow of Molo River.” Said Mr. Samuel, Project manager for Manitesse.

Molo river arises from the Mau forest and flows into lake Baringo, hence the communities in Ilchamus and salabani wards in Marigat Sub-county will benefit.

On the upper side of River Molo basin they target Potato farmers and on the lowers side Livestock farmers.

The main activities will be rehabilitation of River banks, training and distribution of energy saving jikos to the most vulnerable.

In attendance was member of county Assembly, Mr.Wesley Kakimon, who lauded the work done by NECOFA, citing the alarming poverty levels in the County.

“Farmers need to be capacity built to understand the market standards and how to improve livestock breeds to gain profit,” said the MCA.

He reiterated that the pastoralists culture could be a contributing factor to poverty since they prefer keeping more animals and they end up losing them due to prolonged drought.

Marigat ward administrator, Mr. Obeta Sirma, said that the county government is working with line ministries to ensure that the county is disease free by 2017.

“The county government is working on ways to cultivate and nature more improved breeds which are disease resistant and are putting in place disease control mechanisms.” Added the ward administrator.

Meanwhile, NECOFA is setting up an Eco-tourism centre along Marigat-Loboi Road to promote active participation and interaction between local and international tourists. They have plans to promote fish farming as an enterprise.