Farmers in Kanyibok Village, West Yimbo ward, Siaya County in the Republic of Kenya are bursting of bumper harvest of Capsicum following successful implementation of the Adapting to Climate Change project in Lake Victoria Basin (ACC-LVB).
The farmers are smiling all the way to the bank after selling several kilograms of the produce they harvested in the green houses which were constructed by the project.
Julius Otieno, a farmer in Kanyibok village youth group in west Yimbo said, “I am happy with the results since I have been able to sell several kilograms in the market. I will use the profit to expand my other businesses”.
Another farmer Jane Otieno said, “I am very happy with the produce. I sold them in the local market and received good money that enabled me to pay school fees for my grandchildren. I have also learnt modern farming methods through the project”. The project was supported by Lake Victoria Basin in collaboration with the ministry of environment, climate change and forestry and Siaya county government
Green houses in Kanyibok village
Under the climate smart agriculture, eight green houses were constructed for the youth groups in the village in West Yimbo and Rona Foundation for widows in Rarieda at a cost of over USD 40,000.
The project also provided farmers with seedlings, fertilizers and chemicals and trained them on good farming practices and green house management.
Solar powered water pumping system
Solar powered water pumping systems for irrigation were also purchased through the project.
Jackson Achuti, agricultural officer, Siaya county government said, “we are very pleased with Lake Victoria Basin Commission for empowering our youths by providing them with green house farming technology. This is part of climate smart agriculture which we are also encouraging our people to use because it helps in conserving water.
Lake Victoria Basin Commission Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire said, “We are happy with the outcome and it is evident that the ACC-LVB project has had a positive impact to the millions of people living with the basin”
Part of the harvested capiscum
The pilot project which was implemented in five East African Partner States namely the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Uganda, Republic of Rwanda and the United Republic of Tanzania was funded by the Adaptation Fund through UNEP to the tune of USD 5 Million.
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