Kitui county has invited development partners to help bolster food security and economically empower the residents.
CEC for Agriculture and Livestock, Stephen Kimwele, said the county, under the leadership of governor Julius Malombe, was ready to work hand in hand with partners and donor agencies.
"Our government is keen and ready to fully collaborate and partner with global organisations to enhance the lives of its residents by enabling them to overcome the challenges they face," Kimwele said.
The CEC spoke on Wednesday at the Kitui Agricultural Training Centre when he hosted representatives of the World Food programme.
The WFP delegations team leader, Claudia Ah Poe, underscored the importance of partnerships in delivering services to farmers.
Poe lauded the county leadership for being open to collaboration and expressed optimism about future partnerships.
The meeting discussed and explored potential collaborative interventions across sectors, including Agriculture, Livestock, Water, Irrigation, Trade and Cooperatives.
Chief officers Gladys Kivoto of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jonathan Kyambi of Livestock and Apiculture, Brettah Mwangangi of Irrigation, Nathan Vungo of Water and Paul Monyi of Cooperatives were present.
Officials from the National Drought Management Authority also attended the meeting.
The partners concurred on the importance of fostering collaboration through Village Savings and Loans Associations in a bid to empower residents.
It was agreed that the formation of savings and credit cooperative societies among farmers would be encouraged and supported.
Farmers would also benefit from better access to markets through the aggregation of farm produce.
Likewise, the establishment of savings and credit groups would be a measure to improve financial inclusion.
Other resolutions from the meeting were a commitment to enhance extension services to farmers to boost crop production.
It was also resolved that a crop insurance scheme be implemented to cushion farmers from risks faced during periods of extreme drought.
The need to enhance civic education was emphasised, with a focus on sensitising and building the capacity of farmers on different agricultural aspects.
Partners said empowering the farming community to adopt more resilient and sustainable practices for food security and economic stability was integral.
