The Homa Bay government is registering more than 500,000 farmers as the county aims to increase production.
It has already hired and trained more than 575 enumerators and supervisors who will list them countywide.
Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga on Wednesday said listing farmers will help the county government develop a data bank to support crop production during the imminent season.
Support includes distribution of farm inputs, including subsidised fertiliser. The Kenya Crops and Dairy Market System (KCDMS) has already tested the soils for appropriate crops and fertilisers.
Magwanga said the registration includes the kinds of crops and livestock, poultry, acreage and other details.
Enumerators will also take details of the farmers who rear livestock, including types, numbers and vaccinations.
“The exercise will enable the government to distribute subsidised fertilisers to the farmers efficiently. Our people should take the exercise seriously due to the significance of the data,” Magwanga said.
Addressing enumerators at Kabunde social hall before the start of registration in Homa Bay Town, Magwanga said they will promote modern agricultural practices by employing agricultural extension officers.
“The extension officers will be deployed in wards or villages to help the farmers. The data will enable us know the number of officers to deploy in a given jurisdiction,” he said.
Magwanga urged farmers to focus on increasing food production to fight food insecurity.
“We have an elaborate plan to ensure Homa Bay ceases to be a recipient of food imports,” he said.
Homa Bay Agriculture chief officer Samuel Owigo said the county plans to promote cultivation of emerging value chain crops such as oil palm, cotton, sunflower and rice.
He said extension officers will identify suitable places where the higher value crops can be grown.
“The county is committed to supporting farmers in promoting food security. We’re undertaking the exercise for the economic value of the people,” Owigo said.
