Homa Bay County livestock farmers have received Sh25 million worth of feeds and farming equipment in a bid to increase agricultural output and mitigate the effects of drought. The initiative, spearheaded by First Bridge Foundation in partnership with Homa Bay County Government, benefited over 1,000 farmers across 11 wards in Suba South, Ndhiwa, and Suba North constituencies. Items distributed included animal feeds, vaccines, deworming drugs, and clippers, with each farmer receiving five 50kg bags of feed. Governor Gladys Wanga, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, and First Bridge Foundation Country Director Bernard K’Ochola presided over the flag-off ceremony at the county headquarters.
The program aims to enhance productivity, with farmers expected to increase milk yields by up to 60 percent thanks to nutrient-rich feeds. K’Ochola emphasized the importance of sustainability, noting that the feeds would last about four months per animal and that farmers were also selected through public participation exercises. Beneficiaries are additionally entitled to a monthly stipend of Sh12,000 to further support their livestock operations. Governor Wanga highlighted agriculture as the backbone of Homa Bay’s economy, noting that over 70 percent of residents rely on farming for their livelihoods. She praised the initiative for its potential to improve nutrition and household incomes while ensuring food security.
Officials also emphasized the broader goal of addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the county. Two months prior, over 500 farmers received drought-resistant seeds from the same partnership to improve crop yields. Deputy Governor Magwanga encouraged farmers to adopt best practices and follow expert guidance to maximize benefits. Both county leadership and the foundation underscored their commitment to ongoing collaborations aimed at empowering farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting rural communities across Homa Bay.