NCCK TAKES ACTION AGAINST FOOD INSECURITY IN KITUI COUNTY.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has launched a significant initiative to combat food insecurity in Kitui County by distributing 17 metric tonnes of certified seeds for drought-resistant crops to 2,160 farming households. Each household received 4 kilograms of green grams and 4 kilograms of cowpeas, enough to plant one acre of each crop.
This distribution is expected to yield approximately 15,120 bags of green grams, totaling around 1,360 tonnes, and an equal amount of cowpeas, amounting to 1,166 tonnes. The initiative follows six months of training in climate-resilient agriculture and environmental restoration, aimed at equipping farmers with sustainable practices.
According to the Kitui County Agri-Nutrition Implementation Strategy (2023-2027), food insecurity remains a critical issue, with one in four children stunted and only 22% of families meeting minimum dietary standards. The county’s food self-sufficiency stands at just 51%, with 10% of the population facing severe food insecurity.
The NCCK's seed distribution is part of a broader Nature Positive project aimed at enhancing livelihoods, adapting to climate change, and restoring biodiversity in the region. This initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Canadian Food Grain Bank and the United Church of Canada.
The distribution event was overseen by Athi Ward Administrator Festus Kilonzo, who was joined by local chiefs and members of the Project Management Committee. This effort follows a recent donation of 60 water tanks, each with a 10,000-liter capacity, to local schools and churches, further supporting the community’s agricultural resilience.
Governor of Kitui County, Dr. Julius Malobe, along with NCCK General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in addressing the pressing challenges of food insecurity in the region.
