Siaya County is taking bold steps against malnutrition and food insecurity with the official rollout of a targeted agri-nutrition training program. More than 3,000 vulnerable smallholder farmers stand to gain directly, as the initiative promotes nutrition-sensitive agriculture to link stronger harvests with healthier households.
Launched by the County Department of Agriculture under the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KeLCoP), the drive focuses on four priority wards: North Sakwa (Bondo), South East Alego (Alego Usonga), West Gem (Gem), and West Uyoma (Rarieda). Farmers receive practical training in homestead food production, diverse food groups, meal planning, safe food preparation, hygiene practices, and nutrition across life stages.
Kitchen gardening for micronutrient-rich vegetables takes center stage, helping families offset rising food costs and climate-related shocks while diversifying diets.
“Food production must align with proper nutrition knowledge,” emphasized County Chief Officer for Agriculture Dr. Elizabeth Adongo. “Increasing yields alone isn’t enough if malnutrition persists—we’re building resilient communities through integrated agriculture and health approaches.”
The program prioritizes at-risk groups, including children under five, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, by encouraging dietary diversity and sustainable farming methods to tackle hidden hunger in high-production yet nutritionally challenged areas.
KeLCoP, supported by the national government, IFAD, Heifer International, and local partners, aims to enhance livestock productivity, commercialization, and overall resilience for smallholders. In Siaya, this ties into broader efforts like livestock distribution (including Dorper sheep to groups) and market infrastructure upgrades.
As part of the ongoing #LongRainsCampaign2026, the agri-nutrition component positions Siaya as a leader in blending farming innovation with public health for lasting impact. With over 3,000 households poised to benefit directly, this drive could set a replicable model for rural Kenya, transforming small farms into sources of both income and improved well-being.
Stay tuned for progress as Siaya’s farmers embrace nutrition-smart practices this season.
