Governor Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo has called on farmers in Vihiga County to move from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, locally known as Kilimo Biashara, as part of efforts to increase household incomes and improve food production.
The governor made the remarks during a field visit to Mwitoko and Mungoma wards in Emuhaya Constituency, where he assessed ongoing vegetable farming projects and interacted with smallholder farmers. During the visit, he reviewed progress in climate-smart farming practices aimed at strengthening resilience within the county’s agriculture sector.
Beyond vegetable farming, Vihiga County has also recorded notable progress in aquaculture. More than 1,200 farmers are now actively engaged in fish farming through the establishment of fish ponds across the county. The programme, supported by development partners including the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and ARNSA, has facilitated the construction of ponds and the provision of starter fish feeds to participating farmers.
To further strengthen the aquaculture value chain, the county government established a fingerling hatchery in Mwitoko, Emuhaya Constituency. A fish feed processing facility has also been set up in the area to help lower production costs and ensure farmers have consistent access to quality feed.
Support for Key Value Chains
Governor Ottichilo also highlighted additional agricultural interventions supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These programmes focus on strengthening key value chains including banana cultivation, traditional vegetables, and dairy farming.
As part of efforts to boost livestock productivity, the county government has distributed more than 800 dairy cows to farmers through cooperative unions. The initiative aims to increase milk production while strengthening the dairy sector as a reliable source of household income.
The governor further urged vegetable farmers to adopt climate-smart practices such as rainwater harvesting for irrigation to sustain production during the dry spells that periodically affect the region.
He also commended the “Taka ni Mali” initiative, which converts organic waste into compost manure. The programme promotes sustainable farming by transforming waste into valuable soil nutrients while reducing environmental pollution.
Focus on Sustainability and Income Growth
Governor Ottichilo said his administration remains committed to modernising agriculture through targeted investments in aquaculture, dairy farming, horticulture, and value addition. These interventions are designed to equip farmers with the skills, inputs, and infrastructure needed to turn small farms into viable commercial enterprises.
Farmers in Emuhaya welcomed the county’s support programmes but called for continued extension services and stronger market linkages to help them maximise returns. Many households depend on traditional vegetables and fish ponds as important sources of both nutrition and income.
With its favourable climate for mixed farming, Vihiga County continues to position aquaculture and livestock production as key drivers of economic growth. The Mwitoko hatchery, in particular, now supplies quality fingerlings not only within the county but also to neighbouring regions.
By promoting climate-smart agriculture and waste-to-resource initiatives such as Taka ni Mali, the county aims to strengthen resilience against climate variability while creating employment opportunities along agricultural value chains.
The Governor assured residents that the county government will continue supporting programmes that transform subsistence farming into profitable agribusiness. He also encouraged farmers to join organised groups to improve access to inputs, training, and markets.
