Boost irrigation farming across Machakos to fight poverty, MYWO tells Wavinya

Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) Chairlady in Matungulu Sub-County, Victoria Nthenya, has urged Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti to support irrigation farming in farms neighbouring rivers in the county in order to help reduce dependence on relief food especially in rural areas.

Ms Nthenya said farmers need to be supported because they cannot rely on rain-fed agriculture as rainfall is unpredictable and uncertain.

She noted that irrigation will help to produce enough food for residents who usually rely on rain-fed agriculture and food aid.

‘’I urge governor Wavinya Ndeti to invest more on irrigation projects to stop dependence on food aid in times of drought especially in rural areas,’’ Ms Nthenya urged.

Speaking at Kyeleni location on Friday during a meeting with local women, she also urged the women to form Saccos to access loans from the government saying this would help them to start business and eradicate poverty.

She noted that the government has allocated funds to the Women Enterprise Fund, National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), Uwezo Fund, and many others affecting women and the youths and not many of them were taking loans to improve their livelihoods.

"Do not sit at home doing nothing, get in group and register yourself in groups so that you can get loans from such funds because it is difficult to get the loans as individuals," she added.

The Uwezo Fund was set aside by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to help youths, women and the disabled to access loans for starting or expanding their businesses to uplift their financial status.

She also encouraged the women to wake up and effectively engage in wealth creation.