The vaccinated animals included 33,274 cattle, 18,738 sheep, and 42,684 goats that have also been dewormed against internal worms, aimed at enhancing animal health.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) contracted with the Candle of Hope Foundation to implement the project that is being funded by the Norwegian government, where FAO provided veterinary supplies like dewormers and acaricides.

‘We have been able to vaccinate the animals in the targeted areas to enhance animal health,’ said the candle of Hope Foundation Programme Director Jonathan Mwaniki during a County Steering Committee meeting chaired by Kathozweni Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Annabel Gitonga.

During the meeting held in the Makueni County Commissioner’s boardroom in Wote town, members were also told that farmers acquired knowledge and skills on good agriculture practices, soil conservation, and the use of certified seed to increase food production.

Mwaniki disclosed that each of the 500 households received a cone garden, whereby
the garden is able to hold 200 seedlings of assorted vegetables for the family to access and use diversified foods to improve food and nutrition.

‘There is a need to embrace climate-smart agriculture technologies like conservation agriculture, drip irrigation, and cone gardens to improve food security in the area,’ said Mwaniki.

‘We have been able to build the resilience of the beneficiaries, who have also acquired knowledge and skills,’ he added.

On her part, the DCC urged public workers to take their work seriously while saying it was imperative for them to prioritise service delivery to the people, as this was the essence of being on the government payroll.

Gitonga lauded the Candle of Hope Foundation for training local farmers in smart agriculture practices that will ultimately increase food production, hence boosting food security in the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency