By MN Reporter

Small scale farmers in Migori have challenged the county government to allocate more money for agriculture to boost food security.

Brought Migori Small Holder Farmers Network, the farmers said that the allocation should go to hiring more agricultural extension officers and ensure projects are utilized fully.

“It is sad that the county still imports basic food items like eggs and chicken,” the Network’s secretary Samson Ochieng said.

Ochieng said that in both Kuria East and Kuria West sub-counties which are key in producing maize in the county are only served by two extension officers using a one motorbike.

“Lack of extension officers in all 40 wards in the county has seen recent launch of multi-million agricultural projects not being felt by farmers,” Ochieng said.

They said lack of extension officers has seen farmers only “hear “ of mega launches in their sectors without being involved.

“We only hear in the press of recently launched Sh13million fish farming project, dairy farming, Sh20million tissue culture banana, tree planting and fruit farming without seeing their benefits,” Ochieng’ said.

The ActionAid official Simon Wankuru said the by hiring more extension officers and increasing allocation farmers can be well versed with the projects.

Wankuru said in the 2013/14 financial year Migori allocated Sh20.5million for agriculture but reduce the amount by about Sh3.5million which he blamed for food insecurity.

“The amount was reduced but even though fruit farming venture was launched we are yet to supply any single output for a proposed fruit farm,” he said.

Wankuru said the group will work with county assembly committee, farmers and stakeholders to help boost the sector to directly help small scale farmers.