Lamu, KENYA: Lamu governor has urged the Boni forest community to embrace modern farming techniques so as to save themselves from the glaring poverty.
Speaking when he distributed 3,300 bags of fertilizer worth Sh.4.9 Million to at least 5000 farmers in Mokowe on Thursday, the governor said Kenya was looking towards improved Agricultural techniques to ensure food security both for regions and nationwide.
The Boni community are traditionally hunters and gatherers who have depended on the Boni forest for survival where they hunt, gather wild fruits and roots and also engage in honey harvesting.
Twaha however says times have changed and that there is a need for the community to consider trying out farming so as to ensure a steady supply of food.
However, he pledged that the county government will work hand in hand with the community so as to ensure their transition to farming is smooth and effective.
“We live in times when food security isn’t a request but an expectation from all. Even as try as a county government to reinforce and assist farmers where we can, our greatest appeal on this day goes to the Boni community. We understand and respect their way of life, but we also know they would do better with a steady food supply and farming can go a long way to help them with that. We shall hold their hands to ensure they adapt well,” said Twaha.
He said the county government would continue to assist farmers so that the county can realize its objective to ensure Lamu becomes the biggest bread basket at the coastal region.
Farmers in the region have already received seedlings.
He said the county was also in the process of purchasing 10 more tractors to boost farm preparations and general farming in the region.
Twaha further revealed that the county was also putting up silos and granaries at Mvundeni area in Lamu West to store cereals.
“The essence is to be able to store the cereals well so that they come in handy whenever they need be while still in perfect condition. Our major goal is food security for Lamu then who knows, we could be the best at the coast,” said Twaha.
