Agriculture: The Heart of Makueni's Economy
Agriculture employs over 70% of Makueni's population and is central to household incomes and food security. Yet our farmers face persistent challenges:
- • Water scarcity: Erratic rainfall and limited irrigation infrastructure leave farms vulnerable to drought
- • Low productivity: Many farmers use traditional methods; access to improved seeds and fertilizers is limited
- • Market challenges: Farmers often sell at harvest when prices are lowest, lacking market information and organization
- • Climate vulnerability: Increasing drought cycles threaten food security and farming livelihoods
Our Agriculture & Irrigation Strategy
Expand Irrigation Infrastructure
Unlock Makueni's agricultural potential through strategic water management and irrigation expansion.
- ✓ Expand irrigation coverage from 15,000 to 50,000 acres within 5 years
- ✓ Develop 20 new irrigation schemes with water storage and distribution systems
- ✓ Invest in water harvesting: dams, boreholes, and sand dams in all wards
- ✓ Adopt efficient irrigation methods (drip, sprinkler) to maximize water use
- ✓ Support community water groups for sustainable management
Boost Farm Productivity
Increase yields and farmer incomes through modern farming techniques and input support.
- ✓ Subsidize improved seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs for smallholders
- ✓ Train 10,000 farmers in climate-smart agriculture practices
- ✓ Provide extension services with demonstrations and farmer field schools
- ✓ Support crop diversification (horticulture, pulses, cereals)
- ✓ Promote mechanization through tractor hire services and cooperatives
Strengthen Value Chains & Markets
Help farmers capture more value and access reliable markets for their produce.
- ✓ Build 10 farmer cooperatives and strengthen 50 existing ones
- ✓ Establish 5 agro-processing facilities for value addition (milling, packaging)
- ✓ Create market linkages with retailers, wholesalers, and export markets
- ✓ Provide market information through SMS and mobile platforms
- ✓ Support warehouse receipt systems for better pricing and storage
Livestock Development & Climate Resilience
Support pastoralists and mixed farmers in building climate-resilient livelihoods.
- ✓ Support pasture and fodder production for improved livestock nutrition
- ✓ Improve veterinary services and disease control programs
- ✓ Provide livestock insurance to protect against drought losses
- ✓ Implement water harvesting for pastoral areas with community management
- ✓ Promote early warning systems and emergency response for droughts
Agriculture Targets by 2032
50,000
Acres under irrigation
+60%
Average farm income increase
10,000
Farmers trained annually
5
Agro-processing facilities
Investment Plan
County Investment
Dedicate 1.5 billion KES annually to agriculture over 5 years
- • Irrigation infrastructure: 600M KES
- • Input subsidies: 400M KES
- • Extension & training: 300M KES
- • Value chain support: 200M KES
Development Partner Support
Mobilize 500M+ KES from international development organizations
- • World Bank agricultural projects
- • FAO technical cooperation
- • Bilateral donor initiatives
- • Private sector partnerships