By Bisola Adeyemo
At least 600 farmers in 18 farmers’ Common Interest Groups (CIG) received 1,095 hybrid Galla goats livestock donations to help them improve their animal breed.
The donation was done by Kenya Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) in partnership with the West Pokot County Government.
As part of their effort to improve the breeding of cattle, goats, and sheep in the region and its commitment to help farmers earn more money from their livestock farming.
According to Kenya News Agency (KNA), this was the 3rd Phase Of Galla Goats Donations West Pokot Farmers would receive from the state government.
While presiding over the donation exercise, West Pokot Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo lauded the progress of the program saying it will address animal breed, food security, and improve livelihoods.
Prof Lonyangapuo noted that the Galla goats’ project is one of the agriculture values chains programs that the national government and West Pokot devolved unit implemented through the Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Project aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and profitability in the region.
The governor pointed out that the Galla goat matures and attains market weight at around six months quicker than the local breed which takes one year for a farmer to get cash.
He encouraged farmers to engage in more climate-smart activities that will enable them get cash to cater for their families.
“Much progress has been made in reducing hunger and poverty and improving food security and nutrition but I want to encourage all farmers that you engage yourselves in climate-smart activities that will help provide a source of food, income, and employment and in the process improve your standards of living,” Lonyangapuo emphasized.