By BONIFACE MULU
Kitui, Kenya: A field day was held for farmers from around 20 local farmer groups in the Matinyani and Kitui West Districts of Kitui County. These farmers had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills in agricultural practices during this educational event.
At his Kilimu Village home in Kombu Location, Matinyani District, Kathivo Division in Kitui County, Nzomo Mitau, a prominent Kitui businessman and leading farmer in Kenya, served as the event’s host farmer. Nzomo Mitau engages in a wide range of agricultural activities, including food, grass, livestock, poultry, fruits, bee, and vegetable farming. He is well-known for his comprehensive farming practices.
The event had been organized by the Christian aid in partnership with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the Caritas Kitui, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP).
The Kitui County Agriculture Chief Officer Gladys Kivoto was the event’s chief guest. During the field day, the farmers were educated by some experts from the KEFRI, the Kitui County Agriculture and Livestock Development Ministry (KCALDM) and the Caritas Kitui and the agro-vet companies including the Osho Chemicals Industries Limited, the Arysta, the Bayer and the Lachlan.
The Chief guest Gladys Kivoto, in her speech, appreciated the farmers and the event’s organizers “We as a ministry can’t farm for the farmers. What we can do is to give the farmers some farming skills.”
The officer highly lauded the women for being the majority in the groups. “The women are the majority here and I highly appreciate you, the women,” Kivoto said.
Adding “The women are the ones who feed the families. They are the ones who look for food for the families.”
The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) was represented by forester Bernard Kimani Kigwa. During his address, Kigwa educated farmers about various tree species, emphasizing the Melia volkensii (from the Meliaceae family) and the Sandalwood (from the Santalaceae family).
Mr. Kigwa also highlighted the importance of cultivating indigenous food crops like sorghum, cowpeas, millet, and cassava for their health benefits “We the KEFRI conduct research on various tree species including the Melia volkensii, the Sandalwood and the fruits trees,” said Kigwa.
Kigwa, who has worked with KEFRI in Kitui for 25 years, announced his retirement from civil service in November, having reached the age of 65. He was representing Dr. Albert M. Luvanda, the Director of KEFRI’s Kitui Regional Research Centre.
“I have been working with the KEFRI here in Kitui for the last 25 years. And I am retiring from the civil service in November this year for I have attained the 65 years age,” Kigwa explained.
KEFRI Kitui Regional Research Centre is a significant facility dedicated to advancing forestry research and sustainable land management practices in Kenya’s Kitui region.
Established as part of KEFRI’s commitment to regionalized research and development, the centre plays a crucial role in addressing local forestry challenges and contributing to national and global efforts towards sustainable forest management.
