The Garissa Farmers Network chairperson Abdullahi Abdi presenting the petition to Garissa assembly speaker Abdi Idle. On The left is Deputy speaker Mustapha Abdirashid./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Farmers in Garissa county have petitioned the county assembly to address persistent challenges affecting the agriculture sector, including recurring floods, inadequate funding, shortage of extension officers and deteriorating farm machinery.
The petition, submitted by the Garissa Farmers Network (GFN), was presented by the organisation's chairperson Abdullahi Abdi and formally received by county assembly speaker Abdi Idle Gure.
The farmers say annual floods continue to destroy crops, irrigation infrastructure, access roads and
arable land, leading to reduced agricultural production, food insecurity and
loss of livelihoods.
Garissa is among Kenya's counties that experience frequent flooding due to the overflow of the Tana River and seasonal heavy rains. While the floods replenish pasture and water sources, they often destroy farms, displace families and damage critical infrastructure, leaving many farmers struggling to recover.
The
petitioners expressed concern over inadequate
budgetary allocations to the agriculture sector despite its importance to the
county's economy and food security.
They cited a severe shortage of agricultural extension officers across all
wards, saying the gap has denied farmers access to technical advice, modern
farming technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices needed to improve
productivity and build resilience against climate change.
The
farmers also called attention to the deteriorating state of Agricultural
Machinery Services equipment, alleging that much of the publicly owned
machinery have become ineffective due to poor maintenance, vandalism and
prolonged disrepair, limiting access to mechanised farming services.
According to the petition, previous attempts to resolve the issues through the county executive have failed to produce lasting solutions.
Among the
measures sought by the farmers are a comprehensive inquiry into the recurring
floods and recommendations for long-term mitigation, including the construction
and rehabilitation of dykes, drainage systems, riverbank protection works and
climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure.
They also
want increased funding for the department of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, improved maintenance of farm access roads, establishment of farmers'
markets across the county, recruitment of more agricultural extension officers
and an investigation into the condition of Agricultural Machinery Services
equipment with recommendations for urgent repairs and protection of public
assets.
"The county assembly remains committed to ensuring that the voices of our farmers
are heard and that matters affecting their livelihoods receive the attention
they deserve," he said.
Deputy speaker and Iftin MCA Mustafa Abdirashid urged the assembly's finance, budget
and appropriations committee, chaired by Damajale MCA Omar Abdi Hassan, to
consider reviewing the budget estimates, expected to be tabled this
week, to accommodate the pressing needs raised by farmers.
Garissa
Farmers Network is an umbrella cooperative and advocacy organisation with
approximately 1,700 members drawn from across the county. The organisation
works to strengthen agricultural production, improve market access and promote
sustainable livelihoods.
The
petition follows an earlier engagement between GFN officials and the county assembly, during which the farmers sought guidance on the procedures for
submitting a public petition.
The matter will now be referred to the relevant committee, which is expected to consult the petitioners and other stakeholders before presenting its findings and recommendations to the assembly for debate and consideration.
