By Betty Luke
Farmers and producer groups in Isiolo are set to benefit from a newly established community resource center that will support value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and help them earn more from their products.
Speaking during the official opening of the center that already has an office block for Merti Integrated Development Program (MID-P), Programs Manager Ibrahim Kabelo highlighted that the center intends to aid value addition for products such as gum and resins, honey, and food crops that are often sold raw, earning farmers minimal returns.
“Farmers are suffering losses in millions due to lack of a reliable market. Through cooperatives, we hope to help them process and add value to their produce to boost their income,” Kabelo said.
For local farmers, the center comes as a timely intervention, offering hope for better earnings and reduced losses from their produce.
“We have been selling our honey and gum as raw products for years, earning very little despite the hard work. Once up and running, the center will help us process and package them properly, which will fetch better prices and change our lives,” said Fatuma Hassan, a farmer from Kambi Garba.
The center,that will be established by MID-P, will also integrate early warning systems, combining indigenous and scientific knowledge to strengthen learning and research.
The facility was set up through the Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) Sustainability Model Program, an initiative funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DANIDA), focused on advancing localization by empowering local organizations in Kenya to lead and sustain humanitarian and development efforts.
DRC’s Country Director Simon Nzioka emphasized the importance of local organizations adopting sustainable models to reduce over-reliance on foreign aid.
The official said there was potential for local organizations to adopt measures that would ensure they are able to increase their own income while also supporting communities they serve to enhance their sustainability.
“With the recent USAID funds freeze, local organizations and communities should begin re-imagining their sustainability so as to stay afloat,” noted Nzioka who graced the commissioning of the center in Isiolo’s Kambi Garba.
Assistant County Commissioner Peter Njuguna hailed the organization for ensuring women and youth participation in its initiatives, urging for more support to the vulnerable groups for improved livelihoods.
MID-P Executive Director Molu Tepo reiterated the organization’s commitment, through its strategic plan, to ensure residents maximally benefit from its programs.
Also present at the launch was County Tourism Chief Officer Batulla Maalim who called on non-governmental organizations to adopt initiatives that promote tourism activities in the county.
