Busia County is leading the way in climate adaptation through a locally driven approach that is transforming smallholder agriculture. Through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, the county government has empowered local farmers with knowledge and tools to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, with an eye on food security and resilience to climate shocks.
A highlight of this initiative is the development of a 30-acre climate-resilient horticultural park at Benga village in Nambale sub-county. The project has benefitted 120 farmers, each allocated a quarter-acre plot. Farmers have received seeds for crops like capsicum, kales, butter nuts, and watermelon, enabling them to generate weekly incomes, with many earning an average of KSh 2,000.
Agnes Anyango, a beneficiary, praised the program for lifting her from dependence to self-reliance. “I used to rely on neighbors, but now I grow capsicum and kales, earning about KSh 2,500 weekly. I can now support my family,” she said.
Thanks to irrigation-based farming powered by solar systems, the project ensures year-round crop production, even during dry spells. However, challenges such as perennial rains and hailstorms continue to threaten crop yields. Farmers like Michael Barasa have called on FLLoCA to consider introducing greenhouses to shield delicate crops from extreme weather.
Dr. Symplisius Mukok, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, lauded the Benga irrigation scheme, noting its transformative impact. “This is a community-driven project featuring a raised steel water tank, intake weir, and drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. It’s turning locals into smart agripreneurs,” he said.
Eight acres of the scheme are under drip irrigation and 22 acres under sprinkler systems. Farmers are expected to soon harvest a range of climate-resilient vegetables, including nutrient-rich African leafy greens.
This initiative aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), emphasizing grassroots empowerment. The Benga project stands out as a model for sustainable agriculture, blending innovation, local leadership, and climate resilience to secure Busia’s food future.
