Over 8,000 Webuye West farmers receive free maize seeds ahead of planting season

Over 8,000 vulnerable farmers in Webuye West Constituency, Bungoma County, have received free maize seeds from philanthropist Joseph Lendrix Waswa to support food production and improve livelihoods.

The initiative, spearheaded through the Joseph Waswa Foundation, aligns with the government’s agenda of increasing agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers.

Speaking on Thursday during the seed distribution exercise, Waswa emphasised his commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring food security in the region.

"Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and as leaders, we must support our farmers to increase food production and secure their livelihoods," he asserted.

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"Through the Joseph Waswa Foundation, we have decided to provide free maize seeds to farmers who need them the most. This will go a long way in boosting food security and improving household incomes," he said.

The distribution exercise covered four wards in Webuye West—Sitikho, Matulo, Bokoli, and Misikhu—and aimed to ease the burden on struggling farmers who often face difficulties in acquiring quality farm inputs due to high costs.

Many of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, saying the initiative would significantly impact their farming activities.

Margaret Wanyonyi, a small-scale farmer from Sitikho Ward, noted that she had no plans to plant this season due to a lack of funds for purchasing farm inputs, but with the free seeds, she will now farm.

"This is a noble initiative that has come at the right time. We have been struggling to afford quality seeds, but thanks to the Joseph Lendrix Waswa Foundation, we can now plant without worry. This support will ensure we have a good harvest," she said.

Another beneficiary, John Wekesa from Bokoli Ward, highlighted how the initiative would help boost food security and ensure a healthy constituency.

"When leaders step in to help farmers, it means they care about our future. This will not only boost our yields but also help us sustain our families," Wekesa noted.

Waswa reiterated that his intervention aligns with the government's broader efforts to enhance food security and improve agricultural productivity across the country.

He called upon other leaders and organisations to support similar initiatives to ensure that no farmer is left behind.

"Food security is a national priority. If we empower our farmers with the right resources, we can achieve sustainable agricultural growth and reduce poverty," he stated.

County agricultural officers present during the launch commended the initiative, noting that access to quality seeds and fertiliser is crucial in enhancing productivity.

Even as farmers receive this crucial support, some have urged both the county and national governments to invest more in extension services, irrigation projects, and subsidised farm inputs to ensure long-term sustainability.

"This is a great initiative, but we also need more investment in training and modern farming techniques to maximise our yields," said Peter Namisi, another beneficiary.

The Joseph Waswa Foundation has been involved in several community development programmes, including education support, healthcare initiatives, and youth empowerment projects.

Waswa, an aspiring politician under the FORD-Kenya party, assured Webuye residents that his foundation would continue working towards improving their lives.

"This is just the beginning. We will continue supporting our people in different sectors to ensure our constituency thrives," he said.

He also promised that farmers would receive fertiliser in the next planting season.

With the planting season set to begin, farmers in Webuye West now have renewed hope for a bountiful harvest.