The World Bank has provided funding of approximately USD1.48m to two counties in Kenya (Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet) which are part of the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Program, reports Standard Media. The money provided targets potato and tomato production, as well as chicken rearing.

The financial support is aimed at boosting food production through irrigation among small-scale households. It is also meant to support environmental conversation through agro-weather, market, climate and advisory services.

World Bank lead mission member Kumar Vutukuru, who was cited by the report, said the support is part of a USD250m fund given to 250 counties across Kenya to improve food security and fight climate change.

“The objective of the Climate Smart Agriculture Project for Kenya is to increase agricultural productivity and build resilience to climate change risks in the targeted smallholder farming and pastoral communities in Kenya and to provide immediate and effective response in case of emergency,” Vutukuru explained.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago said the project also wants to increase the commercial benefit of the farmer through irrigation farming.

“Irrigation farming is the way to go now that we are experiencing erratic weather patterns. I am appealing to all locals to use the World Bank concept of integrating agricultural and environmental conservation to enhance food security and mitigate the effects of climate change,” Mandago concluded.