By Mary Amboka
In a move aimed at addressing the persistent food scarcity in Busia County, the County Government of Busia has launched an initiative to solicit views from local residents on ways to alleviate the problem. The exercise, which is being implemented through the Agriculture Department, targets residents in Port Victoria and Budalangi sub-county.
According to the department, one of the ways to address food insecurity is to promote sustainable farming practices that boost local production. This move has been welcomed by farmers who see it as a step in the right direction.
However, some farmers have expressed concerns that each region in Busia should be given an opportunity to practice farming methods that are suitable for their specific areas, rather than being forced to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. They argue that this would allow them to produce food that meets the needs of their communities.
Despite these concerns, farmers have welcomed the initiative, which is seen as a step towards addressing the chronic food shortages in the region. The move comes as many farmers in Busia struggle to make ends meet due to a lack of food supplies from neighboring Uganda.
The County Government’s initiative aims to engage local residents in finding solutions to food insecurity, and it is expected to go a long way in addressing the problem.