The National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock chaired by Hon. (Dr.) John Mutunga, conducted a stakeholder engagement with sugarcane farmers in Kwale County.

The Committee met with representatives of local Outgrowers Associations in Kwale. The meeting provided farmers with an opportunity to shed light on the financial hardships that they face.

The farmers said they face difficulty in accessing loans and credit facilities from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC). They said they are frustrated with a lengthy application process and exorbitant costs associated with securing loans. This unjust burden is pushing them deeper into financial distress, with some farmers facing the threat of auctions.

Climate change and persistent drought were also highlighted as factors affecting farmers' financial stability. Kwale farmers expressed their desire for irrigation systems to mitigate the impact of drought and enhance productivity. They called for the Government's support in facilitating the lease or purchase of land to expand their farming operations.

Members assured the farmers that their concerns would be addressed. They pledged to work closely with the relevant authorities, including the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) and Sugar Directorate, to create a conducive environment for cane growers.