Bungoma

Bungoma County is located in the Western region with a population of 1,670,570 people. The county’s capital and largest town is Bungoma. Key economic activities include agriculture, forestry, tourism and industry.

Nestled in the western reaches of Kenya, Bungoma County boasts a vibrant agricultural landscape, nourished by fertile soils and the tireless hands of its people. From the foothills of Mount Elgon to the rolling plains, agriculture forms the backbone of the county’s economy and culture.

Land and Land Use in Bungoma County

Bungoma County’s agricultural success owes much to its land resources. With 2,880.78 square kilometers of arable land, the county provides space for a diverse range of crops and livestock. However, land management is crucial to ensure sustainable utilization.

• Land Use Categories: Agriculture undoubtedly dominates land use, but forestry, mining, construction, and settlements also play significant roles. Land acts as collateral, holds cultural significance, and offers aesthetic value. Spatial planning is crucial to harmonize these diverse uses and optimize land utilization.

• Land Ownership: Both private (freehold) and government-held (trust) lands exist in Bungoma. The average farm size is 1.5 acres for small farms and 10 acres for large farms, highlighting concerns about land fragmentation and decreasing plot sizes. Addressing this issue requires promoting sustainable land-use practices and controlling fragmentation.

• Land Titling: Only 34.1% of land parcels have official title deeds, leaving 65.9% of residents on ancestral lands without formal documentation. Proper land adjudication and demarcation are essential to ensure secure land ownership and prevent conflict.

• Landlessness and Squatterdom: Pockets of landlessness and squatterdom, primarily in Mt. Elgon Sub-County, pose social and economic challenges like poverty, malnutrition, and insecurity. Policy interventions and resettlement efforts are necessary to address these issues.

• Settlement Patterns: Bungoma’s settlement patterns reflect agricultural productivity, transportation networks, and access to services. Understanding these patterns is crucial for planning infrastructure and social amenities effectively.

Employment and Role of Agriculture in Bungoma County

Agriculture significantly impacts employment in Bungoma County. While 14% of residents have no formal education, 50.3% of those with primary education and 42.3% with secondary or higher education find work in agriculture. This highlights the sector’s importance as a source of livelihood and the need for continuous skills development to improve productivity and income.

Irrigation potential and infrastructure

Despite its agricultural wealth, Bungoma faces challenges with unpredictable rainfall patterns. Thankfully, the county possesses immense irrigation potential.

• Water Sources: Mount Elgon, one of Kenya’s five water towers, and rivers like Nzoia, Terem/Kuywa, Kibisi, and Lwakhakha/Malakisi offer abundant water resources for irrigation.

• Gravity-fed Systems: Harnessing water through gravity-fed systems is preferred due to its cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

• Existing Schemes: Four operational irrigation schemes – Kamusinga, Chebukui, Kuywa, and Stabicha – demonstrate the potential for successful irrigation projects. Expanding such initiatives can significantly enhance productivity and reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.

Crop, Livestock, Fish Production, and Value Addition

Bungoma boasts a diverse agricultural landscape, producing a variety of food and cash crops.

• Main Crops: Maize, beans, finger millet, sweet potatoes, bananas, sorghum, Irish potatoes, and vegetables form the foundation of the county’s food security. Cash crops like sugarcane, cotton, palm oil, coffee, tea, sunflower, and tobacco also contribute significantly to the economy.

• Acreage and Challenges: With 201,654.6 hectares dedicated to food crops and 86,423.4 hectares to cash crops, the sector plays a central role in the county’s economy. However, reliance on rain-fed agriculture exposes farmers to food insecurity during droughts. Diversification into other economic activities and embracing irrigation and greenhouse technologies are crucial to mitigate these risks and boost overall productivity.

• Average Farm Sizes: The average farm size of 2.5 hectares per family highlights the need for efficient land management practices and support for small-scale farmers.

• Storage Facilities: While three National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) warehouses exist, underutilization and inadequate drying and storage facilities lead to significant post-harvest losses. Subsidizing drying and storage charges could encourage farmers to utilize these facilities and minimize losses.

• Livestock Breeds and Facilities: Animal husbandry is an integral part of Bungoma’s agricultural system. Cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, poultry, and bees are the main livestock types. Promoting superior breeds and disease-resistant varieties can significantly enhance livestock productivity and family incomes.

• Fishing: Fish farming through ponds and hatcheries is increasing in the county, with tilapia, catfish, and mudfish being some of the most common types of fish found in Bungoma.

From Farm to Fork: Building Value Chains

Bungoma’s farmers don’t just cultivate crops; they create value. Here’s how:

• Processing Power: Agro-processing facilities like Rai Paper Mills-Webuye, West Kenya Naitiri Sugar Company and Nzoia Sugar Company add value to sugarcane and other crops, boosting incomes and creating jobs.

• Honey’s Sweet Success: Beekeeping, particularly in Mt. Elgon, Sirisia, and Bumula, is witnessing a rise, offering a low-cost entry point for farmers and diversifying the agricultural landscape.

• Market Access: Initiatives like the Bungoma County Agricultural Show connect farmers directly with consumers, eliminating middlemen and maximizing profits.

Emerging Trends and Innovations

Bungoma’s agricultural scene is constantly evolving, embracing new technologies and trends:

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Adoption of practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and water harvesting combats climate change while ensuring sustainable food production.

• Precision Agriculture: Utilizing drones and sensors to monitor soil health, water stress, and crop growth is enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions and optimize resource use.

• Digital Platforms: Online platforms like Esoko connect farmers with markets, input suppliers, and financial services, empowering them to make informed decisions and access resources.

The Future of Farming in Bungoma

As we look ahead, Bungoma’s agricultural future appears bright, with a focus on:

• Expanding Irrigation: Utilizing the county’s water resources through efficient irrigation systems can significantly boost productivity and reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.

• Promoting Value Addition: Encouraging agro-processing and value-addition initiatives can create jobs, increase farmer incomes, and reduce post-harvest losses.

• Embracing Technology: Integrating climate-smart practices, precision agriculture, and digital platforms can optimize resource use, improve decision-making, and enhance overall agricultural efficiency.

By capitalizing on its fertile land, abundant water resources, and innovative spirit, Bungoma County is poised to write a new chapter in its agricultural story, ensuring food security, economic prosperity, and a thriving future for generations to come.