Targeted investments in agriculture have propelled Tharaka Nithi County's economy to new heights, growing its gross domestic product to KES 87.9 billion in 2023 from KES 80.5 billion the previous year. Governor Muthomi Njuki emphasized that this significant growth stems from a deliberate strategy to localize development and empower local farmers, who form the backbone of the region's economy.

This economic upswing directly impacts the lives of the county's residents, where an estimated 80% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. The county government's focus on providing certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers, and expanding irrigation is not just boosting farm yields; it's creating jobs and sustainable enterprises for youth, women, and people with disabilities across various value chains.

Cultivating Success Beyond the Shamba

The county's strategy extends beyond the farm gate, aiming to build a resilient and diverse agricultural sector. One of the flagship initiatives is a biannual seed distribution program designed to combat food insecurity, which affects approximately 65,000 farming families annually due to erratic weather patterns. This program provides over 100,000 farmers with certified seeds suited for the county's diverse ecological zones, significantly reducing dependency on relief food.

Diversification has been a key theme, with a strong push into fish farming and dairy production. Fish production has surged from 5,000kgs in 2017 to 51,000kgs, creating new income streams. To support this, the administration provides farmers with essential equipment like freezers and cool boxes, and plans are underway for a central fish processing plant. Similarly, the dairy sector has seen milk production increase by six million litres, thanks to breed improvement and better market support.

Tackling Climate Change and Market Hurdles

Despite the successes, farmers in Tharaka Nithi still face significant challenges. Climate change remains a primary threat, with unpredictable rainfall and increased temperatures leading to crop stress and failure. The region is largely semi-arid, making rain-fed agriculture a gamble. In response, innovative, climate-smart technologies like sensor-based irrigation systems are being introduced to enhance resilience.

Market access and exploitation by middlemen also remain persistent issues, preventing many small-scale farmers from reaping the full rewards of their labour. Many farmers lack adequate market information and storage facilities, forcing them to sell their produce at low prices. The county government is working to address this by developing value chains for key products like green grams, coffee, and tea to ensure farmers get better returns.

• **County GDP:** Grew to KES 87.9 billion in 2023, an 11.5% increase from 2022.
• **Population Employed in Agriculture:** 80% of residents.
• **Seed Distribution:** Over 100,000 farmers receive free certified seeds each season.
• **Fish Production:** Increased tenfold from 5,000kgs in 2017 to 51,000kgs.
• **Dairy Growth:** Milk production rose by 6 million litres in the last year.

Looking forward, the administration's focus remains on transforming the agricultural landscape from subsistence to a profitable, commercial enterprise. As Governor Njuki noted, empowering farmers with the right tools, knowledge, and market linkages is the definitive path to securing not just food on the table, but a prosperous future for all residents of Tharaka Nithi.