Ministry of Agriculture Launches DRIVE Project in Kenya’s ASAL Regions

Machakos: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is spearheading the DRIVE project, an initiative aimed at enhancing the pastoral economies in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). DRIVE, standing for De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement, is set to benefit 125,000 pastoral households across the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, representatives from the State Department for Livestock Development, the project involves a collaboration with the private sector, including ZEP-RE insurance and Kenya Development Corporation (KDC). The DRIVE initiative focuses on increasing access to financial services for livestock farmers, mitigating drought risks, integrating them into the value chain, facilitating livestock trade in the Horn of Africa, and promoting the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups, particularly women.

During a four-day workshop at Seo Hotel in Machakos, representatives from nine counties were briefed about the DRIVE development project. The workshop aimed to familiarize them with the financial products offered by the project, such as insurance, savings, incentives, and digital financial transaction platforms.

Kitui County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Kimwele, highlighted the project’s objectives. He emphasized the importance of understanding the financial products offered, including insurance, which is crucial for farmers facing the adverse effects of climate change. “We have agreed with fellow CECs to do serious sensitization and publicity to farmers as it is a good project since it comes with the aspect of insurance, something that the farmers are lacking yet they need to be insured,” Kimwele stated.

Dr. Kimwele pointed out that the project presents opportunities for youth and women to access credit with friendly interest rates. For sustainability and ownership, pastoralists are required to contribute 20% of the total premium, with the DRIVE project covering the remaining 80%.

The project is part of the government’s effort to build resilience among pastoralists, increase their income, and reduce vulnerability to poverty and the financial strains of harsh climates.

Risper Chepkonga, Baringo County’s Executive Committee member for Agriculture and Livestock, praised the initiative. She noted that the insurance component would help farmers secure necessary resources like pasture and water for their livestock. “We are excited with this project because farmers will be able to take their livestock to the market when they are alive,” Chepkonga commented.

Expected outcomes of the DRIVE project include increased drought resilience in pastoral systems, stable market prices for livestock, greater access to formal financial services, increased private sector investment in the livestock value chain, and a reduction in conflicts, enhancing cross-border trade.