Calls grow for increased agriculture funding, more extension officers, rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and farm machinery to safeguard food security.
GARISSA,KENYA – Hundreds of farmers in Garissa County have petitioned the County Assembly, demanding immediate intervention to address persistent flooding, chronic underfunding of agriculture, inadequate extension services and the deteriorating state of public farm machinery.
The petition, submitted by the Garissa Farmers Network (GFN) and presented by its Chairperson Abdullahi Abdi, was officially received by County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle Gure, marking a major push by farmers for reforms aimed at revitalizing the county’s agricultural sector.
The farmers say recurring floods, largely caused by the overflowing Tana River and seasonal heavy rains, continue to devastate farms across the county. The floods regularly wash away crops, destroy irrigation infrastructure, damage access roads and erode fertile agricultural land, leaving many farming families without reliable sources of income and worsening food insecurity.
While the seasonal floods help replenish pasture and water resources, the petition notes that their destructive impact on farming communities has far outweighed the benefits, with many farmers struggling to recover after every flooding season.
Beyond the flooding crisis, the farmers expressed concern over what they described as inadequate budget allocations to the agriculture sector despite its critical role in supporting livelihoods and ensuring food security across Garissa County.
The petition also highlights a severe shortage of agricultural extension officers in all wards, arguing that farmers have been denied access to modern farming technologies, technical guidance and climate-smart agricultural practices that are essential for improving productivity and adapting to climate change.
GFN further raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of Agricultural Machinery Services equipment, claiming that many government-owned tractors and machinery have become unusable due to years of poor maintenance, vandalism and neglect, limiting farmers’ access to mechanized farming services.
According to the petitioners, previous engagements with the County Executive have failed to deliver lasting solutions, prompting them to seek the intervention of the County Assembly.
Among the key proposals contained in the petition are:
- A comprehensive inquiry into the recurring floods and implementation of long-term flood mitigation measures.
- Construction and rehabilitation of dykes, drainage systems, riverbank protection works and climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure.
- Increased budgetary allocation to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
- Recruitment of additional agricultural extension officers across all wards.
- Rehabilitation of farm access roads and establishment of farmers’ markets throughout the county.
- Investigation into the condition of Agricultural Machinery Services equipment, followed by urgent repairs and measures to protect public assets.
Receiving the petition, Speaker Abdi Idle Gure reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to addressing issues affecting farmers.
“The County Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the voices of our farmers are heard and that matters affecting their livelihoods receive the attention they deserve,” the Speaker said.
Deputy Speaker and Iftin MCA Mustafa Abdirashid called on the Assembly’s Finance, Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Damajale MCA Omar Abdi Hassan, to consider revising the county’s budget estimates—expected to be tabled this week to accommodate the urgent needs raised by the farming community.
The Garissa Farmers Network, an umbrella cooperative and advocacy organization with approximately 1,700 members drawn from across the county, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture, improving market access and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
The petition follows an earlier consultative meeting between GFN officials and the County Assembly, where farmers sought guidance on the legal procedures for submitting a public petition.
The matter has now been referred to the relevant Assembly committee, which will engage the petitioners and other stakeholders before preparing a report and recommendations for debate by the House. The petition represents one of the strongest calls yet for comprehensive agricultural reforms in Garissa, with farmers hoping the Assembly’s intervention will pave the way for long-term investments in flood control, modern farming infrastructure and enhanced food security.
