A delegation from the Government of Kenya and IFAD led by Mr. Fredrick Kundu accompanied by the IFAD Global Director, Dr. Abila and the Country Director Ms. Mariatu Kamara today visited Kisumu County on a mission to carry out a mid term review (MTR) on the ongoing ABDP project.
The objective of the MTR is to provide the Government of Kenya (GoK) and IFAD with detailed assessment on the level of achievements of ABDP, continued relevance of the program, market led demand driven approach and assumption made during program design.
Additionally, it provides information on review management and operations as well as oversight structure of the program.
It further helps in identifying implementation constraints as well as recommendations and suggestions on any restructuring, re design and amendments that might be desired and necessary in improving effectiveness.
The MTR validates key assumptions, takes stock of performance and reaches agreements on the future direction of the program.
The mission also saw the delegation visit some of the farmers supported under the program such as the Captain feeds in Nyalenda Ward, Kisumu Central Sub County and production facilities (ponds) of aquaculture farmers; Mr. Caleb Guya and Mr. Walter Ombewa of Kisumu North Ward, Kisumu West Sub County.
The home of Mr. Walter Ombewa provided space where aquaculture value chain actors showcased best practices in fish farming, quality feeds and fingerlings among other technologies in fish farming.
On challenges concerning cost of feeds and market access raised by the farmers, the Country Director Ms Mariatu Kamara called on extension officers to link the farmers to feed producers at the onset and finally to markets where they can sell. The youths in the SAGs were also urged to use the digital space to help elderly farmers find market opportunities online.
Concerning production and sales, farmers were advised to use quality feeds to get better harvest that can fetch good prices at the market that will cater for the cost of feeds.
