FAO Focuses on Land Security and a good Production in Trans Nzoia County

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is actively addressing land matters through its digitalization land governance program across Kenya’s 47 counties.

However, FAO recognizes that food security is intrinsically linked to agriculture. Without secure land tenure, sufficient food production remains elusive.

During a recent land clinic in Saboti sub-county, Lydah Achieng, FAO’s North Rift representative, emphasized the organization’s dual mission: ensuring land security and promoting food production and distribution to vulnerable communities in hunger-stricken areas.

“Land tenure is crucial,” Achieng stated. “We advocate for landowners to obtain titles for their farms, and the adjudication process must continue.”

To minimize disputes, FAO encourages out-of-court resolutions through the Alternative Justice System (AJS). Achieng acknowledged that many clinic attendees raised questions about settlement issues.

The sub-county faces additional challenges due to road networks, hindering access to land services. Over the next two years, FAO plans to collaborate further to enhance community access.

For a lasting solution, FAO aims to expand clinic days and engage with grassroots communities. Trans Nzoia County, unlike some other North Rift Counties, does not rely on food donations. Instead, FAO proposes empowering farmers through value addition and dairy programs.

Betrice Wangila, Trans Nzoia County Director for Lands, highlighted the three land categories: private, government, and communal. Unlike areas such as Narok, North Eastern, and Turkana, Trans Nzoia lacks communal land.

Wangila urged the public to seek land assistance at Ardhi House Kitale. Additionally, the county plans to station lands staff at sub-county levels to ensure timely services.

The recent land clinic brought together key officials, including Saboti sub-county Planner Anita Wakoli, Kenneth Langat, John Sitienei, NCL Sussy Kidiavai, County Surveyor Emmanuel Mutange, Martine Obuya, and Arrest Langat of the Sub-County Administrator’s office.