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By Isabella Maua
Mt. Elgon farmers have joined a section of human rights activists in the campaign against genetically modified organisms.
Speaking during the celebrations of the SOET Annual Farmers Seed Fair in Kapsokwony, Benson Jamhuri, an agricultural enthusiast working with SOET, challenged the government to promote traditional crops for better health.
“It is unlikely that the current generation will live longer years like our forefathers; this is highly contributed by the modified and unhealthily processed foods we consume,” highlighted Jamhuri.
Siddy Otieno, a human rights activist and member of the Kenya Peasants’ League, insisted on the need for the government to fully boost small scale farmers.
“Government both at the county and national level should be at the forefront to aid farmers in achieving an agro ecology farming system through organic agriculture,” reiterated Otieno.
On the other hand, Otieno strongly challenged Kenya’s seed and plant varieties act, saying that it is only meant to frustrate small-scale farmers around the country.
“It is the small-scale farmers that are the backbone of our agricultural sector, but it’s very disheartening that the government is determined to oppress them,” decried Otieno.
Martin Tiriongo, a 78-year-old man from Sambocho, in his speech to the farmers who’d gathered for the celebration, advised the residents to take up organic farming in the quest to save the future.
Conclusively, residents of Mt. Elgon were challenged to come up with a food cooperative so as to build capacity and market their farm produce.
The colorful celebration is held annually courtesy of the Socially Organized Educative Team in association with Fastenaktion under the theme: working together for nutritious food, savings, and resilience.