Cancer Fears Push Meru Farmers Towards Organic Farming as Safaricom Steps In

By Dennis Dibondo 

Farmers in Meru County have been urged to embrace organic farming and reduce excessive use of chemicals in food production amid growing concerns over cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said there was an increasing need for farmers to adopt safer and more sustainable farming methods to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with excessive chemical use.

Kiome said researchers and scientists were increasingly recommending organic farming as one of the measures that could help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

“Nowadays, researchers and scientists are recommending the use of organic farming to reduce the risk of contracting cancer,” Kiome said.

She added that farmers should receive more training on the safe use of agricultural chemicals and alternative farming methods that reduce dependence on synthetic inputs.

The Deputy Governor was speaking on Friday during a farmers' training forum organised by Safaricom PLC in Meru.

The event was attended by Safaricom PLC Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali Kimanthi, who said the telecommunications company had turned its attention to farmers because agriculture remains a key contributor to Kenya's economy.

Kimanthi said Safaricom had introduced Bundle Ya Wakulima, an initiative aimed at providing farmers with affordable voice and internet services while helping them access information and connect with key players in the agricultural value chain.

She said farmers who register for the initiative would also enjoy special discounts.

“We have been trying to understand our customers' needs, and we decided to look into farmers. We are holding such forums to connect with them and understand their needs. One of the issues they raised is that they make numerous calls to agronomists and agricultural extension officers,” she said.

Kiome praised Safaricom for its continued investment in development projects across Meru County.

She said the company had invested Sh20 million at Mituntu Hospital and supported the construction of a maternity theatre, Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit in Timau, as well as a maternity theatre in Uruku.

“They are also building several schools and undertaking other development projects. Next year, they have promised to upgrade schools, especially in rural areas where infrastructure is poor,” Kiome said.

Meru County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Genaro Gatangugi said technology had made the work of agricultural extension officers easier by improving communication between farmers, agronomists and agrovet dealers.

Farmers who attended the forum welcomed the initiative, saying it would help them access crucial information, affordable farm inputs and better markets.

Benedicta Nkirote, a potato farmer from Ntumburi, hailed Safaricom for the programme, saying farmers stood to benefit significantly from improved access to information and digital services.

Another farmer, Benard Kinoti from Central Imenti, said the training had equipped farmers with knowledge on how to connect directly with buyers, helping eliminate middlemen and secure better prices for their produce.

He said farmers had also learnt how to access farm inputs at more affordable prices, a move he said could significantly reduce the cost of production.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the use of technology in agriculture by helping farmers access information, markets and agricultural support services more efficiently.