Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua has called on the government to outline measures being implemented to protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen, arguing that poor market access continues to undermine agricultural productivity and household incomes.
Speaking in the Senate, Wambua noted that farming remains the primary source of livelihood for the majority of families in Kitui County, but many farmers are forced to sell their produce at low prices due to challenges within agricultural markets.
“Due to limited access to markets, inadequate storage facilities, insufficient market information and weak bargaining power, many farmers are compelled to sell their produce at unfairly low prices,” Wambua said.
He warned that the situation has significantly reduced farmers’ earnings and discouraged investment in agriculture.
“This significantly reduces their incomes and undermines agricultural productivity and sustainability,” he added.
The senator sought a comprehensive response from the government on strategies being put in place to shield farmers from brokers who take advantage of producers during the marketing of agricultural commodities.
Wambua also requested an update on efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and farmer organizations, saying stronger collective structures would improve farmers’ bargaining power and help them secure better prices for their produce.
In addition, the lawmaker called for details on government interventions aimed at improving access to storage facilities, market information and other post-harvest services that are critical in reducing losses and increasing profitability.
He further urged the government to establish direct market linkages between farmers and buyers, arguing that such initiatives would eliminate unnecessary intermediaries and improve farm-gate prices.
“The government should explain the steps being taken to establish direct market linkages between farmers and buyers to reduce reliance on exploitative intermediaries,” he said.
The matter has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, which is expected to examine the concerns and provide recommendations on the way forward.
Lawmakers have increasingly raised concerns over the challenges facing farmers across the country, including poor market access, post-harvest losses and fluctuating commodity prices, which continue to affect the profitability of the agricultural sector.
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