Kapchorwa receives oilseed project materials to boost agricultural production

KAPCHORWA, October 27, 2026 – Kapchorwa District Local Government has received soil-testing kits and project implementation documents under the National Oil Seed Project [NOSP], in a move aimed at boosting oilseed production, improving soil management and increasing household incomes among farmers.

The materials, which also include project scopes, a financial plan and an investment plan, are expected to strengthen agricultural planning and support the implementation of interventions targeting oilseed farmers in the district.

The materials were recently handed over to the district leaders at the district headquarters by the NOSP Eastern Region Hub Coordinator, Sophie Aita Mary, and received by the Kapchorwa District LCV Chairperson, Vincent Chelimo, and Chief Administrative Officer, Martin Kiplangat.

Government-funded project, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], seeks to increase the production and productivity of oilseed crops by improving farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs, extension services and reliable markets.

Speaking during the handover of the materials, Chelimo welcomed the support, saying it would help the district strengthen agricultural production and create opportunities for farmers to improve their livelihoods.

“This support provides an opportunity for Kapchorwa to strengthen agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of our farmers. We need to ensure that the materials and interventions provided under this project translate into tangible benefits for the people in our communities,” Chelimo said.

He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of many households in Kapchorwa, adding that improved farming practices, access to quality planting materials and stronger market linkages would enable farmers to increase their earnings.

Chelimo urged district officials, agricultural extension workers and project implementers to work together to ensure that the interventions reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly smallholder farmers.

He said the district leadership would support efforts to sensitise farmers about the project and encourage them to adopt improved agricultural practices to increase productivity.

On his part, Kiplangat said the materials and implementation documents would strengthen planning, financial management and coordination of project activities at the district level.

“The materials received will help strengthen planning, coordination and implementation of the project at the district level. Our responsibility is to ensure that the activities are properly organised, resources are accounted for and the intended beneficiaries receive the support they need,” Kiplangat said.

He emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the utilisation of project resources, saying effective coordination between the district administration, technical officers and the Ministry of Agriculture would be critical to achieving the project’s objectives.

According to Kiplangat, the financial and investment plans will guide resource allocation, while the project scopes will help the district identify priority activities and monitor implementation.

Under NOSP, selected farmers in Kapchorwa are expected to benefit from interventions aimed at increasing the production of sunflower, simsim, soybeans, groundnuts and other oilseed crops.

The project will support farmers through access to quality seed, agricultural inputs, technical guidance and improved market connections.

It is also expected to encourage crop diversification, enabling farmers to take advantage of emerging commercial opportunities within the oilseed value chain.

One of the key interventions is the introduction of soil-testing kits to help farmers and agricultural extension workers assess soil fertility and determine appropriate crop and fertiliser requirements.

The equipment will enable technical officers to provide farmers with more informed advice on soil management, potentially reducing unnecessary expenditure on fertilisers while improving crop yields.

Soil testing is also expected to promote sustainable agricultural practices by helping farmers identify nutrient deficiencies and adopt appropriate measures to maintain soil fertility.

Beyond improving crop production, the project is expected to support the opening and rehabilitation of agricultural access roads in targeted areas to ease the transportation of farm inputs and produce.

Poor road infrastructure remains a challenge for many rural farming communities, often increasing transport costs and limiting access to profitable markets.

Improved road connectivity is expected to help farmers transport their produce to collection centres and markets more efficiently, reducing post-harvest losses and marketing costs.

The project will also promote the formation and strengthening of farmer groups to enhance access to training, agricultural inputs and collective marketing opportunities.

Through organised groups, farmers will be encouraged to coordinate production, improve post-harvest handling and negotiate better prices for their produce.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the oilseed value chain by linking production, processing, transportation and marketing activities.

A national coordinator from MAAIF is also expected to provide further technical guidance on the project’s implementation and the responsibilities of participating districts.

For Kapchorwa district, where agriculture remains a major source of employment and household income, district leaders hope the interventions will help farmers move from subsistence production towards more commercially oriented farming.

However, the project’s success will largely depend on effective implementation, timely delivery of agricultural inputs, adequate extension services and access to reliable markets.

District officials are expected to work closely with farming communities to ensure that the planned interventions translate into increased agricultural productivity, improved household incomes and sustainable rural development.

https://thecooperator.news/challenges-hinder-performance-of-national-oil-seed-project/

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