Farmers in Migori County are being strongly encouraged to join Saccos and Cooperatives as a strategic move to unlock a myriad of benefits, including enhanced access to markets, increased income generation, and direct eligibility for government grants. This initiative, championed by Migori Deputy Governor Gimunta Mahiri and other key county officials, underscores the profound importance of collective action for agricultural development in the region.

Deputy Governor Mahiri emphasized that aligning with Saccos is crucial for farmers to garner support from both national and county governments. Such affiliations would pave the way for grants, provision of subsidized farm inputs, and comprehensive training programs designed to bolster agricultural productivity. He cited the county's ongoing commitment to reducing production costs for farmers through initiatives like providing free seedlings, which include maize, beans, sorghum, and fingerlings. Furthermore, Dr. Mahiri urged farmers to embrace the government's subsidized fertilizer program, another critical step towards decreasing expenses and boosting overall farm income. He made it clear that direct individual funding is not feasible, reinforcing the necessity of Sacco registration.

Concurring with this sentiment, Lucas Mosenda, Migori's Agriculture County Executive Committee member (CECm), reiterated the vital need for farmers to converge into common interest groups. This collective approach, he explained, would facilitate the acquisition of farm inputs at more affordable prices, ensure improved market access for their produce, and guarantee robust government support. Mosenda highlighted that many of the county's agricultural initiatives are specifically structured to operate through established farmers' groups, underscoring their pivotal role in implementation and outreach. He also confirmed the county government's active role in establishing crucial linkages between farmers and potential markets for their harvests.

A significant financial commitment to this cause is evident in the county government's allocation of three million shillings in grants to each of Migori's 40 wards. This initiative, aptly named 'a shilling to a shilling', is meticulously designed to match the savings made by farmers, thereby providing a powerful incentive for them to intensify their production efforts. This matching grant aims not only to provide financial assistance but also to motivate greater agricultural output within the county.

Adding a farmer's voice to the appeal, Gladys Otieno, a representative for women and disabled farmers from Rongo, passionately urged her peers to unite. She stressed that unity is the key to successfully leveraging the funds and support made available by both national and county governments. Ms. Otieno also highlighted a common challenge faced by farmers: the difficulty in securing markets for their produce even after a successful harvest, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the support required by the agricultural community.