By Kulubya Moses
MANAFWA
More than 2,000 farmers in Butiru County, Manafwa District, are set to transform their livelihoods following the conclusion of a massive coffee seedlings distribution program.
The initiative, spearheaded by the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Wakooli Godfrey Matembu, aimed to promote coffee farming as a primary economic activity across the constituency. The program set an ambitious target of ensuring at least 50 households in every village are actively engaged in coffee cultivation.
Local leaders believe the project will reduce on the rising social challenges like domestic violence and crime. Residents in the sub-counties of Maefe, Sisuni, Bukoma, and Bukusu where the final phase of the distribution took place have welcomed the move as a practical solution to community instability.
Mr. Watenga Juma, the LCIII Chairperson of Maefe Sub-county, observed that the area has been grappling with high crime rates among the youth, which he attributed to rampant betting and drug abuse, specifically marijuana.
“We are optimistic that the distribution of these seedlings will keep our young people productively engaged in their gardens rather than in unproductive activities,” Mr. Watenga said.
He further raised an alarm over the emergence of organized youth groups involved in drug use, identifying “Team Forgone” and “B13” as some of the gangs causing concern in the district.
Beneficiaries from the various sub-counties expressed gratitude for the seedlings, noting that the initiative would provide a sustainable source of income for their families.
The exercise was coordinated by Mr. Emmanuel Wodada, the Personal Assistant to Hon. Matembu, who oversaw the final delivery to the farmers. Leaders now hope the focus on “black gold” will help shift the region’s economic landscape from subsistence to commercialized agriculture.