Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua has sought the intervention of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries over alleged exploitation of farmers in Kitui County by brokers and middlemen during the sale of agricultural produce.
Wambua told the Senate that agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for many households in the county, but poor market access has left farmers vulnerable to exploitation by intermediaries who determine prices at the expense of growers.
The Senator said limited access to reliable markets, inadequate storage facilities, lack of timely market information and weak bargaining power have forced many farmers to sell their produce at unfair prices.
“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. This significantly reduces their incomes and undermines agricultural productivity and sustainability,” Wambua said.
The lawmaker wants the committee to provide details on measures being taken by the government to protect farmers from exploitation during the marketing of their produce.
He also sought updates on efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and farmer organisations, saying such structures would improve collective bargaining power and enable farmers to secure better returns.
Wambua further asked the government to outline interventions aimed at improving access to storage facilities, market information and other post-harvest support services.
The Senator argued that better infrastructure and market systems would help farmers preserve their produce, access competitive markets and reduce dependence on brokers.
He also called for details on measures being taken to establish direct market linkages between farmers and buyers, saying the move would help increase farm-gate prices and reduce reliance on exploitative middlemen.
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