A rice Irrigation scheme[photo|the standard media]The World Bank has launched The National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) that is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity.

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The project which is estimated at a cost of 22.6 billion shilling will be rolled out in 21 selected counties in order to improve livelihoods and reduce vulnerabilities of targeted rural communities.

World Bank agricultural economist Ladisy Komba Chengula, while speaking during the launch on Saturday said the project will increase agricultural productivity and profitability to farmers in the rural areas.“Out of the 219 Million US Dollars (Ksh. 22.6 billion), The World Bank will provide 200 million dollars and the balance will be topped up the national and the county governments,” said Komba.

According to Mr Komba some of the negative impacts and mitigation measures the project intends to address include promoting the participation of the private sector, communities and other stakeholders in create employment, reduce poverty and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural activities in the 21 counties.“Agriculture is a devolved function and the selected counties will implement the project and the communities will be given a chance to identify areas they want addressed urgently,” said Komba.