Isiolo County Government has partnered with the World Food Programme (WFP) to reduce acute child malnutrition and increase food security in the semi-arid region.

The programme that initially targets the most hit regions is geared towards implementing sustainable nutritious food systems.

Speaking on People Daily, Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti lauded the WFP for stepping in the fight against hunger and malnutrition in the region. He said Isiolo has already set aside funds to support locals who are mainly pastoralists to embrace modern crop farming in a bid to avert hunger and malnutrition.

He added that his government has prioritized crop diversification following many years of food shortage occasioned by prolonged drought.

“This region has been hit hard by drought due to failure,delay or lack of adequate rainfall a move that has resulted to acute health challenges. Now, my government together with WFP is on top gear to embrace and support irrigation in crop farming and in three years time malnutrition and food shortage will have gone low and that our dream,” added Kuti.

Kuti also challenged the locals to welcome mixed farming to promote agriculture for food and commercial purposes.

“This week we were lucky to have been visited by Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Sarah Zeid Of Jordan who was impressed by how we are embracing modern crop and fish farming in partnership with world food programme in the arid region and our newly launched five year nutrition action,”added Kuti.

The WFP that won the 2020 Noble Peace Prize has already rolled up projects like apiculture, aquaculture, and growing drought resistant crops.