Ireland Launches Food Security Project in Kajo-Keji County

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – A new initiative to strengthen household food security and improve livelihoods has been launched across three payams in Kajo-Keji County. The Resilient Food Security and Livelihoods Initiative is being implemented by the Women and Children Health Organization (WCHO) in partnership with GOAL, with support from the government of Ireland.

The project will operate in Lire, Kangapo I, and Kangapo II Payams. Thousands of households are expected to benefit through agricultural support, livelihood enhancement programmes, and community capacity building activities.

County government officials, representatives of the Women and Children Health Organization, traditional leaders, a women’s association, youth representatives, farmers, and community members from the targeted payams attended the launch ceremony. 

The Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, Hon. Wani Jackson Mule, commended the Women and Children Health Organization for its continued support to the people of the county and for selecting it as a beneficiary of the initiative.

He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of the county’s economy and a vital source of income for the majority of residents.

He said the initiative would help improve agricultural production, strengthen household incomes, and reduce vulnerability among communities affected by economic challenges and climate related shocks:

“This project comes at a critical time when our people are striving to rebuild their livelihoods and improve food production. The County Government welcomes this intervention and remains committed to providing the necessary support to ensure its successful implementation.”

He encouraged community members in Lire, Kangapo I, and Kangapo II Payams to take part actively in project activities and to make effective use of the opportunities provided to improve their living standards.

He also called for strong collaboration between local authorities, community leaders, beneficiaries, and implementing partners to maintain transparency, accountability, and sustainability throughout the project cycle.

The Executive Director of the Women and Children Health Organization (WCHO), Maurine Koputo, expressed appreciation to the County Government for its cooperation and support.

She explained that the initiative seeks to empower communities through improved agricultural practices, access to livelihood opportunities, food production support, and resilience building activities designed to help households withstand future economic and environmental challenges.

According to the organisation, the project will place particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable households, women, youth, and farmer groups, recognising their central role in promoting food security and local economic development.

Traditional leaders and community representatives who attended the launch welcomed the initiative. They expressed optimism that it would help address challenges facing rural communities, including low agricultural productivity, limited livelihood opportunities, and household food insecurity.

They pledged their full cooperation in mobilising communities to participate actively in implementing project activities and to ensure the intended benefits reach the targeted beneficiaries.

The County Press Unit stated that the launch of the Resilient Food Security and Livelihoods Initiative marks another step in efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable development in Kajo-Keji County.

The project is expected to contribute to increased agricultural productivity, improved household incomes, enhanced community resilience, and overall socio economic growth in Lire, Kangapo I, and Kangapo II Payams.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that the partnership between the County Government and the Women and Children Health Organization will deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to communities across the targeted areas, according to the County press release.