Some beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Omoro District are worried about their ability to repay the government funds due to poor agricultural productivity, crop losses, and low market prices for farm produce.
The Parish Development Model is a government programme aimed at lifting households out of poverty by providing financial support for income-generating enterprises at the parish level.
Under the programme, each parish SACCO receives 100 million shillings, from which registered members can access a one-million-shilling loan to invest in selected enterprises.
However, several farmers in Omoro District say the enterprises they invested in have not generated the expected returns.
Josephine Awor, a farmer from Bobi Sub-county, says she used her PDM funds in 2024 to invest in piggery and crop production but suffered significant losses.
Isaac Omodo, a beneficiary from Omoro Town Council, says he harvested 20 bags of maize from four acres last season but decided to store the grain due to the low market price.
Andrew Jomo Oyet, the Omoro District Production Officer acknowledges that some farmers suffered losses last year but encourages them not to give up.
He advises farmers to report disease outbreaks affecting crops and livestock early so that technical officers can intervene and reduce losses.
By URN
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