The Department of Agriculture is responsible for promoting agricultural development and supporting farmers to improve productivity, food security, and livelihoods within the Municipality. The Department provides agricultural extension services and implements programmes in line with national agricultural policies and local development priorities.

Core Values

The Department of Agriculture performs the following key functions:

Agricultural Extension & Policy Implementation

  • Participates in the provision of extension services in natural resource management, rural infrastructure, and small-scale irrigation
  • Assists in the formulation and implementation of agricultural policies within the framework of national policies
  • Submits reports on the implementation of agricultural policies and programmes to the Assembly
  • Advises the Assembly on matters related to agricultural development

Crop Production & Natural Resource Management

  • Promotes extension services to farmers and participates in on-farm adaptive research
  • Leads data collection and analysis on cost-effective farming enterprises
  • Advises and supports crop development through nursery propagation
  • Promotes soil and water conservation measures using appropriate agricultural technologies
  • Encourages agroforestry development to reduce bush fires and promote environmental sustainability
  • Promotes efficient and integrated water management practices

Livestock Development & Animal Health

  • Facilitates sustained pasture and forage production for livestock farmers
  • Supports the development of animal health service infrastructure
  • Encourages improvement of livestock breeds
  • Facilitates vaccination, immunisation, and control of animal diseases
  • Assists in the development of early warning systems for animal diseases
  • Facilitates the development and maintenance of livestock water supply systems

Irrigation, Agro-Processing & Agribusiness

  • Assists in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of small-scale irrigation schemes
  • Facilitates assessment of the economic, financial, and environmental viability of irrigation canals
  • Promotes agro-processing, storage, and value addition
  • Encourages investment in agriculture by supporting the preparation of pre-feasibility reports

Fisheries & Aquaculture Development

  • Participates in the education and enforcement of fisheries legislation
  • Promotes the formation of viable fishermen associations
  • Assists in fish farming and aquaculture development
  • Supports the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of fish landing sites

Capacity Building, Monitoring & Supervision

  • Supervises agricultural extension staff in the field
  • Coordinates regular training programmes for frontline staff
  • Monitors and evaluates agricultural projects and programmes
  • Facilitates capacity building through training, workshops, and related activities
  • Assists in supervising projects planned, designed, and implemented centrally

Role in Accountability and Service Delivery

Through extension services, farmer support, and effective project supervision, the Department promotes improved agricultural productivity, sustainable resource management, and enhanced service delivery across the Municipality.