Farming
Nakuru County Government plans to collaborate with stakeholders in the agriculture sector and higher learning institutions to enhance productivity and food security in the county.
The county executive for Agriculture (CECM) Leonard Bor said this, while opening the Annual Agribusiness Exhibition at the Rift Valley National Polytechnic. Highlighting that the County will continue engaging institutions and stakeholders in the agriculture sector in training modern farming skills, knowledge, research, and technology.
Furthermore, he added the County will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, enhancing and increasing farmers’ production, urging them to take advantage of the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), which promotes potatoes, Dairy, Pyrethrum, Poultry, and Apiculture value chain.
Additionally, he noted that value chain development was increasingly becoming a popular approach worldwide to increase the incomes of small-scale farmers, and it was a key framework for understanding how inputs and services are brought together and then used to grow, and manufacture a product.
The county executive for Agriculture in Nakuru County Leonard Bor
Bor emphasized the value chain approach for economic development and poverty reduction, focusing on addressing constraints and opportunities faced by farmers, producers, processors, and traders.
He encouraged small-scale farmers to form groups to enhance their market bargaining power by aggregating collective pressure on buyers, leading to better product prices. Meanwhile, the CECM observed that agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy, and it is the single most important in the economy, contributing approximately 25% of the GDP, and employing 75% of the national labour force.
He observed that over 80% of the Kenyan population live in rural areas and derive their livelihoods, directly or indirectly from agriculture. Adding that the development of agriculture is also important for poverty reduction since most of the vulnerable groups, like pastoralists, the landless, and subsistence farmers, also depend on agriculture as their main source of livelihoods.
The development of the sector is of paramount importance to the county as it is expected to have a greater impact on a large population. He thanked institution management for providing ample space and facilities for exhibitors to showcase their products and a platform where farmers can learn.
Present were the RVNP Principal, the Chair of the Board of Management, and officers from the County Agriculture Department.