Farmers
Small-scale farmers in Nakuru county will have a reliable outlet for their surplus produce, reducing their financial losses due to the challenges of fluctuating prices and market access.
A reliable outlet ensures they have a constituent market for their surplus produce, helping them secure a steady income even during periods of oversupply.
This was revealed today during a courtesy call to County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Leonard Bor by officials from Food Banking Kenya (FBK), a Non-Governmental Organisation involved in food safety, storage and sustainable farming.
Led by FBK Executive Director, John Gathungu during the visit, discussions centred on potential partnerships that could significantly benefit small-scale farmers in the County while addressing food insecurity in vulnerable communities. Bor said without a reliable market, surplus food often goes to waste, leading to significant post-harvest losses and an established outlet like FBK allows farmers to sell their produce, reducing waste and improving overall productivity.
He noted that when farmers have a reliable outlet, they are less vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen and can negotiate better prices for their produce. This empowerment, he said, can lead to fair trade practices and better livelihoods.
Food Banking Kenya (FBK) Executive Director, John Gathungu explaining how they plan to connect with small-scale farmers in the county
Emphasizing the importance of a constituent market for surplus food, Bor said it encourages farmers to produce more, which can contribute to the local and regional food supply. This helps in improving food security in the county and beyond. Gathungu said the economic benefits that come from a reliable market can spill over into the community, leading to improved infrastructure, services and overall development in rural areas.
He said FBK’s reliable outlets may encourage sustainable farming practices by providing incentives for organic or eco-friendly produce, which can help preserve the environment and ensure long-term agriculture productivity. Additionally, he said knowing they have a dependable market for their surplus, farmers can plan better, invest in improved techniques and potentially expand their operations, leading to higher yields and better-quality produce.
Gathungu stated that the reliable outlet for surplus food that FBK has outlined for local farmers not only supports the economic well-being of small-scale farmers in the county, but also contributes to broader goals like food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development.
FBK seeks to connect with small-scale farmers to acquire surplus cereals and vegetables, which will be used to support vulnerable members of society and schools in informal settlements. And, it will help to increase the supply of fresh, nutritious food to vulnerable communities.