Uasin Gishu County is taking significant steps to enhance its agricultural sector, focusing on five key value chains: coffee, poultry, potatoes, dairy, and avocado. In a recent initiative, county officials emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to address existing challenges and unlock the full potential of these sectors.
A five-day workshop was held to assess and validate strategies aimed at guiding the county’s agricultural interventions. The event, organized in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), sought to ensure that proposed solutions are practical, farmer-focused, and aligned with market demands.
The county leadership has made it clear that the goal is to promote sustainable agricultural practices that not only increase productivity but also improve the livelihoods of farmers. The workshop played a crucial role in refining strategies to make them actionable and impactful.
A wide range of stakeholders participated in the discussions, including representatives from agricultural regulatory bodies, private sector partners, financial institutions, cooperative societies, and key players in the dairy and horticultural industries. These collaborations are expected to enhance coordination and support for farmers, ensuring that interventions address real challenges faced in the sector.
One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the proposal to establish value chain platforms. These platforms will serve as hubs for agricultural coordination, improving communication and cooperation among farmers, processors, marketers, and other stakeholders. By streamlining efforts across the value chain, the county aims to create a more efficient and supportive agricultural ecosystem.
Aligning production with market needs was also highlighted as a priority. To remain competitive, farmers need to focus on producing high-quality products that meet both local and international standards. This shift from quantity-based farming to value-driven agriculture is expected to improve income levels and create new market opportunities.
The role of technology in modernizing agriculture was another critical point of discussion. The adoption of smart farming solutions can help reduce post-harvest losses, optimize resource use, and improve market access. With technology becoming an essential part of modern farming, the county is looking at ways to support farmers in integrating digital tools into their agricultural practices.
Marketing and harvesting challenges were also identified as major areas requiring urgent attention. One of the most pressing issues farmers face is the lack of reliable markets. Many farmers harvest their crops only to find that buyers have backed out of agreements, leaving them struggling with unsold produce.
To address these issues, plans are underway to create a dedicated platform for stakeholders and agripreneurs. This platform will provide training on best practices, such as harvesting avocados at the right maturity level, and offer insights into market expectations. Additionally, cooperative societies will receive resources to strengthen marketing strategies and build trust between farmers and buyers.
By tackling these challenges proactively, the county aims to create a more resilient agricultural sector. Strengthening market linkages, improving farming techniques, and fostering collaboration will benefit all players in the agricultural value chain, from farmers to consumers. The emphasis on sustainable practices, technology adoption, and enhanced market coordination positions the county as a leader in agricultural transformation.
