The Turkana County Government, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), has successfully established new Farmers’ Service Centres (FSCs). These centres are part of the ongoing Vijana In Kilimo Biz initiative, which aims to link local produce to ready markets and strengthen the agricultural value chain through farm-to-market alliances.
Induction Workshop and Enrollment
An induction workshop facilitated by the WFP marked the official enrollment of the new FSCs into the program. This workshop served as a platform for the newly established centres to integrate into the initiative, which is designed to create sustainable livelihood resilience mechanisms, combat poverty, and reduce unemployment in the region.
Collaborative Efforts and Objectives
Director for Agriculture, Aaron Nanok, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, emphasizing its potential to significantly impact the local economy. “This initiative is expected to reduce the poverty rate by over 20 percent in the coming years. It will leverage the livelihood resilience of about 120,000 people annually,” Nanok stated. The program aims to foster local entrepreneurship and enhance the economic stability of Turkana’s residents through strategic agri-preneurship interventions.
Economic Impact and Strategic Goals
The WFP envisions a substantial boost to Turkana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through these strategic interventions. The approach includes integrated peer-to-peer learning, knowledge transfer visits, mentorship, and coaching. By implementing these methods, the initiative seeks to empower local farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their agricultural practices and increase productivity.
Voices from the Community
Philip Narebon, an FSC agri-preneur from Turkana South, expressed optimism about the program’s impact. He highlighted the potential for mentoring other farmers and local communities in adopting modern farming practices. “It boosts production through the value chain for diversified food system hubs,” Narebon explained. He also noted the importance of enrolling in Business Development and Entrepreneur Coaching (BDEC) skills courses, which would incorporate technical expertise into local farming practices.
Workshop Attendance and Future Prospects
The induction workshop saw the participation of several key officials, including Linus Ekidor, Deputy Director of Youth Affairs; Mollen Onderi, Deputy Director of Gender Affairs; Tiya Emmanuel, Fisheries Officer; Erumu Ekiru Samuel, Sub County Agricultural Officer; and other officials. WFP officer Peter Mwaniki was also present, underscoring the commitment of various stakeholders to the success of the initiative.
Enhancing Agricultural Value Chain
The establishment of these FSCs is a pivotal step in enhancing the agricultural value chain in Turkana County. By linking local produce to ready markets, the initiative aims to create a more efficient and profitable agricultural sector. The FSCs will serve as hubs for farmers to access resources, training, and market opportunities, thereby increasing their productivity and income.
Conclusion
The launch of the new Farmers’ Service Centres in Turkana County represents a significant milestone in the region’s agricultural development. The collaborative efforts of the Turkana County Government and the World Food Programme demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the livelihoods of local farmers. Through strategic interventions, capacity building, and market linkages, the initiative aims to foster sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance food security in Turkana County. As the program progresses, it holds the promise of transforming the agricultural landscape of the region, empowering farmers, and creating a more resilient and prosperous community.
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