Narok: The National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), in collaboration with the Narok County Government's Department of Agriculture, has launched an extensive farmer training forum aimed at improving agricultural productivity and market participation across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum seeks to establish and strengthen farmer groups while facilitating the election of their leaders across five key value chains: potatoes, tomatoes, poultry, dairy, and avocado. This initiative is expected to enhance organization, increase farmers' bargaining power, and encourage knowledge sharing among agricultural stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Joyce Keshe, emphasized the transformative impact of the project on Narok's agricultural sector. "This initiative marks a turning point for our farmers. By organizing them into structured groups and enhancing their capacity, we are ensuring that they gain better access to markets, improve productivity, and increase their earnings," she said.
NAVCDP, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and funded by the World Bank, is designed to enhance agricultural production and marketing. The project aligns with the government's strategic priorities of achieving food security, promoting crop diversification, and reducing rural poverty.
Narok County NAVCDP Project Manager, Livingstone Chepukel, emphasized the broader economic benefits of the initiative. "Beyond market participation and value addition, this project is instrumental in expanding the cultivated area, integrating advanced agricultural technologies, and promoting diversification. These components are key drivers of economic growth and sustainability in our county," he stated.
Narok County, a predominantly agricultural region, relies heavily on farming as its economic backbone. The upper part of the county, particularly the Mau Narok region, is renowned for its high production of potatoes and dairy farming. With the new training initiative, farmers in these regions are expected to enhance their agricultural practices and leverage opportunities in the value chain for increased profitability.
The NAVCDP initiative is set to provide critical support in terms of training, input supply, and market linkages, ensuring that farmers in Narok County are well-equipped to compete in both local and international markets.