Nairobi: Vihiga County is embracing smart agriculture as a transformative strategy to create wealth and move away from subsistence farming, Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichillo has said.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ottichillo emphasized during the 'Youth Duty-Bearers Chambua Huduma Forum' held in Mbale that Vihiga's limited land availability necessitates innovative farming techniques suitable for small spaces. He highlighted the county's efforts to modernize agriculture, stressing the importance of making the most of small areas.
To facilitate this transition, the County Government has invested in a young, skilled workforce by deploying a new cadre of qualified agricultural extension officers. Over 140 youth have been trained and posted to every ward under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). These agripreneurs collaborate with farmers to promote innovation and share modern farming knowledge.
Dr. Ottichillo pointed out that the county has prioritized five key value chains for development: dairy, poultry, African leafy vegetables, avocados, and bananas. He encouraged youth to innovate within these sectors and even become consultants for other farmers.
Additionally, the County has partnered with Practical Action, an international development NGO, to train over 10,000 youth in smart agriculture, with around 4,000 having completed the training so far. To address climate change effects, Vihiga has established a Directorate of Climate Change aimed at supporting innovation and building resilience in agriculture.
The Governor mentioned the county's shift from rain-fed to technology-driven farming, citing irrigation programs in Bunyore and the distribution of tools and equipment to farmers. He urged youth to form SACCOs to access county support, including funding and grants.
Governor Ottichillo also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to youth inclusion in governance, noting that 90% of the 700 people employed by the county in the past two years are young people. The Chambua Huduma Forum, organized by the Siaya County Youth Network (SCYN), brought together trained youth leaders from across Vihiga to engage with the county government on governance, service delivery, and development opportunities.