Vihiga: Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in Kenya, and the traditional job market often fails to provide adequate opportunities; therefore, many young people are turning to farming as a means of creating employment for themselves and generating income. In the rural landscapes of Vihiga, Kenya, resides a 32-year-old Merryline Awuor Keya, who has embraced farming.
According to Kenya News Agency, Merryline has transformed what is traditionally seen as an unprofitable venture into a lucrative source of income. A fashion designer since 2015, she shifted her focus to farming after realizing the potential of the resources around her, particularly the abundance of water flooding her compound. She started by establishing two fish ponds, each housing over 1500 fish, and expanded her activities to include crop and livestock farming, raising chickens, cows, and rabbits.
Merryline’s approach involves organic farming techniques, utilizing rabbit urine as manure and converting cow and plant waste into biogas for cooking. This self-sustaining model has not only simplified her life but also increased her productivity. Her day starts with milking her cows, which yield seven liters of milk each, before she attends to other farm duties.
Identifying a market gap, Merryline launched a fish hotel named Nadanya Green Ltd, sourcing all ingredients from her farm. This includes vegetables and fish like tilapia and catfish, ensuring a farm-to-table experience and supporting local agriculture. Her venture also provides employment in the community.
With a growing population and increased food demand, Merryline capitalizes on these market opportunities, selling rabbits, Kienyeji chicken, and eggs at competitive prices. Despite the competitive nature of agriculture, she believes in the potential for young farmers to innovate and succeed, urging youth to embrace self-employment and exercise patience.
Challenges such as the high cost of fish feeds and livestock vaccines persist, yet the interest of young people in farming marks a significant shift in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. With ongoing governmental support, young Kenyans have the potential to significantly impact sustainable agricultural development, enhance food security, and secure a prosperous future.