NGPU May 6, 2023

County to support farmers organised in cooperatives and groups to maximize production and increase income

Written by Mercy Kihugu

Nakuru County is keen on strengthening ties with development partners to empower agricultural cooperatives to boost food production and create a ready market for produce.

Agriculture Executive Member Leonard Bor and the department’s Chief Officer Kibet Kurgat on Thursday toured Naivasha, Molo, and Nakuru West sub-counties to assess the implementation of the Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme II (ASDSP).

Also present during the tour was ASDSP County Coordinator Stephen Karanja.

The tour served as a preparation for a visit by the project funding partners from the Swedish Embassy next week where the CECM revealed that ASDSP had seen increased productivity, strengthened entrepreneurial skills among the value chain actors, and improved access to the market.

Over 12,000 farmers and 133 farmer groups within the Dairy, Pyrethrum, and aquaculture value chains are taking part.

The team visited Rurii Young Farmers Group in Maraigushu area, Elburgon Dairy Cooperative in Elburgon area, and Ponda Mali Umbrella Self-Help Group in Ponda Mali area where they also held discussions with farmers on the challenges that needed to be addressed to increase agricultural productivity in the respective areas.

The programme is being implemented in all eleven sub-counties and seeks to develop sustainability within the three value chains for improved income, employment, food, and nutrition security.