The Mountain Journal
Reduced number of agriculture extension officers in the country has opened opportunities to hundreds of youth running entrepreneurship services through digital technology.
The graduates in agriculture and livestock sectors are filling the gap through rendering of the services to the farmers through the digital connections.
Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services Kenya (KEFAAS), Chief Executive Officer Peter Mwangi said the number of the public officers in the agriculture departments has been reducing yearly, with the youth taking up the roles.
In Murang’a county, the organization granted seven youth engaged in agriculture and livestock Sh400,000 to support their entrepreneurial activities through digital technology.
Speaking in Murang’a, Mwangi said KEFAAS has been taking the youth specialised in agriculture programmes, with majority being accepted by the farmers’ organizations due to the provision of quality services.
“The youth need support to explore for the existing opportunities, as they are faced with challenges that include lack of capital, and excess alcoholism,” said Mwangi. In Kenya, the organization has trained seven and Uganda nine youth in agribusiness ventures.
KEFAAS Project manager Mr Oscar Makokha said digitalization will address the challenge of negative attitudes among the youth towards agriculture.
“Integrating technology, we can make farming more attractive to the younger generation, fostering a positive shift in perception,” said Makokha.
Murang’a County agriculture chief officer Dr Apollo Kamau said the sector was endowed with a lot of opportunities in the value chain.
“There is an acute shortage of staff in all the departments and the need for the youth to engage with the farmers privately,” said Dr Kamau.
Local senior agriculture officer Mr Daniel Gitahi said majority of the youth are replacing retiring extension officers as they provide services to the farmers in various parts of the country.
Gitahi said demand for food was on the rise thus the need for the graduates in agriculture to take up their positions, to support the venture.
“Extension services are highly required and the dedicated youth will get the chance to engage the farmers,” said Gitahi.
Murang’a director of agriculture Peter Muchiri said the training by KEFAAS to the youth was paramount based on the number of the agriculture extension officers was on the reducing trend.
“In the county, the ratio of extension officers and the farmers is at 1: 7,900, against the Food agriculture Organisation (FAO) recommendation of 1:400,” said Muchiri.
By the year 2028, the crops department will have 43 officers, livestock production 12 and fisheries there will be six officers, if the trend is not addressed.
A beneficiary, Julius Waweru runs 21 acres of land planted with avocado, garlic among other crops in Samburu county.
Nelius Wangari another beneficiary manages an advisory consultant firm dealing with livestock.
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