GOVERNOR BARASA CHAMPIONS FARMER EMPOWERMENT AS 168 TRAINERS GRADUATE UNDER NAVCDP PROGRAMME.

H.E. Dr. Fernandes Barasa has highlighted his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture through farmer empowerment, innovation, and investment in modern farming practices as he presided over the graduation of 168 Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) under the Farmers Field and Business School programme of the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) at the Salvation Army Headquarters in Amalemba, Kakamega.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Barasa said the graduates will serve as champions of food security by transferring practical farming knowledge and skills to over 5,000 farmers across the county. The Governor noted that strengthening agricultural capacity is key to achieving food security, one of the pillars of his development agenda, while improving productivity, increasing household incomes, and promoting commercially driven agriculture.

Through NAVCDP, Kakamega County has received cumulative funding of KShs. 659.45 million, with KShs. 102.8 million disbursed in grants to support farmer groups, SACCOs, cooperatives, and Community-Driven Development Committees.

The programme has registered 279,384 farmers, with 172,799 benefiting from subsidised fertilizer through the National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme. It has also supported 328 farmer groups, reached over 220,000 farmers, created 715 agripreneur jobs, and strengthened key value chains including dairy, poultry, beekeeping, avocado, and bananas.

NAVCDP has further facilitated the formation of 7,776 Common Interest Groups comprising more than 190,864 farmers, supported Farmer Producer Organisations to enhance aggregation and marketing, and promoted climate-smart agriculture through improved extension services and farmer training.

Governor Barasa said his administration will continue working with the National Government and development partners to expand investment in agriculture and ensure households have the capacity to produce enough food for consumption and the market.

He encouraged the graduating trainers to use their skills to promote modern farming technologies and sustainable agricultural practices to build a stronger and more profitable agricultural sector in Kakamega County.

Also present were County NAVCDP Coordinator Merina Adhiaya, Members of the County Assembly led by Area MCA Hon. David Ikunza, CECM for Agriculture Mophat Mandela, among other dignitaries.