NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO SUPPORT KAKAMEGA COUNTY FARMERS

The County Government of Kakamega through the County Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives has welcomed the entry of National Agricultural Value Chain development Project (NAVCDP) to support Five Value Chains food in Kakamega county.

NAVCDP is a World bank funded project worth USD 250M for 33 counties. Kakamega County will receive Shs 250 Million per year for the next 4 yrs.

These value chains include Dairy, Improved indigenous Chicken, Avocados, Bananas and Apiculture. NAVCDP is a project that targets to support farmers following the expiration of Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) program in June 2023. Its overall goal is to increase Market Management participation and value addition in selected value chains in the project areas.

It intends to support smallholder and women farmers in order to create wealth and boost food security in Kakamega county as outlined in Governor Fernandes Barasa’s food security and wealth creation agenda.

For one to benefit from the program, they must have joined farmer groups and/or Saccos. Through the groups, farmers will also benefit from revolving loans to boost their ventures and facilitate the journey to self reliance even after the exit of the project.

In-charge CECM Mr. Benjamin Andama welcomed the program, on behalf of the Governor H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa, and expressed optimism that commercialization of value chains by residents will address unemployment challenges in the County.