Empowering farmers with knowledge is vital for the agricultural sector

Agriculture plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy, contributing 26 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and another 27 per cent of GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors.

 

“This is one sector that accounts for 65 percent of export earnings, and provides livelihoods to more than 80 percent of Kenyans, yet our farmers do not receive adequate government support. Actually, most farmers lack basic knowledge on climate change, seeds, pesticides and other farm inputs that can help them make critical decisions to enhance productivity,” says Ms Evelyn Lusenaka, Chief Executive Offcer, Agrochemicals Association of Kenya (AKK).

 

She says the media should play the critical role of disseminating information to farmers to empower and uplift them.

 

“I believe it’s time for the media to lead the way in ensuring farmers and other players have the right information. The FarmKenya Initiative is a good move by the Standard Group PLC and as industry players, this is an opportunity to partner with the Media House in creating content that will equip farmers and help create better linkages among all the stakeholders in this sector.”

 

Over the years farming sector in Kenya has evolved compared to the 70’s, the country has witnessed the rise of agri-business which has attracted more youth and women alike, although a lot remains to be done.

 

“When you look at some of the new farming trends that have taken the African continent by storm, youth and women are venturing into farming. This tells you that farming is no longer considered a rural activity but a new entrepreneurial sector that is a source of living for many. Industry players should be ready to share their vast knowledge through forums such as FarmKenya Initiative in order to channel out key information that assist players in the sector,’’ explains Lusenaka.

 

She calls for the drive towards sustainable agriculture through embracing of indigenous knowledge.

 

“We must be able to bank on research that involves farmers’ participation so as to have accurate data that relates to the problems facing farmers. Once we have this then we can share it with the media for dissemination and with this we shall be building upon farmers’ knowledge which is key to sustainable agriculture,” she adds.

 

A recent World Bank report on sustainable agriculture says Africa should adopt the shared knowledge model so as to improve the continent’s agricultural sector.

 

The report notes that the shared model has worked in other regions which have seen an improvement of the agricultural sector as farmers are impacted with knowledge that helps them make vital decisions that will improve productivity.

 

Lusenaka advocates for the protection of indigenous knowledge that benefits local farmers.

 

“As a country we must ensure that farmers’ knowledge is protected; with this we shall be able to build a better capacity for our farmers. Research institutions need to redirect their priorities so as to work with farmers, and government should provide funds to support local development initiatives so as to supplement donor aided projects which may not last for long,” adds Lusenaka.

 

She is says the Standard Group’s FarmKenya Initiative should segment the content that is shared to farmers so as to e ectively serve the needs of the different stakeholders.

 

“One of the biggest stumbling blocks is the underrated position of women when it comes to farming, they hold the greatest wealth of knowledge on farming activities but they are always left out when key agricultural decision making is made, yet they are the most important conservators of crop varieties or animal and this affects the end productivity,” says Lusenaka.

 

The other key areas that the Association is asking players to consider when developing farming information, that is disseminated to farmers, are matters related to post-harvest management, market analysis, market access, pesticides awareness and crop management techniques.

 

“This new initiative comes at a time when we are faced with lots of challenges as players within the agricultural sector, but I urge all the stakeholders to embrace this new platform and share their expertise with Kenyans and especially farmers so that we can uplift farmers across the country. This should be done in a more segmented way so that we cover every group within the value chain, we should also ensure that the mode of communication is clear and precise to all including rural farmers,” explains Lusenaka.


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Farmers;Agriculture