Nakuru County government has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the lives of small-scale farmers by launching a far-reaching sensitization program aimed at empowering cooperative societies across the region.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Susan Kihika is a beacon of hope for thousands of farmers who have long struggled with limited access to markets and funding.
By equipping cooperatives with the necessary tools and knowledge, the county aims to bridge these gaps and unlock new opportunities for economic growth. Central to this effort is the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), a community-driven initiative that seeks to increase market participation and value addition for small-scale farmers across 33 counties in Kenya.
Speaking Monday during a sensitization meeting in Kuresoi South Sub County, Kibet Kurgat, Nakuru County Cooperatives Chief officer who is at the forefront of the initiative, laid out the program’s objectives to members of the Taunet Cooperative Society in Marioshoni Ward and Daraja Mungu Cooperative Society in Tenet Ward.
“This program is not just about education; it’s about empowerment,” Kurgat said. “We want our cooperatives to be self-sustaining, to grow their market presence, and to add value to the products our farmers work so hard to produce, “.
The significance of this program extends beyond mere market participation. For many farmers, joining a cooperative represents a lifeline—an opportunity to band together, pool resources, and access funding that would otherwise be out of reach.
The cooperative model also offers farmers the chance to benefit from economies of scale, thereby increasing their bargaining power and improving their income.
The NAVCDP, which is at the heart of the initiative, aligns perfectly with the county’s goals. By focusing on value addition, the project ensures that farmers are not just selling raw produce but are also involved in processing, packaging, and branding, which can significantly increase their earnings.
During the sensitization meetings, the atmosphere was charged with optimism as participants, led by Marioshoni Ward MCA Bernard Langat, expressed their deep appreciation for the county government’s support.
“This initiative is a game-changer for our farmers,” Langat noted. “It empowers them to join cooperatives, which in turn allows them to access larger markets and secure better prices for their products.”
The impact of the program is expected to be profound. With increased access to funding and markets, farmers will be better positioned to invest in modern farming techniques, diversify their crops, and improve their overall productivity. This, in turn, will contribute to food security in the region and drive economic growth.
Moreover, the county’s focus on value addition could pave the way for Nakuru to become a hub for agricultural processing, creating jobs and attracting investment. By supporting cooperatives, the county is not only improving the livelihoods of individual farmers but also laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and resilient economy.
As the sensitization program continues to roll out across the county, the ripple effects are already being felt. Farmers are beginning to see the potential benefits of joining cooperatives, and there is a growing sense of community and collaboration among them. The county government’s efforts have ignited a new sense of hope and ambition among Nakuru’s farmers – one that promises to yield a bountiful harvest in more ways than one.
The Nakuru County Government’s initiative to empower cooperatives is more than a policy directive – it is a transformative movement that could redefine the agricultural landscape of the region. By focusing on market participation, value addition, and cooperative strength, the county is planting the seeds of a brighter, more prosperous future for its farmers.
By Veronica Bosibori
