The National government through Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) has embarked on a pilot agricultural project to offer cheaper feeds to poultry and fish farmers in Homa Bay.
The project seeks to involve 15 youth groups within Homa Bay by offering interest-free loans as investment for the groups to start up rearing of black soldier flies whose larvae act as feeds for both poultry and fish.
“The groups will each receive Sh. 100,000 in the form of interest-free loans from YEDF as capital for the project,” stated Mathenge.
Mathenge added that the project which is set to kick off in less than two months is a potential source of income for numerous youths in Homa Bay as the region is a fishing county.
During a visit to a farmer of black soldier flies Jenipher Okoth, in Kogele within Homa Bay town, YEDF Commercial Officer Daniel Mathenge explained to KNA that the project had been initiated by the young farmer who showcased the potential of the flies during an agricultural exhibition held in Kisumu last year.
He noted that the project would be upscaled to other counties based on the performance in Homa Bay, adding that YEDF would also provide funds for expansion to successful youths after payment of the first loan.
The officer challenged the youths to invest the funds properly and to encourage others to join in the mass production of the insects, an initiative aimed at empowering youths economically in the country.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director Josiah Nyandoro who was also present at the farm said that the department will continually work with the groups to promote proper management of wastes.
By Omar Zabbibah and Sitna Omar
