Netherlands Development Organization to set up resource centre in Laikipia

The department of Agriculture in Laikipia County will partners with the Netherlands Development Organization to create a resource centre for farmers to access information on modern farming and marketing.

The Resource centre mainly targeting women will be a hub for information on farming and livestock rearing to keep farmers updated on new farming technologies.

Farmers will see them receive data on their mobile phones as well as visit the centre where they will be attended to by agriculture specialists as well as interact with other farmers.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement between the County Government and SNV, Agriculture CEC Dr Lucy Murugi noted that they are mainly targeting women to equip them with the required knowledge so that they can upgrade their way of farming.

Dr Murugi said that from time to time field studies will be organized from the hub and farmers can go and get firsthand information on what successful farmers are gaining from modern Agriculture.

She noted that this will increase production as well as expand the market through searches in the global market.

Farmers will also be advised on the need to insure their products and livestock against diseases among other vices.

Raymond Brandes the project manager at SNV noted that the project known as enhancing opportunities for women enterprises is working in eight Asal counties to try and improve farming practices and also make sure that the County Government’s policies are conducive to them.

Brandes said women comprise 80 per cent of Kenyan farmers and are providers of food in the family hence the need to empower them with the necessary skills and resources for development.

He said this will not only be access to technology but the program will also make sure that farmers will get the necessary inputs and seeds while in the project.