Livestock lobby urges counties to empower farmers with innovative methods and credit

Nairobi; Kenya: A livestock lobby has unveiled a nationwide campaign encouraging counties to embrace innovative animal husbandry and production methods. This will help farmers, especially among pastoral communities boost productivity.

The Kenya Livestock Producers Association (KLPA) says the campaign seeks to create more job opportunities in counties and help reverse rural-urban migration. "We have partnered with various stakeholders to help increase agricultural productivity by developing business service providers and facilitating farmer field schools," said KLPA national Chairman Geoffrey Gikungu. "We are increasing access to clean water, improving on-farm and off-farm infrastructure and facilitating agricultural lending.''

post-harvest handling

The project will expand trade in agricultural products by providing training in post-harvest handling and processing, and developing the capacity of cooperatives and industry associations, Gikungu said yesterday. He said the project seeks to promote economic stability for rural communities through provision of forums, even for farmers in remote regions.

This, he noted, will enable them take advantage and benefit from the latest innovations in animal production. Gikungu announced that KLPA, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this month, has partnered with KCB Foundation and Baringo County Government to relaunch the famous Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo next month.

''The auction, to be presided over by national and county leadership officials will provide a forum for pastoralists and farmers to trade in livestock, specifically goats in the county," he said, adding that KCB Foundation, County Government of Baringo and KLPA will hold an Agribusiness trade fair at Marigat High School early next month. It is themed "Market access and information sharing."

KLPA has also partnered with Airtel Kenya through its Airtel Kilimo and Mobipay to implement an online social platform for farmers to access real-time farmer information that includes markets, input prices, weather and the general farming tips.

The information is accessible from their mobile phones at the farms. Meanwhile, Nakuru governor Kinuthia Mbugua, yesterday officially opened a two-day livestock trade fair sponsored by KLPA held at Kari in Njoro.