One Acre Fund organization’s Communications Specialist Karigu Ekumbo speaks to the press at Kakamega Agricultural show on Friday.Image: CALISTUS LUCHETU

An agriculture-based organization in Kakamega has cited farmer training as a crucial component that would transform the agricultural sector in the country.

While addressing the media on Friday during the Kakamega agricultural show organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), Tupande by One Acre Fund organization’s Communications Specialist Karigu Ekumbo said the organization has prioritized training to farmers to enable high production.

“In alignment with this year’s theme – “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth, Tupande by One Acre Fund is showcasing some of the core training we have been offering farmers over the years. These trainings include optimized agronomy and improved soil health,” Ekumbo said.

She said increasing agricultural productivity will not only improve the country’s food security but will go in tandem with poverty alleviation thus the need for training.

She reiterated that Agriculture in Kenya accounts for 51% of Kenya’s GDP, with smallholder farmers accounting for 78% of agricultural production, therefore if the government in partnership with agriculture stakeholders and organizations can train this group of farmers, the country can be assured of food security.

“Agriculture is the main source of income among the rural poor. Relative to other sectors, agricultural growth can reduce rural poverty rates faster and more effectively,” she said.

“Agricultural productivity will be significantly be improved by ensuring farmers’ access to farm inputs and financing for the same is uninterrupted. Training them on best agricultural practices enables them to cultivate, plant, and harvest at optimum points during the season to maximize their yield, and in turn, their income from the same.”

Ms Ekumbo said every season, Tupande by One Acre Fund provides robust training adapted for different regions across Kenya.

The organization also gives farmers maize seed and fertilizer on loan to ensure they can plant at the right time for improved yields and offers a sustainable payment plan throughout the season.

This year, Tupande took part in the Western Kenya Branch Kakamega Agricultural Show to offer the requisite farming and agribusiness training to farmers, network with other sector players from the region, and showcase their services and product offerings.

“Tupande optimized agronomy focuses on giving farmers agronomic recommendations to drive higher crop yields and efficient use of planting inputs, while soil health improvement encourages farmers to employ practices like soil testing, compost making, and intercropping to improve the health of their soil,” she added.

“In addition, Tupande offers high quality, year-round agricultural and livestock training both digitally and in-person that are adapted to best support women and young people.”

Some of the important training fields she cited include optimal fertilizer use, optimal seed varieties, optimal plant spacing.