Training Village-Based Advisors to Transform Potato Farming and Create Employment
The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), in partnership with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and Egerton University, has announced the launch of the Kenya Seed Potato Initiative (KSPI) Project, supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). This initiative aims to elevate Kenya’s potato industry into a sustainable and self-sufficient sector while providing employment opportunities for youth and women.
One of the key strategies of the KSPI Project is the implementation of the Village-Based Advisor (VBA) model. Through this program, young individuals and women are trained to act as advisors and support potato farmers in improving their yields, adopting innovative practices, and identifying business opportunities across the potato value chain. The goal is to create employment for 4,873 youth and women by providing them with the skills needed to drive growth and development in the sector.
From October 30th to November 3rd, 2024, the first cohort of 55 VBAs from the counties of Nandi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Meru will undergo specialized training at Egerton University. This training will cover critical topics essential for advancing the potato subsector, including mechanization, input aggregation and ordering, soil health restoration, and the use of digital platforms like Viazi Soko, which connects farmers with markets.
The KSPI Project is expected to have a transformative impact on the potato subsector, enhancing productivity and creating sustainable livelihoods. The focus on mechanization and digital tools will enable farmers to increase efficiency, while soil health restoration efforts will help address long-term agricultural challenges. Additionally, the VBA model will provide a direct link between farmers and the support they need, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the agricultural community.
As the potato subsector continues to grow, the NPCK’s commitment to empowering youth and women through the KSPI Project underscores its role in ensuring a vibrant, sustainable future for Kenya’s potato industry.
