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Farmers

Kisumu County Launches Farmer Service Centres to Boost Agriculture

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The county of Kisumu, in collaboration with the Cereal Growers Association and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has launched a network of hubs called Farmer Service Centres (FSCs) to enhance agriculture extension services and food security in the region. The initiative aims to provide smallholder farmers with a one-stop shop for various services, including input supply, mechanization, extension services, market access, microfinance, and training. The FSCs will also serve as demonstration hubs and training nodes for agroecology, sustainable food systems, and climate-smart agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Farmer Service Centres are the result of a partnership between the county of Kisumu, the Cereal Growers Association, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
  • The FSCs will offer a range of services to smallholder farmers, including input supply, mechanization, extension services, market access, microfinance, and training.
  • The centres will be run by trained agripreneurs identified jointly by local communities and the county government.
  • The pilot phase of the initiative will target over 40,000 farmers in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Kakamega counties, with plans for a national rollout to cover 32 other counties.
  • The FSC model aims to close the outreach gap by providing practical, hands-on support directly to farmers.
  • Agriculture executive Kenneth Onyango stated that the initiative will bring synergy to the county's agricultural reforms and drive real change in farming practices.
  • The county has already deployed 115 extension officers across its wards, but the FSCs will help bridge the gap in outreach services.

Statistics:

  • 40,000 farmers will be targeted in the pilot phase of the initiative in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Kakamega counties.
  • 32 counties are mapped for national rollout of the FSC model.
  • 115 extension officers have been deployed by the county across its wards.
  • The FSCs will provide a one-stop shop for various services, including input supply, mechanization, extension services, market access, microfinance, and training.

Sources:

  • Mr. Kenneth Onyango, Agriculture executive, Kisumu County
  • Dr. Osia Mwanje, Business partnerships lead, Cereal Growers Association
  • Mr. Evans Asena, GIZ policy adviser
  • Mr. Walter Odum, County director of agriculture
  • Mr. Duncan Owalo, Project manager, Cereal Growers Association
  • Ms. Esther Magambo, Regional agribusiness coordinator, Cereal Growers Association

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