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The Importance of Agricultural Training

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PanAfricare places significant emphasis on farmer’s training addressing various aspects of farming. In Turkana County, proper agricultural training is lacking as less than 5% of farming households have received such training. This post explores the significance of these trainings in enhancing food security and increasing agricultural output, both in Turkana County and Kenya as a whole.

To begin with, it is crucial to understand the prevailing food and farming situation in the arid and semi-arid counties of Kenya. Although largely a pastoralists region, the agricultural landscape is characterized by a number of individuals engaged in agriculture whose productivity is relatively low. It is estimated that up to 7 out of 10 households in rural Turkana face food insecurity. This clearly indicates a gap where farmers struggle to produce sufficient food for themselves and their families.

In general, training like those provided PanAfricare impart essential skills to farmers. They educate farmers on efficient water and soil management techniques, as well as offer guidance on the business aspects of farming. These training programs cover all the necessary aspects that enable farmers to not only increase their agricultural productivity but also learn how to effectively market their crops. Such training helps bridge the gap between labor input and output.

On-site training in Nakitokirion in Turkana County

Engaging farmers in the teaching and development of such programs is crucial since the ones with the most knowledge about what it is actually like to work the land. This is why PanAfricare focuses extensively on on-site training and involves local government personnel in the training. Often, these training programs are conducted by extension officers within the county or by fellow farmers who have been trained to facilitate them.

Evidence shows that training, including those conducted by fellow farmers, contributes to the improvement of agricultural productivity. These trainings serve as the foundation for various other initiatives aimed at increasing agricultural output.

Farmers cannot be expected to effectively utilize new technologies without proper training. Therefore, any implementation of new techniques without adequate farmer training would likely render those technologies ineffective.

Impact of farmer training to agricultural success. Retrieved 7 July 2023 from https://www.greenlife.co.ke/impact-of-farmer-training-to-agricultural-success/#:~:text=Farmer%20training%20helps%20to%20improve,rotation%20and%20post%20harvest%20practices.

 

 

-By Dominic Kosgei, PanAfricare Kenya Communications Officer