Introduction
Overview of Nakuru’s agricultural landscape
Nakuru County, located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, has a dynamic agricultural landscape that drives economic growth and productivity. The county government actively promotes farming, agribusiness, and agro-based activities to foster agricultural growth and revive the sector. Smallholders, producers, and agricultural workers also play crucial roles in Nakuru County’s thriving agricultural sector.
Nakuru County’s agricultural landscape encompasses diverse sub-sectors, such as livestock production, fisheries activities, and horticulture. The dairy industry, with its milk production and sales, stands out as a profitable enterprise. Additionally, cash crops like pyrethrum and avocados, along with potato farming, offer lucrative opportunities for farmers.
To address challenges like fishing pressure and climate risks, Nakuru County promotes precision farming, integrated pest management, and good agricultural practices (GAP). These approaches enhance crop and livestock production while improving access to nutritious food and market opportunities.
Overall, Nakuru County is driving agricultural transformation and contributing significantly to the development of the Kenyan agricultural sector. Through the collaboration of farmers, the county government, and other stakeholders, Nakuru County’s agribusiness sector continues to flourish, ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity.
How the Local Government is Improving Agribusinesses in Nakuru
1. Opening of New Naivasha Market
Residents and traders in Naivasha have received a significant boost to their agribusiness endeavors with the opening of the new Naivasha market. Spearheaded by former Governor Lee Kinyanjui and officiated by H.E Governor Susan Kihika and H.E President William Ruto, the market complex aims to provide traders with a pleasant shopping experience. This initiative by the Nakuru County government showcases their commitment to fostering agricultural growth and supporting the local agribusiness sector.
2. Investment in Pyrethrum Program
In a remarkable move to revive the pyrethrum industry, Governor Susan Kihika has allocated Kshs 27 million to the sub-sector. This investment aims to boost pyrethrum farming by utilizing an additional 1500 acres of land for cultivating this valuable cash crop by 2025. The county government’s commitment to the pyrethrum program demonstrates its dedication to revitalizing agricultural sectors and promoting economic growth in Nakuru County.
3. Distribution of Avocado Seedlings in Subukia Ward
The county government of Nakuru, in collaboration with agricultural bodies, has launched a seed distribution program targeting residents and farmers in the Subukia ward. This initiative aims to enhance agribusiness activities within the area by providing farmers with avocado seedlings. By empowering smallholders and encouraging the production of Hass avocados, the government is fostering agricultural growth and strengthening value chains in Nakuru County.
4. Training Program for Farmers by KENAFF
KENAFF, the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation, has initiated a comprehensive training program for farmers in Nakuru County. The program equips farmers with personal development skills, knowledge, and opportunities to scale up their agribusinesses for a larger market. By investing in the training and capacity-building of farmers, the county government is promoting productivity, agricultural growth, and the overall economic development of Nakuru County.
5. Improvement of Roads to Empower Rural Agribusinesses
Recognizing the challenges faced by rural agribusinesses due to inaccessible transportation routes during wet seasons, the Nakuru County government has prioritized the construction of all-weather roads in rural areas. These road improvement initiatives aim to facilitate the transportation of organic products from farms to consumers, ensuring market access and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural value chains. By investing in infrastructure, the county government supports sustainable farming methods and empowers farmers in remote areas.
Through these initiatives, the Nakuru County government, situated in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, is actively promoting the growth of agribusinesses. With a focus on diverse agricultural sub-sectors, livestock production, and fisheries activities, the government aims to foster economic growth, increase productivity, and improve livelihoods. By providing support, training, and infrastructure, the local government is creating an enabling environment for farmers, smallholders, and entrepreneurs in Nakuru County.
Performance and Potential of Key Agricultural Sub-sectors in Nakuru County
Crop Farming
Nakuru County in the Rift Valley region of Kenya is endowed with extensive arable land, offering immense potential for crop farming. With 243,711 hectares dedicated to food crops and 71,416 hectares for cash crops, the county boasts a thriving agricultural sector. Key crops cultivated in the region include maize, beans, Irish potato, and wheat.
However, challenges such as pest and disease prevalence, climate risks, and issues along the value chain have affected maize production in recent years. To fully tap into its agricultural potential, Nakuru County can adopt modern farming methods to increase maize production, potentially reaching over 500,000 tons. Embracing sustainable practices and addressing challenges along the value chain will contribute to agricultural growth and enhanced productivity.
Livestock
Nakuru County demonstrates a high capacity for livestock production, particularly in cattle, poultry, sheep, and goats. The dairy industry, in particular, plays a pivotal role in the county’s agricultural economy. With milk sales generating Kshs 8.8 billion in revenue in 2022, the dairy sector stands out as a significant contributor to economic growth. Local markets and cooperatives such as Wanyororo, Suka, Njoro, Rongai, Kuresoi, and Tegat facilitate the distribution of milk and other livestock products, supporting livelihoods and ensuring market access for farmers.
Beyond dairy, Nakuru County embraces various livestock enterprises, including poultry, beef production, honey, hides, and skins. This diverse livestock sector provides opportunities for smallholders, producers, and agricultural workers, contributing to the county’s agribusiness landscape.
Fisheries
A Kshs 239 million fish market is under construction at Karai Centre on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. The project, a partnership between Nakuru County, EAGC, and the Rockefeller Foundation, aims to revolutionize fish trading in the region. The market is expected to be completed by mid-2023. Nakuru County focuses on aquaculture to increase fish production, promote sustainability, and alleviate pressure on Lake Naivasha.
The lake supports a thriving fishing industry, contributing to both local consumption and exports. In 2016, Lake Naivasha’s fish production reached 1080 metric tons valued at Kshs 141.9 million.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Nakuru City’s agribusiness revolution is a testament to its visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and innovative spirit.
By leveraging its strengths, investing in the right resources, and championing collaboration, the city has established itself as a frontrunner in agricultural transformation. As other regions seek to replicate Nakuru City’s success, the agribusiness revolution is poised to spread its wings, catalyzing sustainable growth, improving livelihoods, and shaping the future of agriculture. Nakuru City’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with the right strategies and collective efforts, a brighter, more prosperous future for agribusiness is within our reach.’In a nutshell, Nakuru City’s agribusiness revolution is a testament to its visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and innovative spirit.
By leveraging its strengths, investing in the right resources, and championing collaboration, the city has established itself as a frontrunner in agricultural transformation. As other regions seek to replicate Nakuru City’s success, the agribusiness revolution is poised to spread its wings, catalyzing sustainable growth, improving livelihoods, and shaping the future of agriculture. Nakuru City’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with the right strategies and collective efforts, a brighter, more prosperous future for agribusiness is within our reach.
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