Vihiga County Launches Agripreneur Initiative to Boost Commercial Farming
Vihiga County Commences Agripreneur Initiative to Transform Agriculture
The Vihiga County Government has officially launched the recruitment of 148 newly trained agripreneurs as part of the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). The agripreneurs will work under the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries for a period of 18 months, contributing significantly to the transformation of the county’s agricultural sector.
Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, who presided over the commissioning ceremony, outlined the key roles of the agripreneurs. They will be tasked with registering and profiling farming households, large commercial farms, institutional farms, greenhouses, and ranches. Additionally, the agripreneurs will map agricultural farms, capture Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, and provide essential training and extension services to farmers.
Governor Ottichilo described this initiative as a crucial step toward moving Vihiga’s agricultural sector from subsistence farming to commercial farming. He highlighted the importance of adopting climate-smart practices, especially in response to the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture. The shift will also reduce dependency on rain-fed farming, ensuring more sustainable and higher agricultural yields.
This initiative aims to build a more resilient and productive agricultural landscape in Vihiga, fostering a future of economic growth and food security for the region.