KENYA – Over 700 farmers have graduated from the Safaricom Foundation’s Wezesha Agri Programme in Kajiado County, Kenya.
The program, which was a partnership between Kajiado County, Africa Instore Solutions (AIS), Endev, and Safaricom’s Digifarm, trained young farmers in climate-smart agriculture, thus creating agribusiness opportunities for them.
Established in 2003, the Safaricom Foundation aims to ensure that Safaricom fulfills its goal of being a responsible corporate entity by operating in a sustainable and responsible manner, while also giving back to the community.
The 18-month Wezesha Agri program took a thorough approach to empower farmers by offering comprehensive training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
The program took a hands-on and wholistic approach with farmers learning through demo farm initiatives while getting equipped with entrepreneurial skills and receiving mentorship in the adoption of demo farm initiatives.
The program was also a valuable networking opportunity for the young farmers since Wezesha had collaborated with different relevant corporations to establish markets for the farmers.
“Wezesha Agri aims to empower young people to achieve economic progress and establish lucrative agribusiness enterprises,” said Joseph Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation. “So far, we have graduated over 1000 farmers through this programme, and we look forward to transforming the lives of more Kenyans through the provision of economic empowerment opportunities.”
Ogutu further confirmed that over 1800 farmers have graduated from the program since its inception. He also stated that their goal is to transform the lives of more Kenyans by providing economic empowerment opportunities.
Safaricom Foundation has developed a 2023-2026 strategy that incorporates agribusiness, enterprise development, and eco-entrepreneurship as key components of its economic empowerment programs.
To further aid in the training program, the Wezesha Agri programme has set up a demonstration farm in Kuku Ward within Kajiado South Subcounty.
The demonstration farm has a target goal of supporting and empowering women and youth through capacity development.
Farmers receive practical agriculture training at the farm in conjunction with the county government’s Agriculture Extension Officers.
The trainees are also introduced to climate-smart technologies and innovations that can be adopted for income generation opportunities.
Graduates of these programs are equipped with the skills they need to start and grow successful farming businesses.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, Middle East and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.