(Nakuru) – The Agricultural Training Center (ATC) in Nakuru County has been equipped with new ICT tools that aim to transform agricultural practices, enhance farmers’ productivity, and provide better access to markets, thanks to funding from the EU and DANIDA through the AgriFI food safety program.
The Nakuru call center, now upgraded with advanced ICT infrastructure, will allow farmers to access real-time information on various agricultural matters, including weather updates, market trends, expert advice, and best farming practices. Chief Agricultural Officer Newton Mwaura emphasized that this technology would enable the ATC to offer online training, virtual workshops, and critical resources to a broader network of farmers.
With the new system in place, farmers will benefit from timely data-driven insights, such as soil analysis reports, crop health assessments, and market forecasts. These resources aim to help local farmers make informed decisions and address longstanding challenges, particularly the issue of oversupply during harvest seasons, which often forces them to sell at low prices to middlemen.
The ICT upgrade is also expected to help farmers connect with potential buyers, both locally and internationally, thereby expanding their market reach and increasing their income. Mwaura explained that this development could greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by giving them more control over their sales and prices.
In addition to expanding market access, the project is designed to foster a stronger sense of community among farmers. It will allow them to share experiences, collaborate on agricultural projects, and tackle challenges collectively, creating a network of support within the farming community.
However, the chairman of small-scale farmers in Nakuru County, Bernard Mwenje, expressed skepticism about the promises made by government officials, especially regarding market access. He questioned whether these initiatives would lead to tangible results, citing past disappointments where similar promises had not materialized. Mwenje and other farmers called on both the national and county governments to prioritize their members in procurement processes, particularly for projects related to prisons and schools.
The upgraded training facility will also improve the learning environment for farmers, offering modern tools for skill development and knowledge transfer. Among the new additions is a pesticide residue analyzer, which will help ensure food safety by monitoring and managing pesticide levels in agricultural products.
The training programs will focus on sustainable agricultural practices such as climate-smart farming and organic farming techniques. These methods are designed to promote environmental conservation, improve food security, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region.
With these new ICT tools, Nakuru County is positioning itself to support its farming community, driving productivity, and improving the livelihoods of local farmers.