Ambassador OKANIWA Ken visits small-scale farmers who increased income through market-driven approach with JICA support in Kitui County
2023/2/2
On 2nd February 2023, H.E. Ambassador OKANIWA Ken visited Bidii Youth Development farmers group in Kitui South sub county, Kitui County. Benefitting from the market-oriented training provided by the Kitui County, made possible as a result of cooperation between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture of Kenya, the local farmers significantly increased their incomes.
The JICA technical cooperation project is named the “Smallholder Empowerment and Agribusiness Promotion (SHEP-Biz)”. The project aims at changing the mind-set of farmers from “grow and sell” to “grow to sell” by fostering ability to do market research and selecting crops based on such information. SHEP-Biz promotes this approach by training County extension officers as trainers. Started in 2006, Kenya is a frontrunner in the promotion of the SHEP approach. Today SHEP is being implemented in over 60 countries, with Kenya also providing training for third countries.
In the meeting with the Ambassador, a farmer shared his experience and benefits through SHEP approach and expressed appreciation to Japan. He succeeded in doubling income with support from SHEP and purchased about eight motorbikes to transport vegetables from his field to the market. Additionally, with increased revenues, he was able to study and become a teacher to earn extra money.
Ambassador OKANIWA congratulated their success and emphasised the importance of promoting the SHEP approach to other areas based on the ownership of the Kitui County.
A farmer shows his green maize and papaya farm to Amb. Okaniwa
A farmer explains about his farm and agribusiness.
He just started planting apple trees as a new challenge.
Amb. Okaniwa is having a discussion session with Bidii youth development farmers’ group in
Kitusi South sub county.
A group picture with all participants for the field visit
The JICA technical cooperation project is named the “Smallholder Empowerment and Agribusiness Promotion (SHEP-Biz)”. The project aims at changing the mind-set of farmers from “grow and sell” to “grow to sell” by fostering ability to do market research and selecting crops based on such information. SHEP-Biz promotes this approach by training County extension officers as trainers. Started in 2006, Kenya is a frontrunner in the promotion of the SHEP approach. Today SHEP is being implemented in over 60 countries, with Kenya also providing training for third countries.
In the meeting with the Ambassador, a farmer shared his experience and benefits through SHEP approach and expressed appreciation to Japan. He succeeded in doubling income with support from SHEP and purchased about eight motorbikes to transport vegetables from his field to the market. Additionally, with increased revenues, he was able to study and become a teacher to earn extra money.
Ambassador OKANIWA congratulated their success and emphasised the importance of promoting the SHEP approach to other areas based on the ownership of the Kitui County.
A farmer shows his green maize and papaya farm to Amb. Okaniwa
A farmer explains about his farm and agribusiness.
He just started planting apple trees as a new challenge.
Amb. Okaniwa is having a discussion session with Bidii youth development farmers’ group in
Kitusi South sub county.
A group picture with all participants for the field visit