By Bob Aston
Youth unemployment has remained one
of the most daunting challenges in Kenya’s socio-economic development. Today,
unemployment in Kenya stands at 40%, and 70% of those unemployed are between
the ages of 15 and 35. Victor Gachigi a 30 year old, from Naibrom area in
Laikipia County decided to venture into farming from 2013 instead of looking
for a white collar job.
Victor has planted carrots, cabbages,
kales and spinach in a one acre piece of land. He has planted the Nantes
variety of carrot and Gloria F1 variety of cabbage.
Victor said that he has always had a
passion for farming. Last year he planted half an acre of maize but the returns
were not good hence he decided to venture into horticulture this year, returns
in horticulture is better than maize.
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| Victor accessing computer at Ng'arua Maarifa Centre |
Victor said that he decided on Gloria
F1 as it is adaptable to various climatic conditions as they can withstand high
temperatures, matures early, has uniform growth, and also due to its early
maturity.
“Cabbage requires rain water or
irrigation as it has high water requirement during growth. I have now been able
to reduce costs used in pumping water for irrigation due to the rainfall
currently being experienced in the country,” said Victor.
Victor also decided on Nantes carrot
as they are popular among farmers, easy to grow, mature early and have a sweet
taste.
Victor said that most youths fear
venturing into horticulture farming due to the high cost of agricultural inputs,
horticulture crops perishing very fast and the fluctuating horticulture prices.
“The major problem in this area is elephants
eating farm produce. It is common to hear that elephants have destroyed an
entire farm in Naibrom,” said Victor.
Victor has been a frequent user of
Ng’arua Maarifa Centre. He is normally seen using a computer to research on
carrot and cabbage farming as well as reading agricultural books.
During one of his visits to the
Maarifa Centre he was encouraged to use Sokopepe-
an online and SMS based platform that provide market prices information to farmers
and links farmers with buyers.
Additionally Sokopepe provides other services like access to input suppliers,
extension services and a pool of information on both crop farming and
livestock.
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| Victor at his farm |
“I am now able to query prices of
cabbage and carrots in major towns in Kenya through Sokopepe. This will help me make an informed decision on where to
sell and at what price when I harvest,” said Victor.
Victor said that use of Sokopepe has enlightened him a lot as
he can even query farming tips. This has enabled him to learn a lot about
diseases that affect carrots, cabbages and kales.
“Today I have queried price of
cabbage in Nairobi and Nakuru. Cabbage is going for Ksh 1000 per bag in Nakuru
while in Nairobi it is going for Ksh 2200 per bag. One will get a higher value
for his crops in Nairobi,” said Victor.
Victor has encouraged other youths to
venture into farming instead of travelling to Nairobi to look for jobs. He said
that the high unemployment in Kenya can only be reduced when youths change
their attitude on farming and take farming as a business. This he said will
improve their livelihood as they will be able to improve their economic status.
“I can advise my fellow youths to
appreciate farming. Farming has a lot of potential. I expect that I will be harvesting
cabbages from June while I will be harvesting carrots from July,” said Victor.
Horticulture is the most vibrant
sectors in Kenya's agricultural sector and contributes immensely to the
socio-economic development of the country. The sector currently records an average
growth of 15% to 20% per annum.
The sub sector employs approximately
4.5 million people countrywide directly in production, processing, and
marketing, while another 3.5 million people benefit indirectly through trade
and other activities.
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