Farmers’ service centers (FSC) officials, county officials, and other stakeholders today gathered at a local hotel in Vihiga County to showcase services offered to farmers to improve agricultural productivity and food security.
The event brought together officers from the agriculture sector, local farmers, and county leaders, including the Chief Officer of Agriculture, Dr Betty Mulianga, and the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Dr Julias Muruja, who emphasized the importance of empowering farmers through access to modern farming support services.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chief Officer of Agriculture, Dr. Betty Mulianga, said the Farmers Service Centre plays a key role in connecting farmers with essential services such as agricultural extension support, access to quality farm inputs, soil testing, training on modern farming techniques, and market information.
She noted that the county government is committed to strengthening the agricultural sector to help farmers increase production and improve their livelihoods.
The County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Dr Julias Muruja, encouraged farmers to take advantage of the services being offered at the centre, saying agriculture remains the backbone of Vihiga County’s economy
The CECM stated that the county government will continue supporting initiatives that promote sustainable farming, food security, and agribusiness development among local farmers.
Farmers who attended the meeting welcomed the initiative, saying the services and information shared would help them address farming challenges and improve their yields.
They also called for continuous training programs and increased support from the county government to enable them to adopt modern methods.
The Farmers’ Service Centre (FSC) focuses on empowering farmers and youth through agriculture, business support, and digital innovation.
The centre aims at creating employment opportunities, especially for young people, by building a resilient, inclusive, and technology-driven agricultural sector.
They also aim at growing enterprises and changing perceptions about the agrifood sector in the community.
Through partnerships and training programs, FSC supports professionalization of farming and encourages agribusiness growth in Vihiga and beyond.
The Farmers Service Centre (FSC) works closely with several agricultural partners to improve farming services and create opportunities for farmers and youth. This was presented by Dr. Gregory.
Another partner, AgriPOS, focuses on digitizing agricultural transactions through services such as inventory management, customer management, and efficient farm record keeping to improve business operations.
AgriKOPA supports farmers through smart agricultural lending, farm credit risk assessment, and targeted financial solutions that enable farmers to access loans and expand their agribusinesses.
The Cereal Growers Association (CGA) plays a major role in linking farmers to markets, providing extension services, promoting quality grain production, and supporting farmers with training on post-harvest handling and value addition.
In essence, Farmer Service Centers act as hubs that empower farmers, enhance productivity, and bridge gaps in policy implementation and agricultural development.
Moureen Kemunto, an official at FSC, noted that the program started in 2024 and it will come to an end in December this year.
By Henry Ananda
