NACCU’s Transformative Training Event for Farmers: Paving the Future of Sustainable Food Systems
The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) is set to host a groundbreaking training event that will bring together farmers from across the country to explore new frontiers in sustainable agriculture. This initiative, aimed at addressing the growing need for farmers to diversify their income sources, will take place at City Max Hotel, Nakuru, from October 14th to October 16th, 2024. The event promises to be a pivotal moment for coffee farming communities seeking to embrace a variety of income-generating activities.
The event will gather representatives from 17 cooperative unions across the country, including Kipkelion, Machakos, Meru, and Murang’a, among others. This collective of unions represents the backbone of Kenya’s coffee farming industry, and the training seeks to provide their members with the tools to diversify their agricultural practices beyond coffee, which is a seasonal crop. The goal is to create sustainable, year-round income streams for farming families.
Food Systems Training: A New Horizon for Farmers
Under the banner of “Food System Initiatives,” NACCU, in partnership with the Finnish Fund for Development (FFD), has designed a comprehensive training program that will introduce farmers to new farming techniques and agribusiness opportunities. These include:
- Poultry Farming – As one of the fastest-growing segments in Kenya’s agribusiness sector, poultry farming offers significant income potential. Farmers will be trained on modern poultry management practices, disease control, and value addition through egg and meat processing.
- Fish Farming – With the rising demand for fish as a key source of protein, participants will be guided on how to set up fish ponds, manage breeding, and maintain healthy aquatic environments.
- Beekeeping – Honey production offers high returns, and the training will delve into innovative beekeeping techniques that boost honey yields and ensure sustainable apiary management.
- Mushroom Farming – As a niche market with increasing demand both locally and internationally, mushroom farming will be explored, with experts showcasing how to cultivate, harvest, and market this high-value crop.
- Traditional Food Crops – As part of a drive to preserve indigenous agricultural practices, the training will cover the cultivation and commercialization of traditional food crops such as millet, sorghum, and cassava. These crops are resilient to climate change and offer alternative food security solutions.
Value Addition: Turning Crops into High-Value Products
A significant aspect of the training will focus on how farmers can add value to their crops. Value addition not only enhances the marketability of farm products but also increases profitability for farmers. The training will cover everything from processing traditional food crops to packaging and branding agricultural products for local and international markets.
With a team of expert agronomists, business development specialists, and food systems researchers, this event will provide attendees with actionable strategies to elevate their farming practices.
A Call to Action for Cooperative Leaders
To ensure that this training has a far-reaching impact, NACCU has requested that each cooperative union send at least two lead farmers to participate. These lead farmers, chosen for their leadership and innovation in their respective communities, will act as ambassadors of change. They will return to their communities equipped with knowledge and tools to spearhead the diversification of farming practices.
Participating unions include:
- Kipkelion District Cooperative Union
- Machakos Co-Operative Union
- Gusii Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union
- Meru Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union
- Murang’a Farmers’ Cooperative Union
- Mt. Elgon Farmers’ Cooperative Union
- Bungoma County Cooperative Union
- Baringo County Cooperative Union
- Kiambu Farmers’ Cooperative Union
- Nandi County Cooperative Union
- Nakuru County Cooperative Union
- Trans Nzoia Cooperative Union
- Uasin Gishu County Cooperative Union
- Kirinyaga Cooperative Union
- Nyeri County Cooperative Union
- Embu County Cooperative Union
- Meru South Cooperative Union
Event Logistics and Sponsorship
The training will be fully sponsored by NACCU and FFD, covering accommodation, meals, and travel costs for participants. Delegates are expected to arrive on October 13th, 2024, and the sessions will run from October 14th to 16th, 2024. All expenses related to meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) and accommodation will be taken care of, ensuring that participants can focus entirely on learning and networking.
Building Resilience Through Diversification
As the agricultural landscape evolves and the effects of climate change become more pronounced, diversifying farming activities is not just an option—it’s a necessity. By engaging in poultry farming, fish farming, beekeeping, mushroom farming, and traditional food crop cultivation, coffee farmers can reduce their dependence on coffee’s seasonal fluctuations. This initiative by NACCU is a bold step toward creating resilient, prosperous farming communities.
NACCU and FFD believe that this training will empower farmers to become agents of change in their respective regions, fostering food security and economic growth. The insights gained from this initiative could transform the agricultural sector and offer new hope to coffee farming communities across the country.
For more details on the training and participant logistics, the cooperative unions are encouraged to liaise with NACCU ahead of the registration deadline.
This event is not just about new farming techniques—it’s about equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a changing world.
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