The county government of Taita Taveta has rolled out the training of Lead Farmers under the Tier 3 Training Program on Technologies, innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs), targeting both crop and livestock value chains.
The programme which kicked off on Saturday in Voi Sub-County, seeks to equip farmers with practical knowledge and modern skills in key value chains including dairy, indigenous chicken, green grams, irish potatoes and bananas.
Similar trainings are scheduled to be conducted in the remaining three sub-counties in the coming weeks.
Speaking during the launch in Kasigau, County Chief Officer for Agriculture Mcharo Mwalugha said that the initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability through the adoption of innovative technologies.
He noted that the programme is expected to yield tangible benefits such as higher production, improved market access, increased value addition and higher household incomes.
“We want our farmers to embrace modern practices that will not only increase yields but also open up better market opportunities and improve their livelihoods,” said Mwalugha.
According to Mwalugha, the County targets to train 1,800 Lead Farmers (LFs) by January 2026. Each Lead Farmer will in turn train members of their respective farmer groups in which there are 1,800 estimated groups with about 25 members each ensuring widespread knowledge is given to all.
Lead Farmers, described as innovative and progressive individuals, are expected to work closely with crop and livestock extension officers to offer technical support, demonstrate modern farming practices and encourage adoption of new technologies among farmers.
The training is designed to strengthen the capacity of Lead Farmers and agripreneurs by building their skills in production, innovation and agribusiness management. It emphasizes on the transition from subsistence to commercial farming which is aiming to enhance food and nutrition security while improving livelihoods across the county.
