Anglican Development Services(ADS) Head of Programs and Partnerships Isabella Kasaya…..Photo/IP.
By TIMOTHY WEKESA.
BUNGOMA, Kenya — The Anglican Development Services (ADS) has called on small-scale farmers to adopt modern farming technologies to boost yields and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during a farmers’ field day at Mabanga Agricultural Training Center, ADS Head of Programs and Partnerships Isabella Kasaya said the organization’s goal is to empower smallholders and promote resilient communities.
“Many farmers just need the right knowledge and skills to increase their production. That’s why we have partnered with other organizations to fill the knowledge gap,” Kasaya said.
She noted that beyond training and capacity building, ADS also provides market linkages to address post-harvest challenges.
“We work through cooperatives, which allow us to mobilize farmers and connect crops such as sweet potatoes, soybeans and others to ready markets,” she said. “This approach has also enabled us to promote value addition so farmers can earn competitive prices.”
Kasaya said partnerships have been key to securing the future of agribusiness, with ADS investing in youth empowerment.
The organization partners with 4K Clubs in schools to inspire young farmers to acquire skills for future use.
Recognizing the threats posed by climate change, ADS also trains farmers in conservation agriculture to restore soil fertility and improve productivity.
Kasaya praised the Bungoma County government for issuing free fertilizer to vulnerable families, saying the initiative has had a positive impact on food production.
ADS operates in Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Kisii counties, among others.
“Progress is already visible because we are teaching farmers how to utilize small spaces to maximize food production,” Kasaya said, adding that increased production and sustainability could help reduce poverty levels in rural communities.
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