NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 22 – Agro input company Elgon Kenya has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture to reward young farmers
The two entities will honor pupils and teachers engaged in food production to motivate young learners to embrace farming.
In the rebranded school agriculture clubs, formerly known as 4K clubs, learners and tutors can apply for awards through an app.
The application provides a repository of agriculture information that students can access.
Prizes to be won under the 4K Club include trophies, medals, a sponsored trip, and cash prizes.
The award scheme has been running since 2013, creating icons, mentors, and model farmers.
“The program has recorded success stories which include increase uptake of technology, exploitation of business opportunities along agricultural value chain nodes, increase business volume for subsequent winners, expansion of areas under agricultural enterprises and inclusivity, today we have launched the competition for 4k clubs, I urge that we explore ways of bringing on board young farmers clubs into this scheme,” Agriculture and livestock development CS Mithika linturi said in a speech that was read by PS Harsana kello on his behalf.
Under the program, the Ministry of Agriculture targets reaching over 700 schools across the country.
“The relaunching of the 4k club by the ministry of Agriculture was aimed at bringing on board more youth into food production, we have started by ensuring that there is a 4k club in every ward in Kenya so far we have trained the 4k patrons in 27 counties,” 4K Club Communication and competition officer Jane njeri said.
According to the Ministry of Education, there are over 10 million school-going children who are ready to join the 4K Club movement and become young farmers, providing a major boost to the food and nutrition security issue.
