The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a program to support local agribusiness enterprises operated by the youth in the country. The program dubbed ‘Job Open to the Youth targets to strengthen the ability of community-based self-help groups, youth groups and agricultural oriented Small and Medium Enterprises as well as start-ups to improve their productivity and having better market linkages.
Ustadi Foundation CEO George Mazuri says the three-year program is worth 137.6 million shillings and aims to roll out incubation hubs at Egerton University , Pwani University and Shamberere Technical Training Institute in Nakuru, Kilifi and Kakamega Counties
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is geared to improve rural areas and establishing productive farm and agricultural activities within the member so the rural area
Over 75 per cent of Kenya’s estimated 43 million people inhabit rural areas, where around half of the population lives in poverty (as of 2009). Arid and semi-arid lands make up more than 80 per cent of the country’s land mass and are home to approximately 36 per cent of its population. These areas have the highest incidence of poverty.
The agriculture sector remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy, employing 80 per cent of the rural population and accounting for about 65 per cent of exports. Kenya also has one of the largest and most developed dairy sectors in sub-Saharan Africa. It accounts for about 4 per cent of GDP and grows 4 per cent annually.