West Pokot County is poised to transform its agricultural landscape through a promising new partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Governor Simon Kachapin today hosted a high-level FAO delegation, led by Michael Ogutu, for a consultative meeting focused on empowering the county’s youth through sustainable agricultural initiatives and enhanced livestock production.
The discussions, held at the governor’s office in Kapenguria, centered on leveraging agriculture to create meaningful employment opportunities and improve livelihoods for West Pokot’s young population.
“The discussions centered on empowering young people through sustainable agricultural initiatives and enhancing livestock production as a pathway to meaningful employment and improved livelihoods,” Governor Kachapin stated.
The FAO, which has already partnered with 15 counties across Kenya, has positively impacted over 300,000 young people through its agricultural programs.
West Pokot aims to tap into this successful model to promote agribusiness and foster resilience among its communities.
“With this partnership, West Pokot County is keen to tap into these opportunities to empower its youth, promote agribusiness, and build a resilient future for the community,” Kachapin added.
The collaboration with FAO is expected to introduce innovative farming practices, enhance livestock production, and provide training and resources to young farmers and entrepreneurs.
By focusing on sustainable agriculture, the partnership aligns with West Pokot’s vision of creating economic opportunities while addressing challenges such as unemployment and food insecurity in the region.
Micheal Ogutu, leading the FAO delegation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting counties like West Pokot in building inclusive and sustainable agricultural systems.
The partnership will prioritize youth engagement, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to thrive in agribusiness and contribute to the county’s economic development.