Small-scale farmers have been urged to join farmers’ groups to increase their chances of getting better deals in the market.
East African Grain Council (EAGC) Chief Executive Officer Gerald Masila said working in groups will help farmers when it comes to navigating the market.
“Working as a group is part of our African culture. As a group, farmers can decide which crops to grow, and even sell their products in bulk as a group at fair prices which will also reduce the chances of someone taking advantage of a small-scale farmer,” said CEO Masila.
Masila was speaking on Friday in Matuga, Kwale County during the Coast Region Agribusiness Expo organised by EAGC and hosted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
The Agrobusiness Expo attracted more than 1,000 farmers from all the Coastal counties.
Speaking while officially opening the Expo, Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said the County was constructing collection centers in Kinango and Shimoni to ensure farmers’ produce is sold at the correct prices.
“We are producing but the challenge comes when it to gets to market. It is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that our farmers get the best prices for their produce,” said Chirema.
During the Expo, farmers were trained on how to use modern technology in their farming and how to determine what crops to grow depending on the soil suitability.
The next Expo will be held in Nakuru County followed by Uasin Gishu. Similar Expos by EAGC are also being held in Uganda and Tanzania.
