In-Country Training Programme Kicks Off in Machakos

Source: JKUAT Corporate Communications Office

The 2nd Regional Women In-Country training programme kicked off in Machakos County, Monday 16th October, 2017. The week long training, themed ‘Incubating Grassroots Women Capacity for Sustainable Socio-Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods Transformation’ aims at building the capacity of Machakos County rural women to engage in productive agricultural activities for enhanced food security and income generation.

Speaking during the opening of the training, Machakos County Director of Social Development, Mr. Charles Kibocha lauded JKUAT and JICA, the organisers of the training, saying the training will greatly enhance food production by small scale farmers in the county.

He challenged the women to take advantage of the programme and acquire necessary entrepreneurial skills that would enable them play a proactive role in enhancing their economic status and that of the County as well.

The Director, JKUAT Extension Services, Jeremiah Mbugua, said the 50 women undertaking the training were selected by the county social development directorate and drawn from marginal areas that face water challenges and low agricultural productivity with potential for exploitation. The women form part of the 400 women targeted for training in the counties of Kiambu, Murang’a, Kitui, Kisumu, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Migori.

The training programme domiciled in the Division of Research, Production and Extension (RPE) seeks to improve rural women knowledge and skills in agricultural value addition and entrepreneurship for the betterment of their livelihood.

The training curriculum focuses on agricultural productivity skills, animal husbandry, agronomic, post harvest technology, yogurt production, biogas production, making of detergents and shampoo, nutrition and entrepreneurial skills. It is envisioned that the women will in the long run become trainer of trainers in the community hence, becoming champions of social economic empowerment.

Source: JKUAT Corporate Communications Office