By MKT Correspondent
Kenya is teaming up with the Royal Government of Thailand to enhance food production through the use of simple, mechanised farming practices.
Through this partnership, farmers are being trained to use the Farming Utility Vehicle (FUV), a versatile “walking tractor” that’s already improving agriculture in 17 African countries.
“Even the farmers are saying they would prefer the walking tractor over the bigger tractor because it provides jobs for everyone. A big tractor eliminates 20 to 30 jobs, but the walking tractor helps create employment and boosts the economy,” said Shannon Lee Ferry, an advisor from the Federation of Thai Industries and one of the officials training farmers on the use of the equipment.
This affordable, easy-to-repair equipment is a game changer, creating opportunities for youth and small-scale farmers by making farming more efficient and accessible.
The 12.5 horsepower single-stroke diesel engine equipment “This machine can be used for land preparation, water pumping, and even transporting goods. It’s an inexpensive way for young people to earn money, and it helps keep them in their communities rather than migrating to cities looking for jobs.” said Shannon Lee Ferry.
“It’s an inexpensive way to earn money for young people. Once the youth adopt this project, they will see that going to the city to look for jobs is quite not feasible,” he added.
Kenya School of Agriculture is also working with the Thai Government to introduce new technologies that will increase food production and tackle unemployment.
“We highly recommend this equipment to youth. They can make good money from it by preparing land for others.” – Pauline Njagi, Kenya School of Agriculture Deputy Director.
Njagi noted that with the ever-increasing threat of land fragmentation in densely populated areas, especially in Central Kenya, there is a need for more research on new income-earning programmes that could create employment for young Kenyans who cannot find paid work.
This partnership aims to create a lasting impact on food security and climate resilience in Kenya.