Laikipia’s Aggregation and industrial park
The county Government of Laikipia is in the process of creating an aggregation and industrial park to cater for its growing demand of value addition of its agriculture produce and manufacturing
Aggregation refers to the process of combining or gathering together similar or related items or entities to create a larger whole or to improve efficiency or effectiveness.
An industrial park is a specially zoned and developed area that contains a cluster of manufacturing and other industrial businesses. The goal of an industrial park is to provide an environment that is conducive to industrial activities, including access to transportation infrastructure, utilities, and other necessary services.
In the context of agriculture, aggregation can refer to the consolidation of small farms or producers into a larger entity, such as a cooperative, to increase their bargaining power and access to markets. An industrial park for agriculture, then, might be a specialized zone designed to accommodate the needs of agricultural producers, such as providing facilities for processing and packaging of products
Through its collaborative efforts with Kendex PLC, the county sort to develop various value chains in agriculture, livestock and manufacturing. The company sought to partner with the County Government in assisting SMEs and farmers in value addition and manufacturing to raise funds, develop partnership and create sustainable enterprises.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1ottkSTouw
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Some of the bankable opportunities highlighted during the discussions included value chain on: tomato, hides and skins, milk, wool and honey.
The meeting was chaired by CECM Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Denis Kasoo and the CEO LCDA James Mugambi.
The suggestions and recommendation that were highlighted as a way forward include;
~To check further on the dynamics of bee-keeping value addition and wool value addition.
~To have internal analysis with the relevant departments undertaken towards having tangible- current data, which are verifiable and bankable.
~To research further on the sustainability and the viability of the value addition projects.
~To conduct feasibility of areas which have more impact to the society at large.
~To ensure that the county government will be a facilitator and an enabler towards benefiting the public.
~To have and engagement of high value fruit crops and how it will be farmed in Laikipia County. High value crops include; Mango, Coffee, Macadamia, Avocado and their irrigation.
~To have an engagement of warehouse receipting system and how it could be implemented.
Agriculture plays a critical role in the economy of many countries, providing food, income, and employment for millions of people. However, smallholder farmers often face numerous challenges that limit their access to markets and reduce their bargaining power. Additionally, many farmers lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to efficiently process, store, and transport their products. To address these issues, we propose the creation of an Aggregation Industrial Park for Sustainable Agriculture.
Objectives:
The main objectives of this project are to:
- Improve the competitiveness of smallholder farmers by consolidating their products and providing access to larger markets.
- Enhance the efficiency of the agricultural value chain by providing modern infrastructure and processing facilities.
- Create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding areas.
Description:
The Aggregation Industrial Park will be a specialized zone designed to accommodate the needs of smallholder farmers and other agricultural producers. It will be located in an area that is easily accessible and well-connected to transportation infrastructure. The park will contain various facilities, including:
- Collection and Sorting Centers -
where farmers can bring their produce and have them sorted and graded for quality assurance.
- Processing and Packaging Facilities -
where produce can be processed and packaged according to the needs of the market.
- Cold Storage Facilities -
where produce can be stored in optimal conditions to prolong shelf life.
- Logistics and Transportation Services -
to facilitate the movement of produce to markets, both domestic and international.
- State-of-the-art technology
The park will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure quality and efficiency in all operations.
- Team of experienced professionals
The facilities will be managed by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in the various aspects of agriculture and food processing.
Expected Outcomes:
The Aggregation Industrial Park for Sustainable Agriculture is expected to deliver the following outcomes:
- Increased productivity and competitiveness of smallholder farmers, resulting in higher incomes and improved livelihoods.
- Enhanced food security by increasing the availability and accessibility of nutritious and affordable food.
- Job creation and economic growth in the surrounding areas.
- Improved environmental sustainability through the adoption of best practices in agriculture and food processing.
Conclusion:
The creation of an Aggregation Industrial Park for Sustainable Agriculture presents a unique opportunity to address some of the key challenges facing smallholder farmers and other agricultural producers. By providing modern infrastructure and technology, we can enhance the efficiency of the agricultural value chain, improve the quality of agricultural products, and increase the incomes of farmers. We believe that this project will be a game-changer in the agriculture sector and a catalyst for sustainable development in the region.
