In Summary

• Majority of youths associate agriculture as an old fashion way of generating revenue leaving it to the elderly
• NGO’s have come out with modern farming that has made youths to embrace agriculture with love and passion.
• Through Agriculture  criminal activities have reduced in Kibera slums.

Decline in Youth Participation

According to the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) policy brief 2022-2023, youth participation in agriculture has been declining over the years in Kenya. In 1995, the youth labor force in agriculture was 60.72%, but it had dropped to 28.47% by 2020. Despite agriculture being central to addressing youth unemployment, many young people view it as an outdated, tiresome, and dirty profession. Instead, they are increasingly seeking what they believe to be more profitable and business-focused careers.

Transformative Stories: Omoro George’s Journey

We encountered Omoro George, a 21-year-old from Kibera, who shifted his perception of agriculture after receiving training in agricultural biotechnology through the Human Needs Project, in partnership with the World Food Program. Formerly a cyber attendant, Omoro initially viewed agriculture as old-fashioned and unsuitable for young people. He believed agriculture was dirty and tiresome work not fitting for someone of his age who wanted to look smart and pursue more modern jobs.

“I’m Omoro George, a Gen Z from Gatwekera area in Kibera. Initially, I operated a cyber that was not bringing any profit. I thought agriculture was for old people because it was dirty and tiresome. I wanted a clean job to approach girls with confidence. One day, I met the Human Needs Project in Kibera, which partners with the World Food Program. They told me about urban farming. Although skeptical at first, I attended their training because there was no power in Kibera for me to operate my cyber, so I decided to give it a try instead of being idle.”

Embracing Hydroponic Farming

Omoro now plants capsicum and tomatoes using hydroponic farming, a method that does not require traditional soil tilling. Instead, crops are grown in pumice soil, enriched with nutrients in a controlled and modern way. Omoro explained, “Hydroponic farming has revolutionized my approach to agriculture. This method allows us to grow plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions in controlled environments like greenhouses. It’s incredibly water-efficient, using up to 90% less water than traditional farming, crucial in water-scarce areas like Nairobi. It also maximizes space through vertical setups, making it perfect for urban settings. Plants grown hydroponically often grow faster and yield more due to direct access to nutrients, and there’s less need for pesticides, resulting in healthier produce. This innovative farming technique provides fresh vegetables year-round and makes sustainable agriculture more appealing to the younger generation.”

NGO Perspective: Human Needs Project

Stella Mwania, from the Human Needs Project, told Ghetto Radio, “Hydroponic farming has the potential to transform urban agriculture, especially in densely populated areas like Kibera. At our NGO, we’ve chosen to train the youth from Kibera in hydroponic techniques because this method offers numerous benefits tailored to the unique challenges of urban slums. Hydroponic systems use significantly less water than traditional farming, essential in areas with limited access to clean water. They also maximize space efficiency, allowing crops to be grown vertically, which is ideal for the constrained environments of Kibera. Over 500 youths benefit directly from this project.”

“By empowering youth with these innovative skills, we not only promote sustainable agriculture but also provide them with valuable knowledge and a source of income. This initiative is about more than just farming; it’s about fostering entrepreneurship, improving food security, and uplifting the community. We believe that by investing in the youth of Kibera, we are nurturing a generation that can lead the way in sustainable urban agriculture, driving both economic growth and environmental stewardship.”

Community Impact: Local Leaders’ Support

Cyrus Otwori, a local church leader, applauded the initiative by the World Food Program, stating that it has helped address unemployment in the area, leading to improved security and better nutrition. “For sure, I can confirm that urban farming has helped in addressing the issue of unemployment. As a pastor, I can say that criminal activities have reduced because many youths have something to do, keeping them busy. Also, most of us can afford a balanced diet, which helps prevent mental health issues. We are eating fresh and good vegetables, fulfilling the promise of our Father in heaven.”

Addressing Youth Unemployment through Agriculture

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the unemployment rate among youth aged 15-34 was estimated at 14.2% in 2020. This demographic represents a significant portion of the overall unemployment figure in the country. In response to this challenge, many young Kenyans have turned to agriculture as a means of livelihood. The agricultural sector remains a critical area for employment, with initiatives aimed at engaging youth in sustainable farming practices. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that about 60% of the employed youth are engaged in agriculture-related activities. Programs by organizations like KIPPRA highlight the positive impact of agricultural training on youth employment, providing skills and resources for climate-smart and regenerative farming. By leveraging innovative farming methods such as hydroponics, young entrepreneurs can address food security issues while creating viable career paths. This dual approach of addressing unemployment and promoting sustainable agriculture is crucial for the economic development of Kenya.

Jeremick Joe