On 5th September 2025, Nyandarua National Polytechnic hosted a specialized workshop aimed at equipping 18 young men and women with vital skills in agricultural extension services. Conducted under the Agriculture Sector Employment Creation (ASEC) Project, the training focused on preparing youth to serve as a bridge between modern agricultural knowledge and smallholder farmers within the community.
The workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of key areas including crop and livestock management, soil health, climate-smart agriculture, record keeping, and farmer group mobilization. In addition, the youth were sensitized on communication and leadership skills to enable them to effectively engage with farmers and local stakeholders.
Speaking during the workshop, facilitators emphasized that extension services are critical for enhancing productivity and sustainability in smallholder farming systems. By involving young people in extension work, the ASEC Project not only addresses the need for practical knowledge transfer but also empowers youth with employable skills and opportunities within the agriculture sector.
The training achieved several key milestones. Eighteen young men and women successfully completed the program, gaining both technical and soft skills essential for effective extension work. These trained youth are expected to support hundreds of smallholder farmers with up-to-date farming practices and innovations, fostering stronger connections between learning institutions and farming communities. The initiative also contributes to job creation by opening pathways for youth employment in agriculture, thereby helping to reduce rural unemployment and outmigration.
However, some challenges were identified during the workshop. Both farmers and youth extension agents may face limited access to inputs, tools, and financial resources necessary to implement improved practices. Unpredictable weather patterns continue to affect productivity, emphasizing the need for continuous resilience training. Additionally, sustaining youth interest in agriculture remains a challenge, as perceptions of farming as less lucrative persist. Expanding the program’s reach will also require more partnerships and sustained institutional support.
Despite these challenges, the workshop marked a significant milestone toward transforming agriculture at the community level. The 18 trained youth will now be deployed to support smallholder farmers across Nyandarua and neighboring counties, guiding them on improved farming practices, promoting the adoption of new technologies, and facilitating agribusiness development. The initiative reflects Nyandarua National Polytechnic’s strong commitment to community engagement and practical learning, while the ASEC Project continues to advance food security, rural transformation, and youth employment across the region.