By Calvin Awora
On behalf of H.E. Governor James Orengo, the CECM for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Blue Economy, Hon. Willis Ochieng, today hosted a delegation from North Carolina State University (USA) to deepen collaboration on strengthening agricultural extension service delivery in Siaya County.
The engagement builds on a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing capacity building, applied research, and education to establish a more coordinated, efficient, and farmer-centered extension system.
The discussions focused on aligning strategies that will nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders while accelerating sustainable transformation of farming communities across the county.
As part of the partnership, aquaculture has been identified as the pilot value chain, with interventions targeting fish feed formulation, hatchery development, improved fish breeds, value addition, and the adoption of innovative technologies to boost productivity.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with experts from the University of Nairobi and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KeMFRI), harnessing research, innovation, and technical expertise to improve agricultural productivity, create opportunities for farmers, and strengthen livelihoods across Siaya County.