On 28th October 2024, TAGDev 2.0 Program, Egerton University’s visited Lawrence Ouma, an alumnus of the TAGDev program who has become a pillar of agricultural transformation in Nambale, Busia County. Using the savings from his TAGDev stipend, Lawrence started his own agrovet business offering agricultural inputs, chemicals, and essential advisory services to farmers in Busia County, enabling farmers to access the products they need for healthy, productive crops.
One of the most valuable services Lawrence offers is his extension service, where he visits farmers on-site to provide guidance on good agricultural practices. With expertise across various value chains, he has become a trusted advisor to local farmers, especially in the cassava value chain, a crucial staple crop in Busia. By imparting knowledge to farmers on sustainable and effective agricultural practices, Lawrence helps them increase yield, reduce pest impact, and adopt more resilient crop management techniques.
Through his extension services, Lawrence has reached over 500 farmers directly, making a significant difference in the lives of smallholder farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. His visits and consultations provide farmers with personalized, practical advice, leading to improved crop health and better harvests. This hands-on approach not only supports the farmers' productivity but also builds a stronger agricultural community in the region.
“Before I started receiving the trainings, I experienced a lot of challenges with my crops such as diseases and pest infestation, low quality seeds and fertilizers which led to less produce. I use to plant one acre of Cassava, which after harvesting would get around 3 bags, but with the trainings from Lawrence, I was able to change the variety of cassava I was planting, and my harvest has increased greatly to 20 bags per acre. I Sell the cassava at 6000KES per bag and so in a good season I get around 120,000KES. I have even been able to buy some dairy cows as a result of the sales from the good harvests. “One of the farmers explained to us.
His agrovet has become more than just a business; it is a hub of knowledge, support, and resources for local farmers. Despite his success, he faces several challenges. According to him many farmers are slow to adopt new agricultural practices due to traditional beliefs, limiting the impact of Lawrence's extension services. However, the few farmers who implements what he trains them are able to see an increase in productivity and as a result even the farmers who were reluctant at first are also adopting the new agricultural practices.
In the future, Lawrence hopes to expand his services to reach more farmers and extend his impact across additional value chains, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture in Busia County and beyond. Through his journey, he continues to inspire both local farmers and fellow TAGDev alumni, demonstrating how one individual’s efforts can lead to wide-reaching community benefits.
Written By:
Ian Kamau.
Communication Intern, TAGDev 2.0 Program, Egerton University.
