Of late we have started seeing the youth taking agribusiness seriously. This is a welcome change in attitude towards farming given that a few years ago most thought that farming was for the old folk. It was so bad that some opted to move from the village to the towns in search of menial jobs while leaving behind acres of fertile agricultural land. What many do not realize is that agribusiness is actually quite profitable with some even making millions. Have you ever asked yourself why the well to do in the society have vast acres of agricultural land under cultivation? There must be some good money there otherwise why bother. However, agribusiness just like any other business requires hard work, undivided attention and resilience because a small mistake can wipe out the entire crop leaving you counting your losses.
What I have come to realize is that there is a dearth of information on the best agricultural practices, what to plant and at what time and finally where to market your produce. This is because the government agricultural extension officers of yore are hard to find. Most farmers intimate that market for produce is the biggest hindrance and as such it is always best to search for a market even before you start cultivating your crop. In a response to this lack of information on agribusiness many young farmers have taken to facebook where they have set up groups whereby budding farmers can interact and share advice. Information that you can find on these groups include best farming practices, what to plant, market for produce, one can even buy and sell their produce. One can also find agronomists who are able to advice on what, where and how to plant.
Here are some of the facebook groups that I have found to be useful to a budding farmer.
Onion and Water Melon Farming Gurus
This group describes it aim as to bring watermelon and onion farmers and buyers together with a view of sharing challenges, new ideas and innovations. If you are interested in either onion or watermelon farming, this is the group to join. It is however a closed group so you have to send a request to join and wait for confirmation. The group has over 22,000 members.
Digital Farmers Kenya
It aims at encouraging members to exchange farming ideas and latest farming technologies that can improve farming practices. Members can also be able to sell their produce on the group. It is also a closed group as such you are expected to send your request for approval. The group has over 39,000 members.
Farming In Kenya
The group aims to bring together people who are passionate about agriculture to interact and share knowledge on best farming practices as well as markets. It is a closed group. The group has over 12,000 members.
This list is not exhaustive as there are many groups out there, if you are indeed interested in farming take time to join some of these groups and be ready for some education.