Co-op Bank has brought together over 120 young farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs in Embu County for its Youth in Agri-Business Forum, connecting them with experts in dairy, nuts, horticulture, and coffee value chains.
The forum, held in Embu, is part of Co-op Bank’s ongoing initiative to empower youth through practical knowledge, market linkages, and financing solutions tailored to support youth-led agribusiness ventures. The bank is holding these forums with partners across the country, recognizing that building the future of agriculture starts with investing in young people.
Participants engaged with industry experts who shared insights on best practices, emerging opportunities, and challenges in the agricultural sector. The forum covered key value chains including dairy, nuts, horticulture, and coffee, which are critical to the region’s economy and offer significant potential for youth employment and enterprise development.
The event featured contributions from several key agricultural experts. Mr. John Mbature, Director of Kamavindi Coffee, shared expertise on coffee production and market access. Dr. Lawrence Rutere, a veterinary consultant, provided guidance on dairy farming best practices and animal health management. Ms. Jackline Mutende, Embu County Agribusiness Development Officer, highlighted county-level opportunities and support available for young farmers. Mr. David Gitonga, Managing Director of Edited Facta Nuts & Fruits Ltd, offered insights on nuts and horticulture value chains.
The forum also provided a platform for young farmers to network, share experiences, and explore partnerships. Participants gained practical knowledge on agribusiness best practices, market linkages to expand their ventures, and financing solutions tailored for youth-led agribusiness. The event underscored Co-op Bank’s commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
Co-op Bank is holding these forums with partners across the country to empower the youth through practical knowledge, market linkages and financing solutions tailored to support youth-led agribusiness ventures. The initiative aims to address challenges facing young farmers, including access to finance, markets, and technical expertise.
The Embu forum is part of a series of similar events being held across Kenya, demonstrating Co-op Bank’s dedication to fostering youth engagement in agriculture and driving economic growth in rural communities. The bank continues to work with county governments, private sector partners, and industry experts to create opportunities for young agri-preneurs.
Source: Co-op Bank Youth in Agri-Business Forum
