When we were growing up, there was a common saying that “kilimo ni uti was mgongo was taifa”. This is to say that farming was the backbone of any given nation. There was never a lie in this statement.
Kenya’s economy thrives on the wheels of agriculture. Although times have changed and changes in weather have affected farming, the agricultural sector still reigns supreme as a source of livelihood to millions of Kenyans.
Farming has so many benefits down the value chain, hence creating so many employment opportunities for millions of Kenyans who would otherwise remain jobless for the rest of their lives was it for the agricultural sector.
For years, farmers in Kenya have been facing a myriad of challenges among them the inability to access farm machinery that are an important component for both large and small-scale farming across the country.
Any institution, therefore, that goes out of its way to help out farmers in Kenya get access to funding and machinery should be commended for in a real sense, it not just thinking about the farmers but the economy in general.
The recent joint scheme launched by Co-operative Bank and CFAO to enable farmers and cooperative societies to acquire up to 80 percent financing to purchase farm implements, machinery, accessories, and equipment came at a better time when farmers need it the most.
The world is changing from traditional to mechanized farming. Furthermore, it will go a long way in supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta’s food security agenda. This will also ensure that the country is able and capable of feeding herself and issues of hunger will be history.
Cooperative Bank of Kenya has over the years successfully combined a boldly innovative approach to come up with products aimed at easing the customers’ burden of accessing credit at negotiable terms.
Thank you Co-operative Bank.