By Jeff Kizzilah
Youthful agriculture entrepreneur Joice
Youthful agriculture entrepreneur Joyce ,is calling on young Kenyans to embrace fresh potato farming as a reliable pathway to economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking after featuring at a major agriculture conference held in Naivasha, Joyce shared her personal journey, noting that potato farming—combined with proper guidance and support—has transformed her life.
Joyce revealed that her breakthrough came through the support of AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa), which equipped her with training, mentorship, and access to agricultural networks. Through this support, she has been able not only to improve her own farming enterprise but also to train and mentor over 20 young people in Nyandarua County.
“Potato farming changed my life. I want young people to know that they don’t have to wait for office jobs. With the right seeds, training, and commitment, fresh potatoes can give you a real future,” Joice said.
Her mentorship programme has empowered fellow youth to adopt modern farming techniques, improve yields, and access better markets—an achievement that caught the attention of organizers at the Naivasha agriculture conference.
AGRA works across Africa to support smallholder farmers—especially youth and women—by providing:Training and technical skills in modern farming
Improved seeds and climate-smart practices
Access to financing and markets
Business development support
Partnerships that create new income opportunities
Through these interventions, AGRA continues to open doors for young entrepreneurs like Joice, helping them build profitable agribusinesses and strengthen local food systems.
Joice’s Call to Action
Joice urged county governments, development partners, and the private sector to expand similar support programs so more young people can participate in agriculture.
The support came from national potato council of Kenya funded by AGRA through a project known as Kenya sustainable potato initiative
“The land is ready. The market is ready. What young people need is support—and the courage to begin,” she emphasized.
