Gilad Millo, head of business development at Amiran Kenya and former Israeli diplomat, seeks to make farming attractive to Kenyan youth by proving it can be a profitable, professional business. Working together with the Kenya Red Cross Society, they have equipped over 1000 schools with modern agribusiness supplies. According to Millo, today the average smallholder farmer in Kenya is over 45. “We are introducing greenhouses in schools,” he said. “Youth polytechnics and groups are part of an initiative to develop the next generation of farmers; Facebook farmers.”
Millo previously worked for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading missions to seven different African countries. He was a driving force behind the formation of the African Women’s Forum for Israel. Today, he has returned to Kenya as a private businessman with food and agriculture on the agenda.
Young Kenyans are lining up for Amiran Kenya’s smallholder farmers’ kits. These kits include help with a drip irrigation system, greenhouses, group training and creating a business strategy. A farmer’s ability to read local market demand is crucial, because his goods are perishable. This project is being implemented in partnership with the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.
“So far, nine kits have been installed in Kajiado and Kiambu counties and will be handed over to the groups next week,” said a representative from the youth fund. Its data shows that 264 youth groups have already applied for financing.
Until recent years software, cut diamonds and high tech machinery were some of Israel’s best known exports. Today, Israel has also gained a reputation for being one of the world’s greatest hubs of green innovation. Governments and businesses around the globe are now looking to make stronger connections with Israeli agriculture, water and alternative energy experts.
Amiran Kenya recently expanded its warehouse facilities and developed a new poultry farming kit. They anticipate pending growth in the small-scale and medium-scale sectors.
:: Nation
Read more about Israel’s green partnerships around the globe:
Japan Wants Israel Clean Tech Experts to Rebuild Fukushima
EU Upgrades Relations with Israel, Energy Over Politics
Clean Tech Bonds Forged Between Israel and Canada
Author: Leigh Cuen
Leigh Cuen is a freelance journalist currently reporting from Israel. She has written for the Earth Island Journal, the San Francisco Public Press, the Palestinian News Network, J. weekly newspaper and the Women News Network. Follow her @La__Cuen.
