World Food Programme has rolled out a programme aimed at promoting innovative food production solutions and creating job opportunities for youths in Kenya.
Dubbed 'Vijana in Kilimobizz', the initiative seeks to link production, processing and distribution in the food chain process.
The project is coming on the backdrop of the latest report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) that shows that one in three jobs to be created in Sub-Saharan Africa will be from agriculture.
Currently, 51 per cent of the global rural youths rely on agriculture. In Kenya, the sector accounts for at least 25 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This WFP innovation challenge is intended to fund six innovative ideas from four regional blocks in the country in partnership with E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center.
The top six teams will win up to $30,000 (Sh4.2 million) to work on their innovations and improve their businesses.
Twelve enterprises will also receive access to expert knowledge, coaching and mentorship from experts drawn from the WFP and E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center.
Interested participants have to apply 15 days before the deadline slated for June 30.
Targeted counties are Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisumu, Migori and Siaya.
Others are Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia.
Vijana in Kilimobizz will also rope in young people from Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River and Turkana and Wajir.
