By Elijah Gichunge & Anncieta Mukiri

The county government, in partnership with the National Agricultural & Rural Inclusive Growth Project(NARIGP) has induced a 4-day training on involvement of youth in agriculture through a program dubbed "participatory education theatre training for youth groups"

While officiating the training of the first group which included young Meru artists at Embu Agricultural Training Center, Agriculture CEC, Caroline Mutiga, affirmed the Governor’s keen support for involvement of youth in agriculture and other sector development as a source of employment.

According to the County Project Coordinator, Patrick Ng’ang’a, NARIGP is being piloted in 21 Counties, Meru included and targeting the youth and other marginalised groups, sustainable land management, alternate markets and nutrition mainstreaming through increased agricultural productivity and profitability.

Mwobobia Mark and Hyda Gakii are some of trainees who shared their experience as a life changing project, which was echoed by County’s youth advisor, Marvin Kimathi who said it was in the heart of the governor to have youth empowered.

The team involved representatives from every ward, who will then help to raise awareness among the target groups in Igembe,Tigania, Imenti and Buuri Subcounties which are selected to steer the program on four value chains in Macadamia, Banana, Avocado and Potato crops.