Feedback: For any successful agribusiness, always start with a business plan

School students admire farm machinery and equipment displayed during a past agribusiness trade fair. The first step in starting any enterprise is the business plan detailing what amount of money you will need for the enterprise. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Consider training before you get fully involved in the poultry keeping enterprise or any other agribusiness venture.
  • The first step for any enterprise is the business plan, which will detail what amount of money you need.
  • Start by stocking simple farm tools and equipment, then upgrade to costly ones as your business grows.
  • Some of the farms with the best quality dairy cows are in Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Meru and Nairobi counties.

MARKET FOR FARM MACHINERY

I am Kennedy Thiong’o, a student at Kenyatta University taking agribusiness trade and management, and I am inspired by your articles.

I have interest in farm machinery and equipment. My question is, is there a market for farm machines and equipment?

Where can I get such equipment and information? How much will it cost me in terms of capital to start such enterprise?

Thank you for reading Seeds of Gold and for thinking for an enterprise that most starters don’t even consider.

As an aspiring entrepreneur, it is encouraging to have you share with others your idea. This spirit lacks among many who think that entrepreneurship is a one man show.

I respond to your queries as below:

1. Farm machinery is a rather less exploited field given the amount of capital required to start. The huge capital makes many young people to shy away.

2. Nevertheless, all is not lost. In case of inadequate capital, you can start small. I cannot tell you how much you require because I cannot tell at what scale you intend to operate.

The amount of capital required is informed by your statement of funding, which I assume should be part of your business plan.

3. Remember the first step for any enterprise is the business plan, which will detail what amount of money you need. Go an extra mile and prepare the document. Have a business name, brand your business and then design a website. With all these, approach potential investors who may have resources but are willing to have stakes in developed ideas.

4. Kindly start by stocking simple farm tools and equipment, then upgrade to costly ones as your business grows. As you source for the equipment, kindly consider trade as a viable option.

For further idea and business plan development, you can consult me by sending an email to [email protected]

I wish you all the best even as you plan to become a job creator.

Dickson Otieno,
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management,
Egerton University.

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I WANT TO KEEP CHICKEN, WHERE SHOULD I START?

I want to keep poultry on my half-acre and need an expert to visit me and advise what to do. I am in Shitsitwi, Butere.
Farmer

Thank you for the query, which is a concern to many potential poultry farmers. Even as we make plans to pay you a visit in Shitsitwi Butere, it is important to take note of the following:

Poultry farmers attend to their flock in Narok County. Poultry farming is on the rise in the country pointing to a rise in the demand for poultry products. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

1. Poultry farming is on the rise currently in the country, meaning there is increased demand for products.

2. But even as you think to engage in poultry farming, it is important to look beyond our borders for larger and better markets. This means more creativity and efficiency in service delivery.

3. First, however, you need a business plan to help you have an informed idea of what you intend to do. As you prepare this vital document, you will end up with a wider view of the enterprise. Seek guidance on how to prepare the document. I can help you.

4. Further, I will advise you to consider training before you get fully involved in the enterprise. Egerton University offers courses on poultry management practices and enterprise development.

For any queries, kindly send me an email on [email protected]

Dickson Otieno,
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management,
Egerton University.

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WHERE TO GET THE BEST FRIESIAN CALVES

I am a farmer in Migori County and I want to buy a Holstein Friesian calf.  Kindly refer me to reputable sources. 
Joshua

Some of the farms with the best quality dairy cows are in Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Meru and Nairobi counties.

However, considering distance from your farm, try Kisii, which hosts a number of farms that keep registered quality herds, some of which showcase in the ASK Kisii Southern Kenya Branch.

Friesian dairy cows graze in a zero-grazing unit. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Please visit the Livestock Department in Kisii town for further guidance.

Felix Akatch Opinya,
Department of Animal Science,
Egerton University.