TAGDev 2.0 program, Egerton University hosted a one-day workshop on June 6 at Naff Hotel Egerton, bringing together 61 sub-county & ward agricultural officers and agrovet dealers from across Nakuru County. This intensive training equipped the officers with practical tools and strategies to champion climate-smart, inclusive, and market-responsive farming practices to farmers across the county.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Benard Aduda, the DVC Academic Research and Extension Egerton University, urged the officers to pursue lifelong learning, extend their efforts beyond formal duties, and share new insights to bolster nutrition and food security nationwide. Prof. Nancy Mungai, the TAGDev 2.0 Program Coordinator, in her welcoming remarks posed a rhetorical question, “What have you done with what you have?” In answering this question, she said that transformation in the agricultural sector is achievable beginning at the individual level with extension officers leading the way by providing effective training and support for farmers. She noted that the TAGDev 2.0 training for extension officers was critical for capacity building for the officers to improve their effectiveness in delivering climate-smart agricultural practices in ways that are accessible, inclusive and understandable to farmers.

Virginia Njuguna, Associate Program Officer TAGDev2.0 Program, introduced the TAGDev 2.0 and ASEC initiatives. The program, through training and capacity building, aims to facilitate farmers to adopt climate smart agricultural practices for enhanced agricultural production and productivity to boost food and nutritional security in the country. The program also skills young women and men to create youth employment pathways by forging partnerships among universities, agribusinesses, and smallholder farmers.

Dr. Mary Mathenge’s presentation focused on the vital role Agricultural policy in agricultural development and that the officers were central in bridging “the gap between policy, scientific evidence and farmer realities” in the field by translating data and research into practical guidance for farmers as well as providing feedback loops to policymakers and researchers. Since the officers provide training, information, and other support services for farmers while acting as intermediaries between local realities and national strategies,  they are the “advocates who can push for responsive and inclusive strategies” to implement and better the existing policies to improve agricultural productivity.

In an interactive mapping exercise, Mr. Simon Mutonga, led the officers in brainstorming the bottlenecks – such as delays, miscommunication, and language gaps – that hamper their effective engagement with farmers, researchers, and agrovets. He noted that with improved communication and engagement skills, the extension officers to can effectively support and provide timely feedback to smallholder farmers in adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural solutions.

Mr. Henry Chemjor presented on NPCK Viazi Soko, a digital platform that connects farmers to market places, weather forecasts, and agronomic advice ensuring that they will receive certified potato seeds and quality fertilizer and agrochemicals. He urged the officers to familiarize themselves with digital technologies and integrate these tools into their daily work so as to reach a wider audience especially the young women and men who rely on digital spaces for their information.  

Dr. Susan Njogu urged officers to recognize women’s unique barriers, like limited land rights and time constraints and to design outreach that ensures equal access to training, credit, and inputs. “True transformation in agriculture must be inclusive,” she said. “It begins with acknowledging and addressing gender disparities.”

TAGDev 2.0 (2023–2033) will build on these successes, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, gender-inclusive practices, and youth employment. By strengthening institutions, influencing policy, and empowering extension officers with cutting-edge tools, the program aims at strengthening institutions to serve the communities by empowering young women and men and their institutions to drive an inclusive, equitable, climate resilient and transformative agriculture and Agri-Food systems.

By Were Bumbe

On 29th May 2025, Dairy Training Institute (DTI) in Naivasha officially launched the Agri-Food Systems and Entrepreneurship Consortium (ASEC) project, under Egerton University's TAGDev 2.0 program (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa's Growth and Development.) The launch marked the beginning of a four-year initiative aimed at empowering young women & men and local farmers through entrepreneurship training, climate-smart agriculture, and improved livelihoods. By promoting hands-on learning, enterprise development, and sustainable farming innovations, the project seeks to bridge the gap between agricultural education and community needs.

The Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 secretariat led by the Program Coordinator Prof. Nancy Mungai joined DTI ASEC staff for the onboarding exercise. which was characterized by a strong spirit of collaboration and active engagement. Participants took part in interactive discussions, hands-on sessions, and joint planning activities that reinforced shared ownership of the project.

 
During the launch, TAGDev secretariat delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the project’s objectives, timelines, and the specific roles of partner institutions. This was followed by group sessions where the DTI team and other stakeholders engaged in dialogue to translate broad project goals into actionable strategies. The sessions allowed for open questions, feedback, and the co-creation of a clear roadmap for implementation.
During the launch, the DTI team gave a comprehensive presentation outlining their delivery approach and implementation strategies along the dairy value chain, with a specific focus on dairy goats. Emphasizing a farmer-centered and skills-based model, the team highlighted their intent to promote dairy goat farming as a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient enterprise for smallholder communities. Their approach integrates practical training, community demonstration units, and mentorship programs designed to equip youth and local farmers with the knowledge and tools to manage breeding, nutrition, health, and milk processing. 

DTI’s strategy also includes fostering linkages with markets and cooperatives to ensure value addition and consistent income streams. Significantly, the team explained how the expansion of the dairy goat value chain presents opportunities for job creation among young people, not only as farmers, but also as input suppliers, animal health service providers, milk aggregators, processors, and entrepreneurs in value-added dairy products. By tapping into the growing demand for goat milk and its derivatives, the project aims to unlock sustainable livelihoods and empower a new generation of agripreneurs.

Operating under the broader TAGDev 2.0 framework and supported by the Mastercard Foundation through RUFORUM, the ASEC project is designed to strengthen institutional capacity in agri-food systems and equip both youth and communities with the tools and skills to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape. Its core themes agripreneurship, job creation, food system security, gender equity, and community-driven innovation reflect a comprehensive approach to inclusive agricultural transformation.

With DTI and Egerton University now working together, the ASEC project is not only going to strengthen institutional capacities but also ignite lasting change for young women and men. By investing in youth, advancing inclusive agripreneurship, and promoting climate-smart practices, the initiative carries the promise of reshaping agri-food systems and cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to sustainable development in Kenya and beyond

The TAGDev 2.0 Program at Egerton University, in collaboration with Farming Systems Kenya and Brooke East Africa, successfully hosted a two-day workshop on Storytelling for Impact and the role of digital media in advocacy along agricultural value chains. The workshop took place on the 27th and 28th of May 2025 at the TAGDev Centre, Egerton University, and brought together 20 young creatives under the TAGDev Creatives for Agriculture Hub.

The creatives were drawn from five key creative categories: graphic designers, film and performing arts practitioners, musicians and poets, writers and bloggers, as well as digital content creators and influencers. Each of these creatives is now empowered to use their unique talents and platforms to champion advocacy in their respective fields highlighting issues across agriculture, youth empowerment, and animal welfare.
During the workshop, the creatives were trained on how to leverage storytelling and digital media tools such as photography, short films, blogs, music, and social media campaigns to influence positive change within agricultural communities. The sessions emphasized the importance of authentic narratives and visual storytelling in capturing real-life experiences of farmers, raising awareness, and sparking dialogue around sustainable agricultural practices.

A special focus was given to animal welfare through the Tunza Punda Initiative, a campaign by Brooke East Africa aimed at promoting the care and protection of working donkeys. The creatives were encouraged to integrate advocacy for animal welfare into their storytelling, using their influence and creativity to educate communities and stakeholders about responsible livestock management.

Through the TAGDev Creatives for Agriculture Hub, the program is not only nurturing artistic talent but also creating pathways for young creatives to build sustainable careers. By providing skills development, mentorship, and industry linkages, TAGDev is enabling youth to turn their passion for art into a profession, empowering them to earn a living, create dignified and fulfilling jobs, and contribute meaningfully to society. This workshop marks a significant step forward in that journey, as it equips the creatives with practical tools and opportunities to use their art for advocacy and impact, equipping them with tools and to tell stories that matter, give voice to the voiceless, and inspire lasting transformation in the agricultural sector.

Written By:
Ian Kamau.
Communication Intern, TAGDev 2.0 Program, Egerton University