TAGDev 2.0 Program, Egerton University cohort 1 Environmental Science students participated in the transformative Environmental Conservation Summit at Egerton University. This gathering brought together passionate minds, including Egerton staff and students from various faculties, representatives from Nakuru County’s Department of Water, Energy, Climate Change & Environment, and students from JKUAT and Kabarak University.
The summit sparked critical discussions on sustainable practices, solid waste management, and climate action. The TAGDev students launched their innovation whereby they have repurposed waste bathtubs around the university into eco-friendly outdoor benches which can be used by students for during group discussions

The TAGDev 2.0 Egerton University Cohort 1 students, together with the program secretariat, paid an insightful visit to Rehema Farm in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru county Kenya. Rehema Farm is a model farm that has adopted organic farming & climate smart agricultural practices transforming arid lands into a highly productive venture. The visit provided the students with hands-on experience in organic farming, soil health management, and ecosystem restoration.

Rehema Farm, founded in 2017, is a testament to resilience and innovation in agriculture. Established on what was once barren, salt-ridden soil, the farm has flourished into a thriving oasis through agro ecological principles. The students’ visit to this remarkable farm was an opportunity to witness firsthand how regenerative agriculture can restore soil fertility, improve biodiversity, and promote sustainable food production.

Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by the farm’s founder, Sylvia Kuria, who passionately shared her journey of transforming the once unproductive land into a model farm. She emphasized the importance of soil health, explaining how tree planting, minimal tillage, composting, and organic matter enrichment have played a critical role in rejuvenating the land. Through these methods, the farm has recorded a significant increase in soil organic matter, fostering better crop yields and sustainability.
The students participated in an engaging farm tour, where they observed various organic farming techniques in action. They learned about the role of nitrogen-fixing trees in creating a microclimate conducive to farming, the benefits of integrating animals into the farming system, and how cover crops help retain soil moisture and protect the soil microbiome. Additionally, they saw firsthand how organic composting techniques contribute to soil enrichment and plant health.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the discussion on the importance of biodiversity in farming. Rehema Farm has successfully created a balanced ecosystem where pests are naturally controlled, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. The students were fascinated by the increase in biodiversity, with over ten bird species now thriving on the farm due to improved soil and plant health.

Reflecting on the experience, many students expressed their newfound appreciation for organic farming and its potential to revolutionize agriculture in dry areas. “Seeing the transformation of this land has been an eye-opener. It proves that with the right techniques, even the most challenging environments can be productive,” remarked one student.
The visit to Rehema Farm was not just an educational tour but an inspiration for the next generation of agricultural leaders. By witnessing the success of regenerative farming, the students left with a renewed commitment to championing sustainable agriculture in their future careers. With determination, innovation, and proper techniques, arid lands can be turned into breadbaskets, ensuring food security and environmental sustainability for future generations.

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

The TAGDev 2.0 Program at Egerton University and Coelib Media have partnered producing an agricultural film ‘Seeds of Change’. This cultural drama short film showcases the transformative impact of the two centers of excellence, focusing on youth empowerment, agribusiness, and the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the agrifood system. The film is expected to serve as an advocacy tool, inspiring more young women and men to embrace agripreneurship while influencing policy formulation towards inclusive agricultural development that embraces traditional crops like cassava while aiming to de-maize Kenya.

The Seeds of Change film brings to light the innovative interventions spearheaded by the TAGDev Program in agribusiness and skills development. By leveraging higher education as a catalyst for agricultural transformation, For the period between 2023-2033, the program aims to skill 10,500 youth, create 25,000 jobs for young women and men and impact 68,500 farmers, with a deliberate effort to ensure at least 10% of these participants are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 25% are refugees and internally displaced persons.

TAGDev 2.0 Program, in partnership with CoELIB Egerton, is supporting young creatives at Egerton University, under the TAGDev Incubation hub in developing films showcasing technologies advancements, value addition, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Through storytelling, these young innovators are championing transformative ideas to inspire change and drive growth in the agrifood sector. CoELIB Media, a dynamic media and film production unit within Egerton University’s Centre of Excellence for Livestock Innovation and Business (CoELIB), played a major role in the production of Seeds of Change film. With a strong background in digital storytelling, CoELIB Media utilized its expertise to craft a compelling narrative that not only highlights the success of TAGDev’s interventions but also brings to life the real stories of young agripreneurs and farmers whose lives have been transformed.

The film Seeds of Change explores several key themes central to TAGDev’s mission, including youth skilling and agribusiness development, the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), interventions in the cassava, potato, and dairy value chains, and university-led innovations. It showcases how TAGDev 2.0 program has supported young entrepreneurs in agriculture through capacity building, funding, and mentorship while highlighting deliberate efforts to ensure PWDs actively participate in agribusiness, education, and policy engagement. Additionally, it illustrates how these agricultural value chains contribute to food security, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods and how higher learning institutions, in collaboration with stakeholders in industry, are driving innovation and technology adoption in agriculture.

Through this strategic collaboration, TAGDev 2.0 Program and CoELIB Media have successfully amplified the program’s impact, ensuring that the voices of young agripreneurs and PWDs are heard. 

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