Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), a forum hosted by the Elgeyo Marakwet County Cereal Growers Association in partnership with Freshcrop Limited, has set out to advance the agricultural sector in the region through wider inclusivity.
The forum, which convened a stakeholders meeting at a hotel in Iten, seeks to bolster food security and promote resilience against climate variability and shocks by fostering the inclusion of more women and youth in agricultural activities.
By focusing on improved resilience to climate change and engaging diverse demographics, TAAT aims to create a more inclusive agricultural environment.
“We are privileged to attend this forum, which highlights the importance of involving women and youth in agriculture for inclusive growth,” remarked Patrick Sang’ a representative from the Elgeyo Marakwet County Cereal Growers Association.
FreshCrop Limited, a leading certified seed company in East Africa, has played a pivotal role in supporting grassroots farmers.
Through collaborations with the county government’s Department of Agriculture, cooperative societies, farmers’ service centres, and its own FreshCrop Tot extension model, the company has been instrumental in providing farmers with access to good agricultural practices. This support has significantly contributed to the overall goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Sammy Sugut, a representative from FreshCrop Limited, reiterated the company’s commitment to agricultural transformation.
“We are excited to contribute to discussions at the TAAT forum and to work alongside stakeholders to improve agricultural practices and ensure food security in East Africa. Our partnerships and initiatives aim to empower farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive,” he noted.
The forum also saw active participation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Their involvement underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these organisations, TAAT is well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the region.
“The integration of advanced agricultural technologies and practices is essential for ensuring food security and building resilience against climate variability,” stated Stanley Kigen, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
“Initiatives like TAAT and partnerships with industry leaders like FreshCrop Limited are crucial in achieving these goals,” Kigen added.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) emphasised the broader impact of inclusive agricultural practices.
“Promoting the involvement of women and youth in agriculture not only addresses labour shortages but also ensures that the benefits of agricultural advancements are broadly distributed. This is key to sustainable development in the region,” said Joy Mulema, FAO spokesperson.
She noted that the TAAT forum in Elgeyo Marakwet County marks a significant step towards transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape.
With the concerted efforts of key players like FreshCrop Limited and the support of governmental and international organisations, the future of agriculture in the region looks promising. The focus on inclusivity and resilience will undoubtedly pave the way for a more secure and sustainable agricultural sector in Africa.
By Rennish Okong’o
