The 2024 National Agriculture Summit concluded in Nairobi with a resolution to adopt a 10-point action plan, outlining key steps for the advancement of the agriculture sector in Kenya. The summit also acted as the launch of the University Agriculture Deans Forum.
The two-day summit brought together stakeholders from across the agriculture sector to engage under the theme “Embracing Sustainability: Innovations, Research, and Competitiveness in Agriculture” and organized by the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The deans forum is an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between academia and the agriculture industry, in addition to playing a crucial role in aligning academic research with the practical needs of the sector. It will also aim to foster innovation and drive sustainable agricultural practices
o create a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive agricultural sector.
The action plan focuses on key strategies whose implementation will be aimed at strengthening structured dialogues and partnerships in Agriculture and creating an enabling policy environment. Investment in research, adaptive value chains and sustainability are the other elements of the action plan as is gender and social inclusion, financing, extension services, digitalization and technology and water for agriculture.
“These action points are expected to guide the sector towards sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness in the years to come,” read a statement issued at the end of the summit.
“As we move forward, we are excited to implement the outcomes of the summit and work collaboratively to transform Kenya’s agricultural landscape.”
The summit provided a crucial platform for discussions on key issues such as market access, funding opportunities, industry collaboration, and driving sustainability in agriculture.
Other facilitators of the summit include GIZ Kenya, Elgon Kenya, Lattice Africa, Vegpro Group, the European Union through the UPLIFT Project, AGRA, Cooperative Bank and Farm Innov/Valariol.
“We also deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of the panelists and speakers, who shared their expertise and insights throughout the summit. [Your] participation enriched the discussions and drove meaningful dialogue on the future of agriculture in Kenya.
