Nairobi: Kenya is among three East African countries engaged in strengthening agricultural knowledge and the innovation ecosystem for inclusive rural transformation and livelihoods in Eastern Africa (AIRTEA) Project. The initiative aims to foster an inclusive innovation environment in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, contributing to sustainable farming livelihoods and rural transformation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the AIRTEA project is being implemented by several key partners, including the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). Joshua Okonya, Programme Officer for Agricultural Technology and Innovation at ASARECA, highlighted the project’s focus on various agricultural value chains such as avocado, dairy, maize, extension, and fish. Through the innovation platform model, the project brings together producers, distributors, transporters, processors, and consumers to address market challenges.
Okonya emphasized the crucial role of digital tools in linki
ng producers with markets and improving agricultural practices. The project has developed various digital apps aimed at increasing awareness and utilization among stakeholders. These tools are intended to enhance farmer training, capacity building, market access, and knowledge of pest and disease control.
The AIRTEA project emphasizes collaboration among government, private sector, universities, research institutions, NGOs, and youth organizations to address grassroots challenges. Okonya called for increased government investment in infrastructure to support digital agriculture platforms and suggested models to reduce internet costs for users.
David Mbugua, a Research Officer at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), praised the digital diary application developed under the project. The app enables farmers to self-train on livestock management and good agricultural practices, leading to higher productivity. The feedback from farmers has been positive, with many suggesting furthe
r improvements.
Oscar Murimi Kavindi, a young farmer from Runyenjes, shared his success with the digital diary app. The platform has helped him manage his livestock records and monitor financial transactions, illustrating the potential for small-space farming.
The AIRTEA project, supported by the European Union with a budget of Euro 298,000, has been operational since 2022 and is set to conclude in February 2025. Other coordinating partners include the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the East African Farmers Federation (EAFF).
