From Struggling through Drought to Thriving

Making Agriculture More Productive and Profitable

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Kenya's economy and an important driver of household livelihoods. During the Summit, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto emphasized the need to make agriculture more productive, predictable and profitable for farmers.

Farmers' Priorities

Farmers from different value chains shared their experiences, highlighted support that has made a difference and identified areas requiring further attention. Their priorities included:

• Investment in water and irrigation infrastructure for food production.
• Affordable animal feeds and improved disease control for dairy farmers.
• Quality seedlings and affordable fertilizer for coffee production.
• Better returns and increased support for sugarcane farmers.

Innovation and Youth Participation

Young innovators showcased practical solutions to agricultural challenges, including soil health, mechanization, post-harvest management and storage. The Summit demonstrated the importance of innovation and youth participation in transforming food systems.

KALRO's Commitment to Research Impact

KALRO continues to develop climate-smart technologies, improved crop varieties, stronger value chains and effective technology-transfer approaches to help farmers improve productivity, resilience and incomes.

KALRO Director General Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem has consistently emphasized that research must move beyond laboratory settings and reach farmers as practical technologies and innovations that address their real needs and improve livelihoods.

Also in attendance were KALRO Board Members led by the Board Chair, Mr. Benson Ngure.

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