US, Kenya explore university-led agricultural extension model

Nairobi, Kenya – August 31: Kenya and the United States are exploring a novel approach to bolster agricultural extension services by strengthening ties between universities and farmers. Both nations aim to enhance productivity, facilitate technology transfer, and broaden market access for agricultural products. This collaboration involves the US National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), Kenyan public universities, and various agriculture stakeholders such as Rootooba.

The initiative focuses on devising a more coordinated extension system in Kenya, with a prospective study assessing the feasibility of adopting a university-led model.

Douglas Miyamoto, director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, highlighted the potential of the US university-based extension model to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application on farms. He emphasized that extension services could serve as a conduit for disseminating valuable technical knowledge to farmers and ranchers.

The US also sees opportunities for expanding agricultural trade with Kenya, particularly in sectors such as animal feed, coffee, and cut flowers, while ensuring Kenyan products gain better traction in the American market.

Professor Daniel Mugendi, chairman of the Vice-Chancellors’ Committee and vice-chancellor of the University of Embu, noted a concerning decline in Kenya's extension system, despite agriculture remaining a cornerstone of the Kenyan economy. He pointed out that while Kenya once boasted a robust extension system, coordination has deteriorated, resulting in gaps in delivering research and technology to farmers.

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney emphasized that Kenya has been selected as a priority country for engagement in Africa due to the countries' shared agricultural landscapes. He clarified that NASDA's involvement is not about dictating changes but about leveraging their extensive experience in managing a strong extension system.

The US delegation has committed financial support, estimated at an initial funding range of $100,000 to $200,000, to conduct a comprehensive study involving key stakeholders. The findings from this study are expected to guide subsequent consultations and pave the way for potential larger-scale interventions. McKinney also pointed out that the partnership could unlock opportunities for increased US agricultural exports, such as soybean meal, distillers’ grains, and sorghum, particularly as Kenya faces challenges with its maize production.

Nevertheless, McKinney stressed that any decisions regarding imports and the overall agricultural policy in Kenya would ultimately rest with Kenyan authorities.