The potato component uses a learning farm approach concept, which provides rural farmers with hands-on experience in potato production technologies by practising together with the trainers through a learning-by-doing approach. Continue reading
Category Archives: Kenya
Private sector embedded extension model sustains field activities during COVID-19 pandemic
The private sector embedded extension model, popularly known as the dairy farmer assistant model, has enabled the dairy component of the AVCD program continue implementing field activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading
Using virtual communication tools to support northern Kenya partners during the COVID-19 pandemic
Over the last three months (April–June), the livestock value chain (LVC) team of AVCD program has worked tirelessly to maintain close and consistent communications with the county-based field office staff and the respective county government officials in Turkana, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo and Marsabit. Continue reading
Diversification of diets: a community-led solution that improves nutritional outcomes in Kenya’s pastoral communities
In northern Kenya, thousands of people suffer from acute malnutrition. This dryland region experiences low rainfall, high temperatures and has poor soils, which lead to poor harvests and inadequate pastures for livestock. The region hence suffers significant food insecurity which results in high levels of malnutrition, particularly among women and children. Limited knowledge of appropriate … Continue reading
Promoting better agricultural practices of drought-tolerant crops in farming communities
Despite their value, drought-tolerant crops, particularly millets and sorghum, have been steadily losing their share of contribution to calories in Kenya to maize, rice and wheat. The reasons for the low demand of these cereals are low productivity, poor image and lack of product development. Continue reading
The private sector can deliver veterinary vaccines in Kenya
On 1 February 2020 the director of veterinary services (DVS), Obadiah Njagi, issued a circular clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the private sector in the delivery of veterinary medicines and vaccines across Kenya in accordance with the existing laws and regulations. Continue reading
When Participatory Approaches Mess up Your Plans
I never imagined that this man who had brought his herd into this other community’s pastures and flouted the community’s grazing rules, and whose actions had disrupted our training workshop would become a champion of our approach. The Interrupted Workshop I had come to Turkana County in northwestern Kenya to be part of a team … Continue reading
Multisectoral partners come together to deliberate on how to accelerate efforts to reduce malnutrition across Kenya
Kenya still has a long way to go in improving the nutritional status of both the rural and urban populations. Collectively we can support the education and application of nutrition sensitization for better lives through better health and better food systems. Continue reading
Can the private sector deliver livestock vaccines in Kenya? Yes, they can
At a meeting held on 18 July 2019 in Isiolo, Kenya, livestock sector stakeholders committed to implement eight resolutions that offer solutions that will guide future practice and encourage private sector investment in animal health service delivery: Continue reading
Don’t spill it, chill it: Makueni milk factory helps farmers aggregate and sell more milk
Makueni dairy farmers to produce, aggregate and market milk as a business through the establishment of Kathonzweni Dairy Farmers Cooperative milk processing factory For many dairy farmers, their animals are like their children. Valued and cared for with a hope that they will succeed to bring good fortune to their home. Many dairy farmers will … Continue reading