Nandi: Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre partners with International Livestock Research Institute to enhance production

In a world facing pressing challenges related to the food system, the need for innovative food system transformation solutions is more critical than ever. Over time, food system challenges have constrained the advancement of Nandi county food system transformation.

Stakeholders through Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre as the host have endeavored to find solutions through the establishment of the living lab for the people (LL4P). International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) through the mitigate+ initiative collaborates with Kaimosi ATC in setting up LL4P. 

The last week of July 2023 marked a major milestone towards the establishment of LL4P through the signing of a Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) between ILRI and Kaimosi ATC. The CRA will formally grant rights to Kaimosi ATC with the blessings from the Nandi County government to host and lead in the implementation of activities within LL4P.

In setting up the LL4P, the host in collaboration with stakeholders in the Nandi county food system will focus on 2 objectives which include:

i. To establish a sustainable LL4P for low emission food system in Nandi county

ii. Identify and support citizen-led innovation for low-emission food systems in Nandi county.

The formal engagement towards the establishment of LL4P at Kaimosi ATC marks a significant step towards fostering a participatory, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder approach in developing an innovation agenda for the food system transformation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The signing of the collaborative research agreement signifies a commitment to collaboratively create an environment to facilitate a thriving LL4P, which will be hosted by Kaimosi ATC.

During the signing of the agreement, Nandi county leadership noted that they were ready to support and ensure the success of the living lab in transforming food system in Nandi county.

“We are excited as Kaimosi ATC on the opportunity to host the LL4P on low emissions food systems. We welcome the Collaboration Research Agreements between ILRI and Kaimosi ATC as an opportunity to upscale the projects within the program. Kaimosi has the capability and capacity to oversee the program to success.” Dr Kachilei,KATC center director.

The success of LL4P heavily relies on its self-organizational development, encompassing both its structure and its operational capacity. CRA will set in motion the putting up of the LL4P governing structure, which will be hosted and facilitated by Kaimosi ATC. Official involvement of Kaimosi ATC will set in action the establishment of an inclusive advisory board, comprising representatives from various stakeholder groups. This committee plays a crucial role in guiding the Lab's direction, and decision-making processes as well as ensuring that LL4P meets its objectives and aspirations.

The signing of the agreement between Kaimosi ATC and various stakeholders to establish the LL4P marks a pivotal moment in the county’s journey towards sustainable food system transformation. The LL4P activities, including participatory visioning workshops, revision of the conceptual framework, self-organizational development through an inclusive advisory committee, and the implementation of an assessment framework, will collectively foster an environment of innovation and collaboration.

As the Living Lab at Kaimosi ATC embarks on its mission to transform the Nandi County food system, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it serves as an inspiring model for others within the county and western Kenya region. By embracing collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning, the establishment of LL4P has the potential to drive sustainable change and build a future where food security, environmental sustainability, and community engagement thrive hand in hand.

With the signing of Collaboration Research Agreements, a journey of a thousand miles has just begun with a single step; and the journey to transform Nandi County food through the establishment of LL4P has just started! Dr. Kachilei