Empowering Communities through Research: How JKUAT is Enhancing Climate Resilience and Agricultural Innovation

By Cynthia Grace,

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is conducting a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) course for representatives from Turkana County. The training will be held from February 10th to 21st, 2025, at the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC), JKUAT.
This two-week program brings together community leaders and grassroots mobilizers to enhance the
capacity of refugee host communities, equipping them with skills for climate resilience and livelihood
improvement. The training aims to equip the participants with knowledge of community climate
solutions, information services, agronomic practices for drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, water
harvesting, conservation, and management, among other critical areas.
This initiative, Enhancing Capacity of Refugee Host Communities for Climate Resilience and Livelihood
Improvement (ECHCR-CRELI), is being implemented in collaboration with the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA). Designed as a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) course, the program specifically
targets representatives from Turkana County, equipping them with the skills needed to drive sustainable
change within their communities.
Universities are crucial in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions.
By equipping the common mwananchi with practical skills, innovative farming techniques, and climate
resilience strategies, institutions like JKUAT empower communities to enhance their livelihoods and ensure food security. Through training programs and research initiatives, JKUAT has been instrumental in providing farmers and rural populations with modern agronomic practices, water conservation techniques, and value-addition skills, ultimately driving sustainable development and economic growth.

The group of approximately 30 trainers from various regions in Turkana was welcomed by facilitators
from JKUAT led by Dr. Patrick Mbindyo Registrar of Research, Production, and Extension, and Mr. Jeremiah
Nyori Mbugua, Director of Extension Services & Community Outreach at JKUAT. Mr. Jeremiah Mbugua
provided the trainers with an overview of the function, and structure of JKUAT while narrowing down to the
aspects of research done under the Division of Research Production and Extension in JKUAT. “Many people
think a university is solely about academics, but we are here to take you through its broader role,
particularly in research, where our focus is on improving the daily lives of our communities,” he said.
Ms. Genevieve Asurut Erope, an agricultural officer from Turkana West Sub-County, looks forward to
deepening her knowledge of climate patterns and farming methods. “I am eager to learn more about
agriculture, particularly how JKUAT approaches crop farming, including the different methods and
farming seasons," she mentioned.
On the other hand, Mr. Emmanuel Elim Lopungure, a trainer from Lolma Sub-County, Turkana County,
expressed his enthusiasm for gaining deeper insights into climate resilience, livelihood enhancement,
seasonal timing, and crop rotation methods.
The two-week program will include practical training sessions to equip trainees with knowledge and
hands-on skills in value addition. Participants will also learn how to utilize resources from arid areas for
the production of beauty and cleaning products, explore tissue culture technology, and gain insights into
Dragon fruit farming and mushroom production, among other topics. Additionally, the group will have the opportunity to visit a model farm in Kitui and Machakos for a firsthand experience of innovative
agricultural practices.