- Agriculture officers trained to strengthen support for mango and cashew nut farmers
- Training focuses on practical technologies and improved farming practices
- Officers urged to strengthen links between researchers, extension teams and farmers
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has stepped up efforts to improve mango and cashew nut production by equipping agriculture officers with practical skills to better support farmers across six counties.
The training brought together agriculture officers from Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, Embu and Murang’a during a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop held at KALRO DRI Naivasha, in collaboration with the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
The workshop focused on strengthening the officers’ knowledge of the two value chains so they can pass on improved technologies and farming practices to farmers in their respective counties.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, KALRO Deputy Director Crops Dr Alice Murage challenged the officers to focus on technologies that farmers can easily afford, understand and put into practice.
Dr Murage said research innovations should reach farmers at the right time, particularly during critical planting seasons when delays can affect production.
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She also urged the officers to maintain a strong feedback link with farmers, saying challenges encountered in the field can help researchers improve existing technologies and develop solutions that respond to farmers’ needs.
“The real test of this training will be what happens when you return to your counties,” Dr Murage told the participants, emphasising the need for stronger extension services and closer links between farmers and agricultural experts.
The training is part of efforts by KALRO and NAVCDP to bridge the gap between agricultural research and what happens on farms, with the trained officers expected to play a key role in transferring knowledge and technologies to farmers.
With mango and cashew nut farming supporting livelihoods in various parts of the country, the initiative seeks to strengthen productivity, improve resilience and help farmers benefit more from agricultural research and innovation.
By Lizzy Aluga
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