1,432 Avocado Farmers Trained on Good Agricultural Practices in Tanzania
Kilimo Trust, in collaboration with Guavay Company Ltd, is implementing a project to scale up organic fertilizer production for sustainable avocado agriculture in Njombe and Mbeya regions of Tanzania. Funded by the Belgian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the King Baudouin Foundation, the project aims to train 1,688 avocado farmers. So far, 1,432 farmers have been trained on good agricultural practices (GAPs), post-harvest handling, integrated pest management (IPM), and integrated soil fertility management (ISFM). The project also promotes the use of HAKIKA fertilizer, with 18 agro-dealers recruited and radio stations engaged for awareness creation.
MACIA Sorghum Variety Shows Good Performance in Tanzania
The Lake Zone Smart Farms (LSF) project, funded by AGRA, aims to transform smallholder farming in Tanzania by promoting the sorghum value chain. The project has introduced new sorghum varieties, including Macia, Tegemeo, Narco, and Pato, in Shinyanga DC and Meatu Kishapu. Observations from demo plots show that the Macia variety is performing well, being less susceptible to pests and diseases.
CARI EA Project Organizes Regional Exchange and Learning Visit in Kenya
The Competitive African Rice Initiative East Africa (CARI-EA) project, funded by USAID through AGRA, aims to increase the competitiveness of locally produced rice in East Africa. A regional exchange and learning visit was held in Mwea, Kenya, bringing together 21 participants, including rice millers, farmers, and project staff. Participants visited various sites, including Nice Rice Millers and the Mwea irrigation scheme, to learn about rice production and mechanization.
Rice Milling Manager, Operators, and Accountants Trained on Good Manufacturing Practices
A training on good manufacturing practices and business management was held in Jinja, Uganda, for 34 participants from Uganda and Kenya. Organized by NARO, the training aimed to enhance the competence of rice mill managers and operators. Participants developed action plans to implement the lessons learned and were made trainers of trainees in their respective consortia.
11,237 Farmers Trained on Post-Harvest Handling Practices in Uganda
The Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation II (FIEFOC II) project, funded by the Government of Uganda and the African Development Bank, aims to enhance household incomes, food security, and climate resilience. Kilimo Trust conducted capacity-building activities in post-harvest handling, value addition, and food processing technologies for 11,237 farmers in five watershed areas. Technologies such as tarpaulins, KTB hives, and plastic crates were promoted.
Improved Post-Harvest Handling Technologies Introduced to Farmers in Northern Uganda
The BRENU project, funded by the European Union through the Government of Uganda, aims to enhance food security and incomes in Northern Uganda. Kilimo Trust and IITA distributed post-harvest handling equipment, including soybean threshers, to smallholder farmers in Otuke district to reduce post-harvest losses.
Kilimo Trust Conducts Validation Workshops for Developed Curriculums Under R-YES Project
The R-YES project, funded by IFAD and BMZ, aims to create employment opportunities for youth through an integrated agribusiness hub. Kilimo Trust conducted validation workshops for 10 developed curriculums, attracting stakeholders from training colleges, agribusiness industries, and project staff. Feedback from the workshops will be used to finalize the curriculums.
First Cohort of R-YES Project Beneficiaries Commence Training
The first cohort of R-YES beneficiaries commenced training at selected colleges on March 15th, 2022. A total of 349 trainees have been admitted to undertake short courses in various agribusiness-related fields, including poultry farming, milk processing, and vegetable production.
Innovations for Sustainable Rice Production Showcased in R4ICSA Project Learning and Reflection Events
The R4ICSA project, funded by IKEA Foundation, aims to promote sustainable rice production in Kenya and Uganda. Learning and reflection events were held in Kisumu and Mbale, showcasing innovations such as husk utility stoves, vermicomposting, and rice-legume integration. The events aimed to evaluate the successes and challenges of the project and guide future scaling up efforts.
R4iCSA Project Embracing Rice-Legume Integration Shows Promising Returns for Rice Farmers in Kenya
The R4ICSA project in Kenya promotes regenerative agriculture in rice-based farming systems. In Kisumu County, rice farmers have formed agribusiness clusters to utilize the long rice offseason for leguminous crops, improving soil fertility and household nutrition. Kilimo Trust facilitated a collaboration between West Kano rice farmers and Rift Valley Products (RVP) for offseason cropping.
How Kilimo Trust is Using Social Media to Increase Its Visibility
Kilimo Trust introduced the “Be Seen Be Heard KT Challenge” to encourage staff to promote project activities on social media. Staff are encouraged to post about ongoing activities on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Winners of the challenge for this quarter include Andrew Gashayija, Mark Ssali, Gabriel Olengo, Paul Opio, and Grace Akumu.
Conclusion
Kilimo Trust remains committed to transforming agriculture in East Africa. We thank our partners and stakeholders for their continued support and look forward to achieving even greater milestones together.