KijaniSpace has officially launched its multi-actor engagement efforts with the first regional stakeholder workshop held in Kisumu. This milestone event brought together a diverse mix of voices, including policymakers, local authorities, farmers, cooperatives, researchers, agri- and aquatech innovators, and investors from across the Lake Victoria Basin.
At the core of KijaniSpace is a participatory approach: we believe that impactful solutions for climate-smart agriculture and aquaculture must be co-created with those who live and work in the region. The workshop in Kisumu marked the beginning of this ongoing dialogue.
Building the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Change
The event served as a launchpad for the KijaniSpace multi-stakeholder platform a space for sharing insights, identifying regional needs, and aligning around common goals. Representatives from all 13 consortium partners met face-to-face with local and regional stakeholders to explore what it will take to drive real transformation on the ground.
Discussions focused on understanding the current challenges and opportunities in the shift toward climate-smart practices. Together, participants began outlining regional action plans that will guide future engagement, pilot activities, and innovations supported by the project. This is just the beginning. With continued collaboration, the KijaniSpace platform aims to support long-term resilience, innovation, and sustainability in agriculture and aquaculture across East Africa.
The keynote speaker was Eng. Coletha U. Ruhamya, Deputy Executive Secretary, EAC-Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), Kisumu – Kenya.
Here is one of the key quotes from her speech: “Through the innovative KijaniBox, we are providing smallholder farmers with real-time, actionable insights that can help them make informed decisions, increase crop yields, and enhance resilience to climate change.”
This quote stands out because it highlights a tangible, technology-driven solution (KijaniBox) that addresses critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers—such as climate change adaptation and food security. It underscores the transformative potential of combining Earth Observation data and IoT technologies to empower farmers, making it both visionary and practical.
Draft Agenda Overview of the Multi-Actor Stakeholder Workshop
Focus: Establishing the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Climate-Smart Agriculture in the Lake Victoria Basin
- Welcome and Opening Remarks, LakeHub
Introduction to the workshop, hosts, and participants. - Presentation of the KijaniSpace Project, WAZIUP
Overview of project goals, scope, and activities with a focus on regional relevance. - Introduction to the Multi-Stakeholder Platform, ABPL
Explanation of the platform’s objectives, structure, policy context, and expected outcomes. - Stakeholder Presentations
Insights from local and regional actors, including:- Policymakers and authorities on agricultural and fisheries strategies: LVBC – E.A Community Agricultural Policy Landscape, LVA – Fisheries Management and Development Bill
- Startups and SMEs working in agri- and aquatech: Aquarech, Dr John Gershenson, meteoblue – weather & climate data for smallholder farmer
- Farmer cooperatives and development programmes: ABDP project by KMFRI, SIDO Tanzania
- Regional innovation and research initiatives: Agape Innovation Limited, Uganda
- Interactive Group Discussions
Participatory sessions organized around key thematic areas:- Policy frameworks and governance of the platform
- Collaboration between innovators, researchers, and businesses
- Roles, needs, and expectations of farmers and cooperatives
- Presentation of Group Findings
Summary of key points, challenges, and proposed action areas from each discussion group. - Next Steps and Wrap-Up
Agreement on follow-up actions, responsibilities, and timeline for ongoing engagement.
