We are thrilled to announce that the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM) recently hosted the first-of-its-kind symposium in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Communicating Science (APECS) Project. The symposium took place at ARC Hotel, Egerton University, in May 2024, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and science communication.
The symposium featured a dynamic case competition where participants were tasked with designing a pitch, technical issue brief, and op-ed based on a science-based recommendation to the 2023 GAP Report. This competition provided a unique platform for participants to showcase their expertise and innovative ideas to a panel of virtual and in-person judges, as well as an engaged audience.
Participants received invaluable mentorship from industry-based coaches, who provided guidance and insights to help refine their presentations. The winning team will have the exciting opportunity to travel to the United States in October 2024, further expanding their knowledge and professional networks.
The symposium brought together 21 PhD students from various universities and research institutions across Kenya. These fellows, representing a diverse range of academic disciplines and research interests, demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in addressing critical agricultural issues.
We are immensely proud to have facilitated this event, which underscores our commitment to fostering academic excellence and professional development among the next generation of agricultural scientists. This symposium not only highlighted the importance of science-based recommendations in shaping agricultural policies but also emphasized the role of effective communication in driving impactful change.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Virginia Tech and all participants for making this symposium a resounding success. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and supporting initiatives that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the journey of the winning team and their exciting trip to the United States!
