The University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 team recently conducted a visit to the Endorois women community-based organization (CBO) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community engagement, promote sustainable agriculture, and explore opportunities for strategic partnerships in seed systems and value addition initiatives.
The visit to the Kabasis village near Lake Bogoria brought together members of the TAGDev 2.0 programme team led by the coordinator Prof. Julius Ochudho, community leaders, and representatives of the Endorois women group in a fruitful engagement aimed at understanding the organization’s activities, achievements, and areas of collaboration that could benefit both the community and the University.
During the interaction, the Endorois women led by Ms. Salina Chepsat showcased various community driven initiatives focused on indigenous seed preservation, climate-smart agriculture, food security, and women empowerment. The group highlighted their efforts in conserving traditional seed varieties that are well adapted to the local environment and resistant to harsh climatic conditions.
The TAGDev 2.0 team expressed interest in the community’s indigenous knowledge systems, particularly in relation to seed multiplication, seed banking, and sustainable farming practices. Discussions also focused on possible collaboration in strengthening seed systems through research, training, and capacity building to improve productivity and resilience among smallholder farmers.
In addition to seed systems, the engagement explored opportunities in the value addition of agricultural produce. The Endorois women demonstrated several locally developed products and shared their experiences in processing, packaging, and marketing agricultural commodities. The TAGDev 2.0 team noted the potential for enhancing these initiatives through technical support, innovation, entrepreneurship training, and market linkages.
Speaking during the visit, members of the TAGDev 2.0 team emphasized the importance of community partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation and empowering vulnerable groups, especially women and youth. They noted that collaborations with grassroots organizations such as the Endorois Women CBO align with the programme’s broader mission of strengthening livelihoods through education, research, and inclusive development.
The Endorois women leaders welcomed the partnership discussions, expressing optimism that collaboration with the University of Eldoret through TAGDev 2.0 would help enhance their agricultural activities, improve value chains, and create greater economic opportunities for the community.
The visit concluded with a commitment from both parties to continue engaging on areas of mutual interest and to explore practical frameworks for future collaboration in seed systems development, agribusiness, and community empowerment initiatives.
The TAGDev 2.0 programme continues to champion partnerships that bridge academic knowledge and community innovation, contributing to sustainable food systems and improved livelihoods across communities.
