The University of Eldoret (UoE), through the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s growth and development (TAGDev 2.0) Programme, has entered into collaborative agreements with two community-based innovation hubs: Ndhiwa Agroecological Service Providers Cooperative Society Hub and Agri-Pro Solutions Community Based Organization Hub.
The partnerships are designed to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart, inclusive, and youth-driven agri-food solutions by linking university-led research and innovation with community-based demonstration and scaling.
At the centre of the collaboration is the Living Lab–Lighthouse Model, where the University of Eldoret, through its Agri-Food Incubation and Mentorship Hub (AIM Hub), functions as a Living Lab for co-creation, testing, and validation of innovations. The Lighthouse hubs serve as community anchors for demonstration, farmer learning, and last-mile diffusion.
“These partnerships move innovation from theory to practice,” said Dr. George Ariya, Head Business Development, TAGDev 2.0 UoE. “By working with strong, community rooted hubs, we are ensuring that research directly responds to farmers’ realities while creating dignified opportunities for youth and women.”
Ndhiwa Agroecological Service Providers Cooperative Society Hub
Located in Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Ndhiwa Agroecological Service Providers Cooperative Society Hub brings extensive experience in agroecology, mechanization services, clean energy, and youth-led extension. Under the agreement, its demonstration farms will serve as green innovation learning sites supporting research, student or Out of School youth training, and farmer capacity building.
Key areas of collaboration include Agroecology and climate-resilient farming systems, youth agripreneurship through trained Trainers of Trainers (ToTs), digital and data-driven agricultural extension, circular economy innovations, including waste to wealth solutions and joint research, documentation, and policy engagement
Agri-Pro Solutions Community Based Organization Hub
Operating in Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Agri-Pro Solutions CBO Hub is a youth-led organization championing agroecology, clean energy, irrigation, mechanization, and farmer aggregation. The partnership focuses on scaling proven community innovations that enhance climate resilience, food security, and rural livelihoods.
Through the collaboration, Agri-Pro Solutions Hub will support expansion of agroecological practices and indigenous seed systems, youth-led enterprises in irrigation, dairy, poultry, BSF feed production, and mechanization, digital tools for farm management, aggregation, and market access and clean energy adoption and circular economy initiatives
The agreements advance TAGDev 2.0’s mandate to strengthen institutional capacity, foster leadership, provide dignified and fulfilling jobs for young people and support inclusive agri-food system transformation across Africa. They also provide platforms for experiential learning, joint research, and partnerships with county governments, the private sector, and development partners.
Together, the University of Eldoret, Ndhiwa Agroecological Service Providers Cooperative Society Hub, and Agri-Pro Solutions CBO Hub are building a practical, scalable model for translating innovation into impact rooted in communities and driven by knowledge.
