Bridging the gap through community engagements and outreach services

Dr Juliana Cheboi was recently recognised as one of the Best Researchers in Community Engagement Services during the University of Nairobi 2024/2025 Staff Recognition and Performance Contracting Awards. The award recognises the impact created through her research across several Kenyan counties: Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Machakos, Makueni, Kiambu, and Tharaka Nithi.

I am deeply honoured to be recognised as one of the Best Researchers in Community Engagement Services during the FY 2024/2025 University of Nairobi Staff recognition and performance contracting award. This achievement reflects the collective effort of many partners. I sincerely appreciate the unwavering support of my funders, the invaluable knowledge and commitment of farmers, the trust and collaboration of local communities, and the enabling role of county governments. Together, we are transforming research into meaningful impact and strengthening resilient, inclusive agricultural systems. This recognition belongs to all of us🙏.

Dr Juliana Cheboi in a post on LinkedIn

Dr Juliana Cheboi receiving her award at the University of Nairobi.

Dr Cheboi has been promoting the inclusion of climate-smart crops in local diets by training women and youth in value-added techniques, such as creating new recipes.

Her work champions gender mainstreaming and the promotion of climate-smart technologies, innovations, and management practices in arid and semi-arid areas facing climate change, malnutrition, and poverty. The achievement reflects a truly collective effort, made possible by the unwavering support of funders, the invaluable knowledge and commitment of farmers, the trust and collaboration of local communities, and the enabling role of county governments.

Training farmers on value addition techniques to promote production and consumption of underutilised climate smart crops – Pigeonpea and orange fleshed sweet potatoes.

What would your advice be to young researchers?

The future is determined by the solutions we provide today. However, impactful research begins by listening to and treating communities as partners rather than subjects, thereby making outcomes more relevant, ethical, and sustainable. Community engagement thrives on trust and shared ownership, and it is strengthened by embracing collaborations across disciplines with farmers, civil society, county governments, and funders. Excellence is not always linear; it requires patience and consistency since meaningful engagement takes time.

What, to you, is the meaning of awards?

To me, excellence is not declared; it is demonstrated. An award recognises collective efforts, validates service to society, and reminds us of our responsibility to give back. It marks a milestone that renews commitment to integrity, community partnership, and the use of research to create meaningful, lasting impact beyond academia.

Where to from here – what are your plans going forward?

My current focus is on deepening community-driven research that translates evidence into action. I plan to strengthen partnerships with farmers, communities, county governments, and funders to scale climate-resilient and gender-responsive agricultural innovations. I also envision mentoring young researchers and embedding community engagement as a core pillar of impactful research and practice.

Dr Juliana Cheboi in conversation with Heidi Sonnekus (FAR-LeaF programme)