Kenya | AGRO 2026 Conference
Updated: 2 hours ago
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi | 21-23 October 2026
Bridging the nutritional gap through community engagements and outreach Services: A case study of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya | Juliana Jepkemoi Cheboi1, Ramakuwela Tshima2,3, Evans Chimoita4 and Pascal Mueke4
1 Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 2905300625 Nairobi
2 Agricultural Research Council, Small Grain, Private Bag X29, Bethlehem 9701, South Africa
3 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
4 Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi
Abstract: Bridging the gap between agricultural research and community practice is essential for sustainable food systems, improved nutrition and climate resilience. Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a climate-resilient, nutrient-dense crop with potential to improve household food and nutrition security. However, limited knowledge on production, utilization and value addition constrains its wider adoption. A participatory and transdisciplinary approach was adopted, engaging 201 smallholder farmers in four women's groups and 435 school-going children from four public primary schools (Chechan, Chesongoch, Murkutwo and Kabetwa) in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Farmer field schools (FFSs) were established to facilitate experiential learning on OFSP production, climate-smart practices, nutrition and value addition. School demonstration farms were established in each participating school and farmer group to provide learners with practical experience in sustainable crop production and healthy diets. A survey was undertaken among the 201 farmers and 435 school-going children to assess nutrition knowledge and the effectiveness of the intervention. The survey indicated that 83% of the learners are aware of OFSP but have low nutrition knowledge (46.7%). The initiative established effective platforms for interaction and knowledge exchange between researchers and communities (94%). Farmers strengthened their practical knowledge and skills in OFSP production, utilisation, and value addition (85%), while FFSs promoted peer-to-peer learning and local capacity development (73%). The four school demonstration farms provided practical learning environments linking agriculture, nutrition and sustainability. Young learners emerged as ambassadors of sustainable nutrition and agricultural transformation, with potential to transfer knowledge and positive food practices from schools to households and communities. The initiative also strengthened collaboration among researchers, extension personnel, schools, farmers and community leadership. Integrating orange-fleshed sweet potato into school feeding programmes can enhance dietary diversity, improve micronutrient intake, strengthen food and nutrition security, and promote sustainable consumption habits among learners.
Keywords: Orange-fleshed sweet potato; Farmer field schools; school demonstration farms; climate-smart agriculture; sustainable food and nutrition security
Promoting the consumption of nutritious climate-smart crops through behaviour change communication and value addition technologies in Africa: A systematic review | Juliana Jepkemoi Cheboi1, Ramakuwela Tshima2,3, and Philip Simiyu4
1 Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 2905300625 Nairobi
2 Agricultural Research Council, Small Grain, Private Bag X29, Bethlehem 9701, South Africa
3 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
4 Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi
Abstract: Food and nutrition insecurity remain major challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, where climate change, limited dietary diversity, unsustainable agricultural practices, and persistent gender inequalities threaten resilient food systems. This systematic review examines how behaviour change communication, value addition technologies, and gender-responsive approaches can promote the production, consumption, and utilisation of nutritious climate-smart crops (CSCs). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using five databases: Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar for studies published between 2017 and 2025. Using the PRISMA framework, 396 articles were identified; 52 met the inclusion criteria after screening and duplicate removal. Findings show that behaviour change communication (BCC) interventions, including community-based learning, peer-to-peer education, extension services, mass media, and digital awareness campaigns, improve knowledge, dietary behaviour, demand, and consumption of nutritious CSCs. Value-addition technologies, including processing, milling, fortification, packaging, and the development of ready-to-eat products, improve consumer acceptability, shelf life, market competitiveness, and income opportunities while reducing postharvest losses. Gender-responsive approaches further strengthen these outcomes by enhancing women’s access to productive resources, climate information, training, and decision-making in agricultural and food systems. Digital technologies and platforms can improve information dissemination, supply-chain efficiency, traceability, and market access, although high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital literacy remain barriers for smallholder farmers. This review concludes that integrating BCC, technology innovation, and gender equity provides a transformative pathway toward climate-resilient, economically viable, inclusive, and nutrition-secure agri-food systems. Scaling these approaches requires coordinated policy support, targeted investments, stronger digital infrastructure, and context-specific implementation strategies.
Keywords: Climate-smart crops; behaviour change communication; Value addition technologies; gender equity; food systems resilience; and Food and nutrition security
