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On December 13, 2024, Icipe-Duduville in Kasarani, Nairobi, became the hub for an impactful journalist training workshop organized under the theme “Empowering Journalists to Promote Agroecology through Effective Farmer Content Production and Dissemination.” Spearheaded by Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), the event marked a significant stride in leveraging media to foster sustainable agricultural practices.
The workshop was conceived as part of the Agroecology Journalism Challenge, an initiative to capacitate farmer-centric journalists to become catalysts for agroecological transformation. Journalists often face logistical and financial barriers that hinder their ability to produce high-quality content on sustainable farming. This challenge seeks to overcome such hurdles by building their expertise in agroecology, storytelling, and multimedia production while facilitating their connection to resource persons and research networks.
Agroecology, a holistic approach integrating ecological, cultural, and socio-economic principles in farming, lies at the heart of sustainable food systems. Key workshop discussions showcased agroecology’s capacity to enhance food security, combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity through methods like recycling resources, enhancing soil health, and fostering biodiversity.
Participants explored groundbreaking solutions such as:
- Push-Pull Technology: A chemical-free innovation combining Desmodium plants and Brachiaria grass to combat pests and weeds while enriching soil.
- Biopesticides and Organic Fertilizers: Eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact and improve agricultural yields.
- Stingless Bees: A dual-purpose solution for pollination and medicinal honey production, demonstrating agroecology’s economic potential.
In addition to that the journalists received hands-on training on:
- Simplifying complex scientific concepts into relatable content for diverse audiences.
- Using data visualization and storytelling techniques to engage farmers and urban readers alike.
- Employing interactive media to amplify the reach of agroecological narratives.
The workshop facilitated partnerships between journalists, researchers, and policymakers. A curated directory of experts and access to Icipe’s wealth of research materials positioned journalists to create compelling, evidence-based content.
Expected Outcomes
This initiative is poised to:
- Amplify the voices of farmers and agroecology practitioners.
- Elevate public understanding of sustainable agriculture.
- Stimulate dialogue among policymakers to support agroecological policies.
- Enhance the quality and reach of agroecology-themed content.
A Call to Action
As the workshop concluded, journalists left equipped and inspired to meet an ambitious deadline: producing impactful agroecology content within four weeks. By doing so, they will contribute to a ripple effect of awareness, adoption, and advocacy for agroecology across Kenya and beyond.
This milestone underscores BvAT and Icipe’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, proving that empowering the storytellers of today can transform the agricultural landscapes of tomorrow.
Prepared by James Alunga Photo credits erdley Agona
