The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) recently held its inaugural Socio-Economics and Policy Development Conference and Exhibition at its headquarters in Nairobi. Themed “Building Resilient Food Systems through Socio-Economics and Policy Research,” the three-day forum brought together a wide array of stakeholders from research institutions, government bodies, development agencies, and the private sector to explore how socio-economic and policy research can enhance the impact of agricultural innovations in Kenya.
Opening the conference, the KALRO Director General emphasized the importance of integrating social and economic considerations into the development and dissemination of agricultural technologies. He stressed that while the institution continues to develop various Technologies, Innovations, and Management Practices (TIMPs), their adoption heavily relies on understanding the socio-cultural contexts, market dynamics, and policy environments in which they are intended to function. A key takeaway was the realization that even the most scientifically sound innovations may face rejection if they are not aligned with the preferences or cultural norms of target communities. For example, breeding a fast-growing and nutritious black chicken may not yield results in communities with taboos against black poultry.
The Director General reiterated the need for agriculture to be viewed as more than just a technological pursuit, but rather as a system influenced by social acceptability, economic feasibility, and supportive policies. To that end, he called for deliberate efforts to engage communities, understand their needs, and tailor innovations that resonate with their realities.
Complementing this view, the Acting Director of Socio-Economics and Policy Development at KALRO highlighted the critical role of participatory research. She pointed out that effective agricultural research begins with the farmer. Through community visits, baseline surveys, and ex-ante analysis, researchers are able to grasp the challenges faced by farmers and design solutions that are context-specific and need-driven. This approach, she noted, not only increases the likelihood of adoption but also ensures the solutions are practical and culturally appropriate.
The conference attracted active participation from local and international partners in the agricultural research ecosystem. Keynote speakers from institutions such as ILRI, FAO, IDRC, and ICIPE joined pioneer socio-economists and researchers in deliberations on a range of pressing issues. Discussions were structured around sub-themes including market systems and agribusiness, gender and youth inclusion, agricultural policy reform, and digital transformation in agriculture.
Over 130 papers were presented, covering diverse topics such as economic analysis, technology adoption, and gender-responsive agricultural research. KALRO also announced plans to digitize its technologies to enhance extension services and ensure that innovations reach farmers more efficiently. The event marked a significant milestone in integrating socio-economic dimensions into Kenya’s agricultural research agenda.
