AgriPlant Kenya at the Yanda Africa Agri-Tech Bootcamp – Powering Youth-Driven Agricultural Innovation
Last week, AgriPlant Kenya participated and exhibited at the Yanda Africa Agri-Tech Bootcamp hosted in Githunguri, Kiambu County.
The event brought together a vibrant mix of young agripreneurs, agronomists, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, all eager to explore modern agricultural innovations and opportunities for sustainable farming.
Keynote Highlights by Derick Mugodo, CEO – AgriPlant Kenya:
Our keynote address focused on two critical themes:
Implementing Climate-Smart Agriculture: Strategies for Sustainable Food Production
Hydroponic Systems & Efficient Irrigation: Revolutionizing Crop Cultivation
We reflected on the urgency of agricultural transformation using powerful global and regional statistics:
“The world will need to increase food production by 70% by 2050.” – FAO
“Over 282 million people in Africa were undernourished in 2023.” – SOFI Report
“67% of Kenyans face food insecurity; 4.4 million are in acute need during droughts.” – KNBS
“60% of Sub-Saharan Africans depend on agriculture, yet climate shocks threaten livelihoods.” – World Bank
“65% of Africa’s arable land is degraded.” – UNCCD
“Africa emits only 4% of global carbon but is most vulnerable to climate change.” – UNEP
“Youth unemployment in Kenya exceeds 35%.”
Youth at the Forefront of Africa’s Agricultural Transformation
We reiterated our commitment to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (#CAADP) and #AU Agenda 2063, with practical emphasis on:
1 – Technology and digitization in agriculture
2 – Collaboration and inclusivity (Leave No One Behind)
3 – Hands-on training in simplified hydroponic systems for urban farming
Introducing the YARAS Initiative
During the bootcamp, we introduced the Youth Action for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (#YARAS Initiative)—a youth-led movement supporting CAADP and Agenda 2063 goals through:
– Enhancing agricultural productivity
– Building resilience to climate shocks
– Promoting inclusive agribusiness development
Call to Action: Join the Movement!
We welcome partners, organizations, youth groups, and individuals passionate about transforming Africa’s food systems and empowering the next generation of agri-champions to join and support the YARAS Initiative.
For more information or to get involved:
Derick Mugodo (Program Lead): derick@agriplantkenya.com
Derrick Ngigi, HSC (Secretariat Host at UoN): derrick@godan.info
