Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics Food Security Group

MSU Faculty Highlighted at the Tegemeo Conference in Nairobi

Michigan State University (MSU) faculty members played a pivotal role in the Tegemeo Conference, held from October 29-30, 2024, at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. This significant event brought together stakeholders from across Kenya’s agricultural and policy sectors to discuss research findings and innovative solutions for promoting agricultural growth, resilience, and food security.

The conference, organized by a consortium including MSU, the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University, and Purdue University, marked an important milestone in the Support for Applied Research and Analysis in the Kenya and East Africa Region (SARA-KEA) project. The event emphasized research-based discussions to inform policies and foster collaborations among key players in Kenya’s agricultural landscape.

Key Contributions from MSU Faculty

Several MSU scholars delivered impactful presentations and participated in panel discussions, reflecting their commitment to advancing agricultural research and development in the region:

• Dr. Mywish Maredia presented research on the influence of home and away-from-home food environments on diets in urban and peri-urban Kenya. Her findings emphasized the complexities of dietary behavior and the policy implications for improving nutritional outcomes.

• Dr. David Mather provided insights into the cost of a nutritious diet in Kenya and the impact of fertilizer price fluctuations on the country’s agricultural sector. His analyses highlighted the urgent need for strategic policy interventions to stabilize food systems and ensure affordability of essential agricultural inputs.

• Dr. Milu Muyanga shared his expertise on whether commercialized farms are driving agricultural transformation in rural Kenya and contributed to discussions on youth employment opportunities in the agricultural sector. His work emphasizes the critical role of modernized farming practices and youth engagement in driving rural economic growth.

Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration

The conference featured a range of discussions and sessions on themes like agricultural growth trends, soil health, value chain development, and resilience-building for rural households. MSU faculty members were integral to these dialogues, providing evidence-based recommendations and engaging with policymakers, private sector representatives, and fellow researchers. Their contributions are part of MSU's broader mission to foster sustainable agricultural practices and promote economic development in East Africa.

As the SARA-KEA project continues to unfold, the collaboration between MSU and local institutions like the Tegemeo Institute will remain vital in addressing the region's agricultural challenges through innovative research and actionable policy guidance.

Stay tuned for more updates on MSU’s contributions to agricultural policy and research in Kenya and beyond.