Nelson Kipkosgey is the Chairperson of the Nandi Youth Council. Earlier this year, he was selected for a three-month internship in Germany under the International Young Farmers Exchange Program. He secured this incredible opportunity after participating in the National Youth Convention, which was hosted by CRAFT, Agriterra, and Kenya National Farmers' Federation. Now back home in Kenya, Nelson shares what he learned during his experience.

Potatoes are a major crop grown in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Despite being a primary source of income for many smallholder farmers, their production has faced numerous challenges due to climate change, leading to higher production costs. These challenges include delayed or shortened rainfall seasons, pests, and diseases, leading to higher production costs.

Emmanuel Bizumungu of Wageningen University and Research and Dr John Recha of AICCRA, together with scholars, Ruerd Ruben and Robert Sparrow, examine the agri-food value chain approach as a mechanism for transforming food systems and alleviating poverty. 

The CRAFT team recently converged in Mbale, Uganda to reflect on their work in the three countries- Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and share the valuable learnings they have gathered. The team, comprising CRAFT members from SNV, Agriterra, Wageningen University and Research, and AICCRA, also discussed the focus areas for the next six months.