Nairobi: The Government has commended the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and its implementing partner African Management Institute (AMI) for strengthening the leadership capacity in agriculture food systems through the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) Programme.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the graduation of Cohort 3 of CALA's Advanced Leadership Programme, Principal Secretary (PS) for Agriculture, Dr. Kiprono Ronoh, highlighted the organization's commitment to equipping emerging leaders with the skills and vision needed to transform agriculture across the continent. Dr. Ronoh emphasized that this initiative supports efforts aimed at building a resilient, competitive, and inclusive agricultural sector by governments across Africa.
Dr. Ronoh, in a keynote speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Rashid Khator, Secretary of Administration in the State Department of Agriculture, praised the crucial role played by public and private sector partnerships in transforming agri-business systems through collaboration and networking via strategic partnerships and shared platforms. He stressed the need for a critical mass of highly trained leaders to drive innovation, enhance capacity, and foster sustainable food production systems.
The graduation ceremony awarded certificates to 40 delegates from eight African countries-Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ghana-after completing 16 months of rigorous training, including experiential learning. Prior to graduation, delegates presented demonstration projects and showcased innovative solutions to food system challenges.
AGRA Vice President, Center for Technical Expertise, Jonathan Said, urged the graduates to apply their acquired skills to transform food systems in their countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining collaborative networks. AGRA continues to support the training of more leaders in food systems.
Prof. Jean Jacques Muhinda, AGRA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, speaking on behalf of AGRA Vice President for Programme Delivery, Prof. Hamadi Boga, echoed Mr. Said's sentiments, urging graduates to return to their countries and share their knowledge. He encouraged collaboration with government ministries, the private sector, and civil society to achieve transformation and attract donor interest.
CALA, a premier AGRA-led initiative, aims to build the capacity of leaders in agriculture to sustainably transform food systems in Africa, supporting agriculture sector leaders in delivering top national priorities in agriculture and nutrition security.
The graduation of Cohort 3 learners marks a significant milestone in CALA's journey to empower Africa's agri-food leaders. The ceremony also featured speeches from Ms. Rebecca Harrison, Co-founder and CEO of the African Management Institute, Dr. Yifru Bekele, AGRA's Head State Capability, and Mr. Dan Ochieng, Board Chair of the African Network of Professional Facilitators.