To kick off farmer level trainings under the Knowledge Hub for Eastern Africa (being part of the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture (KCOA) project), a workshop of the Training of Teams of Facilitators (ToToF) approach review was organized on 11^th and 12^th August 2021 in Nakuru, Kenya, by PELUM Kenya under the coordination of Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT). The workshop was attended by 17 participants (7 Master Trainers, 9 PELUM Kenya staff, and 1 BvAT staff). The overall objective of the workshop was to strategize on the effectiveness and quality of farmers’ level trainings. This would in turn lead to increased adoption of organic agriculture practices by the trained farmers and other value chain actors.

The KCOA project focuses on three main areas, namely, collection, collation, and validation of organic agriculture knowledge products, dissemination of organic agriculture knowledge, and market development and networking of value chain actors.

Under the ToToF approach, 24 Master Trainers from the four countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda) have undergone regional training by IFOAM Organics International. BvAT has consistently provided technical support to the Country Implementing Partners and the Master Trainers. This is aimed at strengthening their capacity to train local/grassroot multipliers across the target countries. The focus is now on the training of farmers and other value chain actors.

Mr. Joseph Nyamesegere, the BvAT M&E Officer, supported PELUM Kenya and Master Trainers during the workshop by providing feedback, guidance, and clarifications. He clarified on the project expectations and progress made across the hub and presented on the M&E requirements. Borrowing from the lessons learned during multipliers training, the Officer supported the participants on how to prepare well for a smooth and effective roll out of the farmers and other value chain actors’ training. The participants indicated that they are ready to walk with and support multipliers in rolling out and training farmers. A training manual for use by multipliers across the country was recommended. This would promote common understanding, approach, and perspective among multipliers as they carry out the farmer training on the ground.

The participants expressed commitment to working together and supporting each other to ensure that the goal of the project is achieved.

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Author: Joseph Nyamesegere, M&E Officer, Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT)