Kenya, Australia Deepen Agricultural Research Ties as KALRO Showcases Soil and Feed Innovation

Kenya is exploring deeper agricultural research cooperation with Australia following a visit by a delegation from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).

The delegation was hosted by KALRO Director General Dr Patrick Ketiem, who highlighted the importance of international research partnerships in developing practical technologies and solutions that can respond to the needs of farmers.

During the visit, the ACIAR team toured KALRO’s Kabete facilities, where researchers showcased ongoing work and infrastructure supporting agricultural research and innovation.

The discussions placed particular emphasis on soil health, digital soil mapping and forage development for livestock feed, areas that could have implications for farm productivity, resource management and climate resilience.

The delegation visited KALRO’s soil laboratories and received insights into the use of digital soil maps in agricultural research and decision-making. Such mapping can help researchers and agricultural practitioners better understand variations in soil characteristics and support more targeted approaches to soil management.

Forage research was also identified as an area of interest as Kenya continues to face the challenge of improving livestock productivity while maintaining reliable and affordable feed supplies.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the two institutions to examine how their research capabilities, technologies and expertise could be combined to address agricultural challenges in Kenya and potentially across the wider region.

Beyond the immediate areas discussed, the collaboration could create opportunities for joint research, knowledge exchange and development of technologies that can be adapted to the conditions faced by farmers.

The engagement comes as agricultural research institutions increasingly seek international partnerships to address challenges linked to climate change, soil degradation, food production and sustainable livelihoods.

For Kenya, stronger research collaboration can also help bridge the gap between scientific findings and practical technologies that farmers can apply in the field.

KALRO said the visit underscored the importance of international partnerships in strengthening agricultural research and innovation while contributing to climate-resilient food systems.

The discussions between KALRO and ACIAR mark an early step towards identifying specific areas where the two institutions can work together, with soil health, digital agricultural tools and livestock feed research emerging as potential areas of collaboration.