Teachers, particularly at the high school level, have being urged to reinvigorate how agriculture is taught and assessed, transforming it from a perceived fallback subject option to an exciting, innovative, and future-oriented career path.

Making Agriculture Cool Again: Teachers Urged to Spark Student Interest in Farming

This call to action was a key point of discussion during the 2025 Young Farmers Club of Kenya (YFCK) National Agriculture Teachers Conference, held at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) from August 6 to 8, 2025.

The event, organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) and YFCK, brought together over 500 educators from across the country to explore innovative ways of revitalizing agricultural education and making it more engaging for today’s learners.

Amid growing concerns over food security and the need for climate-smart solutions, educators were urged to present agriculture as a dynamic, opportunity-rich field driven by innovation and vital to national development.

Speaking during the official opening of the conference, JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, emphasized that teachers are a vital pillar in the agricultural sector, playing a key role in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“Your efforts to equip students with knowledge, skills, and values are crucial in preparing them for meaningful roles in national development through agriculture. The future of food security and innovation rests on the seeds we plant and nurture in our classrooms today,” said Prof. Ngumi in a speech delivered on her behalf by Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC).

The Vice Chancellor noted that agriculture remains a backbone of Kenya’s economy, a fact underscored in key national development blueprints such as the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019–2029.

The strategy aims to elevate two million farmers from subsistence to surplus production, revitalizing the country’s export crop sector, and reduce food imports by at least 30%.

“Yet, despite these efforts, we face a disturbing reality where agricultural courses in schools and universities continue to experience low enrolment. We must work together to reverse this trend,” the Vice Chancellor averred.

Prof. Ngumi further expressed optimism that the ideas and commitments emerging from the gathering would help spark renewed interest in agricultural education across the country.

ASK Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Batram Muthoka, described the conference as “a key event in the national agricultural calendar, bringing together stakeholders committed to shaping the future of agriculture through education.” He noted that by directly engaging teachers, the forum helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical, real-world agricultural solutions.

Mr. Muthoka said the conference, which aligns with the Agricultural Society of Kenya’s (ASK) Strategic Plan, underscores the organization’s commitment to empowering educators as catalysts for agricultural transformation,

He added that ASK supports such initiatives by facilitating training opportunities, promoting school-based agricultural clubs, and offering platforms like the ASK Shows, where teachers and students can engage with cutting-edge agricultural technologies, innovations, and best practices from across the sector.

“By equipping teachers with up-to-date knowledge and innovative teaching approaches, ASK aims to foster a new generation of young farmers who are not only informed but also inspired to pursue agriculture as a viable and fulfilling career,” said the ASK CEO.

Komothai Girls High School Deputy Principal, Ms. Nancy, one of the trainers at the conference, urged educators to adopt interactive, hands-on teaching methods that resonate with today’s learners. She stressed the need to integrate real-world agricultural experiences into the classroom to spark curiosity and help students view agriculture as both relevant and rewarding.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/The-Teachers-in-attendance-2048x1365-1-1024x683.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/The-Teachers-in-attendance-2048x1365-1-150x150.jpgFarmersTrend# TrendingTeachers, particularly at the high school level, have being urged to reinvigorate how agriculture is taught and assessed, transforming it from a perceived fallback subject option to an exciting, innovative, and future-oriented career path.This call to action was a key point of discussion during the 2025 Young Farmers Club...New Generation Culture in Agriculture