Rising Stars in Agriculture: Jenice Achieng Audi

posted by GFAR

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This month, the GFAR blog is shining a light on remarkable young people who are shaping, and making a difference to, the agricultural world. 

Meet Jenice Achieng Audi, a dedicated Kenyan agripreneur and advocate for sustainable food systems, whose passion for community development is making a tangible impact in her country.

Jenice Achieng Audi, a dedicated Kenyan citizen, is on a mission to promote agricultural development initiatives and shape sustainable food systems. Armed with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Maseno University, Jenice’s commitment to agricultural advocacy goes far beyond the classroom.

One of her primary focuses is empowering the youth. Jenice served as the patron of the school’s Young Farmers’ club and actively represents the institution at various events and forums. She strongly believes in the importance of community development, particularly in the areas of Youth in Agribusiness, Girl Child Empowerment, and Agri-nutrition advocacy. To bring these initiatives to life, Jenice took the lead as the first convener of ‘Osiepe YES! (Youth Empowerment Solution)’ under Osiepe Practical Action CBO, where she encouraged parent/youth mentorship in agricultural development and facilitated empowerment programs.

Beyond that, Jenice co-founded the ‘Nice n Spicy Self Help Group,’ a gathering of young professional women dedicated to raising awareness about Agri-nutrition, food safety, health, and wellness. The group actively promotes the establishment of home gardens to produce fresh and flavorful ingredients such as herbs and spices. In addition, they provide psychosocial support to teenage mothers, empowering young girls and helping them reach their full potential.

Jenice’s dedication to community development extends further as she and her family support charitable initiatives through ‘The Chief Audi Foundation,’ established upon her father’s retirement as a Senior Assistant Chief in June 2022. Their aim is to contribute to meaningful transformation and positive change in the community.

Jenice’s commitment to leadership and policy development is evident in her participation in various programs. As part of Cohort 41 in the Public Management track, she was a participant in the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Jenice also completed the Champions for Change for Youth Leadership in Agribusiness and Policy Development Boot Camp 1 in Kenya. Additionally, she actively engages as a member of the Agricultural Council of Kenya Youth Consortium, advocating for the voices of young agripreneurs.

An agripreneur at heart, Jenice engages in various agricultural activities, including rearing indigenous breed chickens, cultivating local vegetables, and operating Agnesa Bakery. Through Agnesa Bakery, she produces healthy and nutritious baked goods, utilizing raw farm products like pumpkin and sweet potatoes. This endeavor aims to fight malnutrition, encourage value addition/innovation, and create employment opportunities for youths, especially women.

At present, Jenice holds the esteemed position of Country Representative at Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD-Kenya). YPARD-Kenya is a global network exploring innovative approaches to improve agricultural production. Her role allows her to contribute her expertise and collaborate with like-minded professionals to create sustainable change. Additionally, Jenice represents teachers in Kisumu County KUPPET BBF and serves as the treasurer.

Jenice’s dedication and hard work have been recognized, leading to her recent admission to the African Food Fellowship. Specifically, she is part of the third Kenyan edition of the Food Systems Leadership Programme, scheduled to commence on 6th October 2023. This prestigious fellowship will provide invaluable opportunities to enhance her leadership skills and contribute to making Kenya’s food systems fairer, healthier, and more profitable for all. She eagerly anticipates engaging with her future colleagues and the African Food Fellowship team as they collectively work towards this transformative goal.

Her unwavering dedication is fueled by a strong commitment to collaborate and transform communities, with the ultimate goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), and 3 (Good health and well-being).

YPARD-Kenya: Empowering the Next Generation in Sustainable Agriculture

YPARD-Kenya, known as the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development Kenya, stands at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering young people in the agricultural sector. Through a range of educational activities, YPARD-Kenya has made significant strides in advocating for youth involvement in agriculture and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders.

One of the most impactful activities undertaken by YPARD-Kenya was their involvement in the development of the Kisumu County Food Systems Strategy (2023-2027). The strategy focused on six thematic areas, including food system governance, production and value addition, infrastructure development, food loss and waste, climate change, and nutrition and food safety. YPARD-Kenya played a vital role in expressing the voices of youth in the strategy and advocated for its implementation through a multisectoral approach.

Additionally, YPARD-Kenya facilitated a training session on Youth Involvement in Agriculture as part of the Farmer Business School (FBS) group facilitators training. The training aimed to equip farmers with new skills and knowledge, with a particular emphasis on unlocking youth employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, lowering the cost of livestock feeds, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Another essential educational initiative organized by YPARD-Kenya was the webinar titled “Empowering the Next Generation: Youth-driven Solutions for Climate Resilient Food Systems.” This webinar aimed to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on food systems. It provided a platform for young professionals to share their experiences and innovative solutions for building climate-resilient food systems.

YPARD-Kenya also collaborated with Top Quest Consultants and the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association (LFSA) to organize a webinar on food standards and food safety. The webinar highlighted the importance of adhering to food standards to ensure safe and secure food production. Young entrepreneurs shared their experiences in complying with food standards in their agrienterprises, while experts discussed the risks associated with unsafe food handling and the role of the private sector in ensuring food safety.

In celebration of World Environment Day, YPARD-Kenya actively participated in tree planting activities in Kisumu County, showcasing their expertise and initiatives related to environmental conservation. The focus of the event was finding solutions to plastic pollution, an essential aspect of building sustainable food systems.

Furthermore, YPARD-Kenya played a significant role in supporting and empowering a youth in agriculture group called “The Organic Green System Kenya” (ORGRES) by facilitating the official handing over of a chisel plough. The donation, facilitated by FAO Kenya, represented an investment in conservation agriculture and the empowerment of young farmers.

As they move forward, YPARD-Kenya has exciting plans, including hosting a webinar on food loss and waste management, participating in the Youth Climate Change Summit organized by the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI), and hosting a summit on youth-driven solutions for sustainable food systems. These initiatives aim to continue empowering young professionals, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

In conclusion, Jenice Achieng Audi’s journey as an agripreneur and advocate, along with YPARD-Kenya’s educational initiatives, stand as a beacon of hope for sustainable agricultural development and community empowerment in Kenya. Their efforts and dedication serve as an inspiring example for others, igniting a passion for positive change and creating a better future for generations to come. By collaborating and transforming communities, they move closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous Kenya for all.

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