The Agricultural Innovation and Technology Centre (AITEC) is a medium-scale farm in Embu, Kenya that doubles as a centre of knowledge offering a range of services designed to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency. AITEC’s mission aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG2) to
“End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”
The centre serves as a hub for demonstrating advanced agricultural technologies, capacity building and conducting research, all linked to Israel’s cutting-edge agricultural ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in the validation of Israeli technologies and adapting them to the local context. The site showcases various crops, inputs, techniques and innovations then introducing these advancements to the region.
Youths at AITEC FARM coutesy of DBDON.
AITEC’s offerings include diverse training programs that provide practical hands-on experience. These programs range from a six-month internship for degree graduates, a one-year TVET training program and a 1–3-day practical session. Training topics cover pressurized irrigation, fruit tree and vegetable production, pest management, plant nutrition and protected agriculture among others.
In addition to training and technology demonstration, it offers comprehensive logistical support through its hub which facilitates market linkages for value chain development particularly for specialized high-value crops. The centre supports the implementation of programs to ensure the full operation of these value chains. The hub connects local and international stakeholders, promoting access to agricultural inputs and technologies while also enhancing post-harvest processing and export of local produce.
AITEC operates a nursery that produces high-quality seedlings for farmers of all scales, ensuring year-round availability at affordable prices and offering guidance on the best varieties for specific localities. Additionally, its extension services reach out to farmers in the region hence providing them with professional support through well-trained extension agents. These agents monitor fields and offer recommendations to improve both the quality and quantity of production.
Finally, the farm serves as a model medium-scale farm demonstrating best practices in planning and the introduction of new technologies and agri-techniques. Through the knowledge and expertise developed at AITEC, the centre aims to promote the commercialization of agricultural production hence contributing to the broader goal of sustainable agricultural development.
