Theme
Resilient Agrifood Systems for Nutritional Security & Economic Sustainability
Farmers in the Gusii region of Kenya rely on a mix of crop farming and dairy production for their livelihoods. The region (encompassing Kisii and Nyamira counties) faces high levels of food insecurity and poverty. For example, Kisii’s food poverty rate is about 44.5% (far above the 32% national average). Such challenges are not unique to Gusii; they reflect broader national and African concerns around food security, youth unemployment and climate vulnerability. At the same time, there are growing opportunities to transform agrifood systems through innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy support.
Policy Context
African and Kenyan National Policy Context
Continental Commitments
The African Union's policy framework for agricultural transformation, food security, and economic growth seeks to end hunger and boost intra-African trade by 2025.
New 2026-2065 Strategy
AU endorsed a new 10-year strategy (2026–2035) to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems across the continent to help member states achieve food security.
Kenya's National Policy
Kenya is committed to ensuring 100% food security and nutritional goals through the National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP) and related strategies.
Kisii & Nyamira Counties
Region Development Priorities
Both Kisii and Nyamira County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) emphasize agricultural development, value addition, and youth empowerment as keys to economic growth. Kisii County, for instance, notes a high dependency ratio and widespread rural poverty, and seeks to create sustainable employment for youth through investments in priority sectors. Agribusiness and agro-processing are identified as priority areas in these county plans. The Gusii region is blessed with fertile land and is known for its bananas, tea, coffee, dairy, and horticultural produce. Yet farmers and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) often struggle with low productivity, post-harvest losses, limited market access, and insufficient financing.
Specific Objectives
Objectives of the Gusii Innovation Week
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Encourage creative solutions (especially by youth) in sustainable agriculture, agri-tech, value addition and food distribution to address challenges like low productivity, climate shocks and food waste. The Week’s hackathon and summit will incubate new ideas and showcase prototypes/innovations that can be scaled.
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Provide a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue including farmers, startups, researchers, investors, government, and development partners; to share knowledge and best practices on building resilient agrifood systems. Interactive sessions in the Summit will foster exchange of experiences on climate-smart agriculture, digital marketplaces and financing models among others.
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Connect local agribusinesses and producers to new market opportunities by leveraging AfCFTA and regional trade frameworks. GIW will highlight pathways for Gusii entrepreneurs to reach national, regional and global markets through e-commerce, export readiness training, standards compliance; thus, contributing to increased intra-African trade in agricultural goods.
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Attract investment into promising agrifood startups/MSMEs and projects in the region. Through pitching sessions and networking, GIW aims to link entrepreneurs with potential investors including impact investors, banks, microfinance institutions, government programs among others; and spark partnerships. An expected outcome is increased capital flow (both financial and in-kind support) into local agribusiness innovations
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Champion the production and consumption of local nutritious foods and innovative cuisines. By running a local foods competition and related campaigns, the event will raise awareness of the value of indigenous crops and diets for nutrition and cultural heritage. This ties into broader food security efforts and is aligned with Kenya’s 100% food and nutrition security aspiration.
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Strengthen the capacity of local institutions including innovation hubs, tertiary & research institutions, community-based networks and local government agencies to support innovation. The thematic committees and collaborative planning of GIW will leave behind an empowered ecosystem with sustained linkages powered by ongoing mentorship for startups, new innovation programs and policy proposals for the county governments
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Position the Gusii region as a hub for agrifood innovation. By documenting and publicizing outcomes, GIW will inform policy makers and development partners of on-the-ground insights. Expected outcomes include policy briefs and recommendations (for county or national authorities) on supporting agritech and agri-entrepreneurship; as well as increased recognition of Gusii’s innovators on national platforms.
Results
Expected Outcomes & KPIs
At least 20 new agrifood prototypes or innovative business ideas generated from the Hackathon and Summit sessions, with the top 5 awarded for further incubation.
25+ startup/MSME pitches delivered to investors/policy-makers, resulting in follow-up meetings or funding opportunities (targeting at least 10 ventures securing new partnerships and/or investment leads).
~500 attendees at the Summit (farmers, youth, academia, private sector, etc.); and ~1,000 community members engaged through the open outdoor food competition and media outreach.
A post-event report and policy brief capturing key insights on resilient agrifood systems, to be shared with relevant ministries and partners.
Formation of at least 5 thematic working groups or projects (one per track) that will continue collaboration after the event; including but limited to a task force on agritech innovation and a new farmers’ market linkages program in Gusii region.
Local and national media coverage (TV, radio, press, social media) reaching an audience of over 1 million, thereby raising the profile of agrifood innovation as an enabler of nutritional security.
The 6th Track
Diaspora Engagement
Rationale and Strategic Fit
This track strategically fills a critical gap by providing structured, intentional diaspora participation beyond remittances. With diaspora populations across North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Nutrition Security
Medical Camp & Nutritional Consultation
This track enhances the “nutrition security” aspect of the summit by offering free medical checkups, nutrition assessments and consultations to participants and the wider community. It directly aligns with the GIW’s goals to promote local food consumption, nutritional health and inclusive agrifood systems. Browse the Program Components below:
Offered by County Health Departments in collaboration with local hospitals, Red Cross and medical students from institutions across Gusii region
- Basic Health Screening: Blood pressure, BMI, blood sugar.
- Nutrition Status Check: Height-for-age, weight-for-age, MUAC (especially for children under 5).
- Eye Checkups and dental screening.
- Women’s Health Corner: Family planning, maternal wellness, antenatal education.
- Vaccination Station (optional): Hepatitis B, tetanus, or child immunizations.
Led by certified nutritionists, dietitians and public health nutrition officers.
- One-on-One Consultations: Personalized dietary advice based on local food availability.
- Indigenous Nutrition Info Hub: Education on bio-fortified foods, traditional diets, anemia reduction, food preservation.
- Cooking Demonstrations: Parallel to the Street Kitchen track—health-focused recipes with local ingredients.
Held in a small open-air amphitheater or tented stage.
- Topics:
- Gut health and immunity.
- Managing NCDs through diet.
- Nutrition for children and adolescents.
- Role of indigenous foods in preventing malnutrition.
- Sessions will include Q&A, quiz games, and community storytelling on food heritage and health.