Taita Taveta University Strengthens University–Industry Collaboration Through UPLIFT-Ag project

Taita Taveta University (TTU) has taken deliberate steps to make agricultural training more relevant to industry and community needs. Working within the framework of the EU funded UPLIFT Agriculture Project, and National platforms such as the University Deans of Agriculture Forum in Kenya, TTU is contributing to shaping the priorities for agriculture higher education. The university has concentrated on activities that directly support teaching, research, and community engagement. For students, researchers, and partners, this means stronger links between university training and real-world agricultural practice. TTU also contributed to the coordination of the University Deans of Agriculture Forum (Kenya) and enriched discussions focused on curriculum relevance, graduate skills, and practical collaboration with industry.

Strengthening Industry-Relevant Training through Formal Partnerships That Support Long-Term Collaboration

Through UPLIFT-Ag project, TTU took part in various national and regional forums that focused on agribusiness, biotechnology, food security, climate resilience, and livelihoods.

University leaders and academic staff proactively engaged with industry players and development partners including the International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya Red Cross Society, and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute among others to ensure that training programmes respond to current industry needs. The agreements help ensure that collaboration with industry is structured, consistent, and long term.

In 2025, TTU formalized key partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with for example the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). The partnerships support:

• Student training and industrial attachments
• Joint research and innovation
• Community-based agriculture and resilience programmes

 Supporting Applied Research and Innovation

Recent efforts at TTU have also focused on strengthening its research facilities. One key activity was the development of a tissue culture laboratory at the Ngerenyi campus, which is supported by the Micro-Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT). The facility is currently propagating banana seedlings and will serve university needs and also supply the communities in the local and neighboring counties to access affordable and healthy, quality certified planting materials.

A Practical Model for Agricultural Training

Another initiative has been the collaboration with the CABI to carry out Plant Clinic which implements crop pest diagnostics and extension support for farmers. TTU will serve as the regional hub for providing high quality services for local growers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.