4 October 2023 – In the framework of support to African countries, the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative (AATI) extended an invitation to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) Ghana, to participate in an agricultural transformation learning mission in Kenya. The objective of the week-long visit was to learn, experience, and share lessons learned in Kenya’s agricultural transformation journey. In this regard, Mr. Charles Ayueboro Adama, Principal Agriculture Economist, MoFA, Ghana, met key stakeholders involved in the development of Kenya’s agricultural transformation processes including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Kenya, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), AGRA, McKinsey & Company, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, (KALRO). 


The learning mission began with a briefing from the AATI team, led by Safia Boly, Executive Director, AATI. The meeting focused on the need for high-level government commitment for the effective establishment and operationalization of an Agricultural Transformation Office (ATO).

Below are key discussions points from agriculture stakeholders, who met with Mr. Charles Ayueboro Adama during his learning mission in Kenya:

Mr. Moses Abukari, Regional Programme Manager, IFAD, discussed the crucial role of the organization in the development of country strategic programs and dwelt on the importance of effective inter-agency collaboration.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) Kenya, represented by Eng. Richard M. Kanui, Engineering Secretary, and Mr. Patrick Kibaya, Head of the Climate Change Unit, discussed the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy with its 9 flagships, the operationalization of the Climate Smart Agriculture Hub, supported by AATI and the Agriculture Transformation Office led by Mr. Leonard Kubok.

Mr. John Macharia, Country Director Kenya, AGRA, focused on the need for a clear strategy, policy guidelines, and institutional capacity strengthening for the success of an Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO).

Mr. Omid Kassiri, Partner, McKinsey and Company discussed Ghana’s preparedness to drive the agricultural transformation through the setting up   of an ATO as well as key lessons and experiences from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

The meeting with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) was an opportunity to understand ILRI programs in Kenya and across Africa as well as to discuss the contribution of research and capacity building to the implementation of agricultural development policies. The visit was hosted by Iain Wright, Deputy Director of general research and development–Integrated Sciences, and Laura Cramer, Specialist – Policy Engagement, among other colleagues.

During the visit the Mr. Adama also met with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Dr. David Kamau, Director of Natural Resource Management and his team focused on KALRO’s core functions as well as its role in coordinating research and application of research findings in agricultural development.

The AATI looks forward to continued engagement with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) Ghana.