UPLIFT.Ag Project Chuka University Chapter Holds Seminar on University-Industry Partnerships and Improved Teaching Methods and Innovative Curriculum Designs.

The UPLIFT.Ag Project Team, Chuka University Chapter, held a feedback seminar focused on University-Industry Partnerships and Innovative Teaching Methods and Curriculum Designs on February 5, 2025. The event brought together stakeholders, including 25 industry partners, academic staff members from the Faculty of Agriculture (FAGRI), as well as Deans, Directors, and Chairpersons of academic Departments. The Chuka University UPLIFT-Ag coordinator Prof. Shelmith Munyiri gave a brief introduction on the role of the Agricultural Sector Network (ASNET) which is the umbrella body of the agricultural sector in Kenya, and the Agriculture arm of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), a body that can play a key role in Universities-Industry partners linkages.

The seminar featured presentations on the survey feedback reports on Work Packages 2 and 3 as received from FAGRI Lecturers, Students and Agricultural Sector Industry partners. Prof. Shelmith Munyiri and Dr. James Kinyua prepared and facilitated the session on Work Package 2, while Prof. Wambugu Stephen presented findings from the survey on WP 3 on Improved teaching methods in agriculture and Innovative Curriculum Designs. This was followed by an open Plenary discussion and a Session on the way forward coordinated by Prof. Jackin Nanua. Survey questionnaires had been administered to the above mentioned respondents between May and September, 2024. The open session discussion also assessed the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to engage in meaningful partnerships with the sector Industries that would enhance teaching and research and ultimately contribute to solving challenges in agriculture. Additionally, it focused on capacity building for university and industry partners to strengthen collaboration, as well as improving management systems and policies within universities to facilitate industry engagement and co-teaching for efficient content delivery.

Prof. Stephen Wambugu and Dr. Samuel Chege prepared and presented findings on Work Package 3 survey which addressed key issues related to the improved teaching methods and innovative curricula in agriculture from the perspective of both students and lecturers. The presentation covered a baseline analysis of curriculum content gaps and teaching methods, along with the development of new teaching methodologies and resources. Also discussed was the implementation of an innovative curriculum and the capacity-building efforts needed for both university and industry partners to adopt modern teaching approaches. Further, the session emphasized the importance of enhancing basic teaching facilities that can support graduate student employability, innovation capacity and entrepreneurship.