Insights from the GALILEO Inception Workshops in Embu County, Kenya – Galileo Project

27/11/2025

Insights from the GALILEO Inception Workshops in Embu County, Kenya

Introduction

The GALILEO Kenya team successfully conducted its inception workshop from 13th to 16th October 2025 in Kiritiri and Kiamuringa, Embu County, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including farmers, NGOs, research institutions, and government representatives.

Purpose and Activities

The workshop introduced participants to the GALILEO project, presenting contextual findings from the D1.1 report, mapping key actors and ongoing initiatives, and discussing agroforestry practices, innovations, and prevailing challenges. Facilitated by the GALILEO Kenya team, the sessions also encouraged stakeholder dialogue to better understand local needs and opportunities.

Key Insights

Discussions highlighted the creativity and resilience of Embu farmers in adapting agroforestry systems to local conditions. Notable innovations include integrated water and nutrient management, runoff harvesting, enhanced beekeeping practices, socio-economic empowerment initiatives, and improved pest and disease strategies.
However, these efforts unfold within a challenging environment marked by:

Persistent water scarcity
Ongoing pest and disease pressures
Limited technical knowledge on agroforestry tree species
Weak agroforestry policy frameworks
Long investment return periods
Land tenure issues that complicate adoption of new practices

Farmers also identified key projects supporting their work, including the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI), Farm Africa, and Financing Locally led Climate Action Program (FLLoCA), among others.

Conclusion

The inception workshop provided valuable insights into the local agroforestry landscape and laid the foundation for collaborative engagement in the GALILEO project’s Living Labs in Embu County. The findings will guide upcoming project activities and strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders.

All project activities will be published on the project’s social media accounts. Stay tuned!

Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement 101181623. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement 101181623. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.