Hello Tractor Experience Center
June 30, 2026 | 5 - 9 p.m. EAT
The Hello Tractor Experience Center is a working convening space in Nairobi where founders, researchers, investors and operators gather for practical dialogue on African agriculture. During this immersion, guests explored how asset finance, IoT, marketplaces and farm equipment owner economics are creating measurable impact for smallholder farmers living on less than $2 a day. The evening included a moderated session followed by networking.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
July 1, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EAT
Participants visited the MRGM Farmer Cooperative at the International Rice Research Institute where they connected with farmers, including women and youth, cultivating rice as a business. The immersion brought together farmers, rice millers and stakeholders to share experiences and explore solutions to improve rice productivity, strengthen markets and enhance livelihoods. Participants witnessed the potential of circular approaches for utilizing rice straw, transforming an agricultural waste into resources.
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
July 1, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EAT
The ILRI campus in Nairobi is a hub for agriculture and food systems research with seven CGIAR centers based on campus as well as a number of other international organizations and programs. On this tour, attendees visited the bioscience labs, which include high-end bioscience facilities that support CGIAR's plant and animal research. In addition, attendees visited the Mazingira ('environment') center, a unique resource in Africa that enables direct measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from animals. A shuttle for this tour provided by ILRI departed the Safari Park Hotel at 7:45 a.m. and returned at 1 p.m.
CIMMYT
July 1, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. EAT
Participants visited CIMMYT and explored how science, innovation and partnerships are transforming food systems globally. Through interactive exhibits and engagement with researchers, private-sector leaders, development partners and agrifood systems leaders, attendees discovered climate-smart agricultural solutions focused on maize, wheat and dryland crop systems that enhance productivity, strengthen livelihoods and build resilience. The experience showcased CIMMYT’s impact in translating research and innovation into real-world solutions that improve food security, support sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems and help farming communities adapt to a changing climate.
WorldFish
July 1, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. EAT
Delegates experienced an immersive, field-based learning journey into Kenya’s growing aquaculture sector through a guided visit to a fish farm supported by science, innovation and community engagement. The visit showcased best aquaculture practices across fish production, feed management, water quality, climate-resilient systems and post-harvest handling, while offering direct interaction with a farmer driving transformation in the sector.
Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT
July 1, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. EAT
During “Partners Day: Connecting Science, Community & Markets,” participants engaged with agrifood system leaders and explored how the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT bridges the gap between science and the marketplace. Attendees discovered innovative, value-added products and met the hardworking entrepreneurs turning agricultural research into real-world impact. There was also an opportunity to purchase value-added products directly from the entrepreneurs at the event.
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)
July 1, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. EAT
Participants explored innovative insect research and development initiatives advancing One Health and circular economy solutions. This immersive experience highlighted how nature-positive innovations are helping address today’s most pressing challenges in food systems, sustainability, nutrition and environmental resilience.
International Potato Center (CIP)
July 1, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. EAT
This immersion session showcased how youth engagement, innovation and research partnerships are transforming Root and Tuber Crops (RTCs) value chains in Kenya and across Africa. Participants interacted with researchers, youth agripreneurs, farmer groups and development partners working to strengthen sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems. The session featured discussions on youth-led agribusiness opportunities, access to quality seed systems, digital advisory services, climate-smart production practices and market linkages within the RTCs value chain.