Blog / ADS Eastern Team Trains in Agro-ecology at Eco-Center
The team from Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADS Eastern) representing Meru, Embu, Moyale, Isiolo, and Mbeere recently participated in an intensive five-day Agro-ecology Training at the Eco-Center that host rode Kenya.
The training combined classroom learning with practical field visits, giving participants hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative farming systems.
Practical Learning at Ruiru Prison
As part of the training, the ADS team visited Ruiru Prison, where agro-ecology practices are actively transforming lives.
At the prison farm, participants observed:
The prison has successfully sustained its agro-ecology project by training prison officers, ensuring continuity and long-term impact. Inmates are recruited into the program based on their interest, and they receive hands-on training that equips them with practical agricultural skills for reintegration into society.
The visit allowed ADS members to connect theory from the classroom with real-life implementation.
Understanding Plant Health: Focus on Rust Disease
During the training, participants also explored plant health management, including identification and management of rust disease using agro-ecological approaches that reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Farm Demonstration Visit in Githunguri
The team later visited a model agro-ecology farmer, George Muroki, in Githunguri for further practical demonstrations.
George’s Agro-ecology Journey
George joined RODI four years ago and has since transformed his farm using agro-ecological principles. Through group learning and practical application, he has mastered:
He has dedicated his farm as a learning site, hosting other farmers for practical demonstrations and peer learning.
Dairy Farming Success Story
The ADS team also visited a successful dairy farmer, Muthoni, who practices integrated agro-ecology farming.
Her farm includes:
With five dairy cows producing between 30 to 50 liters of milk per day (averaging 45 liters per cow), she demonstrated how agro-ecological practices improve productivity.
Key practices observed included:
Her farm is a strong example of how agro-ecology can increase farm productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Strengthening Agro-ecology Across Eastern Kenya
The five-day training equipped ADS Eastern staff with both knowledge and practical skills to promote agro-ecology in their respective regions. By combining theory, field exposure, and real-life farmer experiences, the program strengthened their capacity to support communities in adopting sustainable farming systems.
The visit demonstrated that agro-ecology is not just a concept taught in class it is a practical, income-generating, and life-changing approach to farming.
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