Living Lab for Low Emission Food System Transformation in Nandi County

Overview

The Living Lab, hosted by Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) in collaboration with ILRI, is part of the Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub and supports the CGIAR’s Climate Action and Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Programmes. In 2024, the Living Lab advisory board has nominated 8 innovation cases. The Living Lab is part of ILRI's work on Adaptation Pioneers.

The Lab enables inclusive, practice-led research and innovation by linking farmers, researchers, local institutions, and market actors, focusing on climate-smart, inclusive innovations.

Further steps in the development of the LL In 2025 are:

1. Strengthening Organizational Structures
   • Co-developing a Theory of Change and governance model
   • Establishing financial sustainability, clear decision-making, and legal protection for local innovations
   • Enhancing visibility via a joint communication strategy
   • Developing tools for reporting, donor acknowledgement, and innovation documentation
2. Scaling Innovation Cases
   • Hosting on-farm learning events and contributing to Kaimosi field days
   • Creating video and blog content to highlight farmer-led innovations
   • Facilitating business to business linkages with input suppliers, markets, and financiers
   • Conducting a rapid impact assessment to guide future scaling

Activities are designed to promote gender-transformative, socially inclusive co-production, combining biophysical and social research approaches.

Objectives

1. Establish a sustainable Living Lab for Low Emission Food Systems in Nandi County
2. Identify, support, and scale citizen-led innovations for low-emission food production

Expected Outcomes

• New perspectives on innovation: Increased recognition of local, citizen-led solutions for climate-smart food systems
• Tangible emission reductions: Proven innovations shared and scaled by farmers and agripreneurs across Nandi County and beyond