Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development: History, mandate and responsibilities

Have you ever wondered what the pillar of agricultural research in Kenya is? Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development plays a key role in conducting essential research and providing policy recommendations. What is the history and mandate of this institute?

Did you know that agricultural research is essential for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development? Research generates new technologies and improved policies. One of the most reputable research institutes in Kenya is the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development.

Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development

This is a policy research institute under the Division of Research and Extension of Egerton University. Its mandate is to conduct policy research and objectively disseminate findings. Its vision is “A people forever free from hunger and poverty.”

History of the Tegemeo Institute

The Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development began research in 2012. The Government of Kenya introduced a Value Added Tax (VAT) bill that proposed a tariff on agricultural inputs like seeds, animal feeds, and fertilisers. The institute conducted an assessment of poultry farmers to determine how they would be affected by the proposed 16 per cent VAT on animal feeds.

Their study revealed that the tax forced manufacturers to raise their feed prices, which would then be passed on to the consumers, resulting in a 70 -100 per cent decline in profits. Additionally, the imposed VAT caused Kenyan farmers to lose their competitiveness, hence leading to the importation of cheap imports. The long-term effects were loss of employment, poverty, and lack of nutrition.

Tegemeo Institute then shared these results with the Government of Kenya, the parliamentary committee on agriculture, the private sector, civil society representatives, consumers, and other stakeholders in October 2013. It recommended that the VAT on animal feeds be reversed, and it was later gazetted that animal feeds and the raw materials used in their preparation would be exempt from VAT.

What are the mandates of the Tegemeo Institute?

The following are some of the major responsibilities of the research institute:

1. Conducting policy research

The main aim of conducting policy research is to inform and guide government and stakeholder interventions in the agricultural sector. Some of the major areas of study include crop and livestock value chain analysis, analysis of food/commodity prices and productivity, use of fertiliser and improved seeds and climate variability.

2. Performing outreach and advocacy.

The Tegemeo Institute informs public and private sector stakeholders and development agencies regarding promising policy and investment opportunities that promote rural incomes and food security in Kenya. 

3. Building and strengthening the capacity of its researchers.

This is done through short and long-term training focused on survey design and implementation, data collection, management and analysis, and policy analysis.

4. Monitoring trends and patterns in rural livelihoods.

The institute collects and analyses household-level data on rural families. It monitors changes in productivity, income, poverty, food security, and nutrition.

What are the objectives of agricultural development policy in Kenya?

The agricultural policy in Kenya revolves around the highlighted main goals.

• Enhancing food security
• Increasing agricultural productivity and incomes, especially for small-holder farmers.
•  Emphasising irrigation to reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture in the face of limited high-potential agricultural land.
• Ensuring environmental sustainability.
• Encouraging private-sector-led development of the sector.
•  Encouraging diversification into non-traditional agricultural commodities and value addition to reduce vulnerability.

Tegemeo Institute address

Incase you have queries or want to make inquiries about the organization, you can reach the through the following contact information:

• Postal address: P.O. Box 20498 00200,
• Location: Kindaruma Road, Off Ngong Road, behind Coptic hospital, Nairobi.
• Contacts:+254720895454/+254714895454/0202347297/0203504316
• Email: egerton@tegemeo.org /info@tegemeo.org

What are the Tegemeo Institute vacancies?

The organization is a potential employer for various professionals, including researchers and experts in agriculture. If you are interested in an employment opportunity at the organization, you can check the available vacancies on its official website.

Other Agricultural research institutes in Kenya

Agriculture is the largest sector in Kenya’s economy. In efforts to improve the sector and make it sustainable, other research organisations have been established. In addition to Tegemeo Institute, notable agricultural research organisations in Kenya include:

• Kenya Agricultural Research Institute. (KARI)
• International Livestock Research Institute. (ILRI)
• Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Muguga. (KARIM)
• Coffee Research Institute. (CRI)

Wrapping up

As seen above, the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development plays a vital role in shaping Kenya’s agricultural future. The next time you think about the progress in Kenya’s agriculture, you can as well appreciate the hard work of this research institute. Is it not great to know that the future of agriculture is being carefully nurtured for you and your future generations?