Kenya: Global agricultural media network empowers young communicators as IFAJ-Alltech boot camp concludes

KENYA – The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech concluded the 2025 IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday.

The three-day program, held at Ole Sereni Hotel, brought together ten agricultural communicators from ten countries for leadership training ahead of the IFAJ World Congress.

The event marked the 20th anniversary of the IFAJ-Alltech partnership, which has trained and mentored young agricultural journalists from across the globe since 2005.

Participants engaged in workshops, field visits, and mentorship sessions that focused on communication, leadership, and sustainable food production.

Program focus and global reach

The boot camp aimed to equip emerging journalists with skills to report on agricultural innovation and rural development. Participants represented countries including Liberia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Germany.

Steve Werblow, Global President of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, said the program remains central to IFAJ’s mission of building professional capacity in agricultural media.

“The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Program is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Over the past two decades, it has trained and inspired young journalists who have gone on to lead their guilds, chair committees, and even organize world congresses,” Werblow said.

He noted that the initiative strengthens journalism networks globally.
“These young leaders return home to strengthen their guilds, energizing agricultural journalism at both national and international levels,” he said.

Werblow added that the program links journalists across continents to address pressing challenges in food systems. “When I look at this group from Africa to Australia, from Argentina to the United Kingdom, I see the future of agricultural journalism. They are thoughtful, creative, and determined to use communication as a force for positive change.”

He also recognized the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) for its role in advancing agricultural communication and community development.

Participants share experiences

Victoria Ellis, a participant from Australia, said the program offered valuable exposure and cross-cultural exchange.

“It’s been a great experience. I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been really engaging and exciting,” Ellis said. “We’ve had the opportunity to visit farms here in Kenya, hear different perspectives, and learn from some of the most experienced voices in agricultural journalism.”

She highlighted the importance of public awareness in supporting the agricultural sector. “Agriculture is a fundamental industry, and we couldn’t thrive without it. Programs like this remind us of the importance of telling those stories not just locally, but globally,” she said.

British participant Ben Engle said the training created opportunities for cooperation among young journalists.

“It’s been an incredible experience, meeting other young leaders, hearing their perspectives, and thinking about how we can contribute to our own communities,” Engle said.

“The ongoing support from Alltech has been instrumental. The future of agriculture is linked to the future of storytelling, and programs like this help strengthen both.”

The ten participants will join the IFAJ World Congress, scheduled for October 15 to 18 in Nairobi, where journalists and agricultural experts will discuss communication trends shaping global food production.

Since 2005, the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp has built a network of agricultural journalists who continue to play key roles in media, farming policy, and rural development.

“The future looks bright,” Werblow said. “When I see young leaders like Victoria and Ben, I’m confident that agricultural journalism and the farmers it represents are in capable hands.”

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