Featuring expert voices driving equitable policy reforms across Kenya

In this final feature we talked to Mr. Simon Nyariki, Training, Kenya School of Agriculture. He reflects on the timelines of the GASP program and its significance to calling attention to intentional gender-responsive approaches to strengthen the resilience of agrifood systems.

Name: Simon Nyariki  

Title: Trainer/Head of Department 

Institution: Kenya School of Agriculture 

Q: Which training tools did you find most impactful, and how can they help you strengthen your program design and delivery?

Simon: The most valuable takeaway has been learning how to use gender analysis frameworks such as the GAPo tool.  These tools help us understand gender roles and ensure our programs reach all groups equitably. At our institution, we plan to utilize them to strengthen our programs, ensuring that every group we work with is adequately and effectively supported.

Q: What challenges do you find impact gender integration in agrifood policies the most?

Simon: I think there are three main hurdles. First, policy gaps. Many policies are too vague and fail to specify interventions or target groups. Second, resource constraints. Simply, very few resources are allocated to tackling gender. Finally, a critical lack of gender-disaggregated data, which makes it difficult to design targeted solutions. You can’t solve a problem you can’t see clearly.

Q: What opportunities does the GASP program create to tackle them?

Simon: The GASP program equips us to address specific gender groups and tailor interventions based on their needs. The tools and knowledge we’ve gained help us to identify specific groups and prioritize their unique needs. 

Q: Tell us one fun fact about your job.

Simon: I train adults who work directly in the field, and that’s always fun! ” My classes are never a one-way street. They are full of shared experiences. The young bring new energy, the seasoned bring deep knowledge. Nobody owns the knowledge; we share and learn together. That’s the fun of it.