TAGDev 2.0 Program is participating in the 12-day Agricultural Drone Pilot Training  organized by the Department of Agricultural Engineering at Egerton University aimed at revolutionizing modern farming practices. The training, running from 10th to 22nd November 2025, is being held at the Agricultural Engineering Resource Centre and has drawn participants from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, students, lecturers, and technical staff.

The initiative is notably gender-inclusive, with 70% of the TaGDEV participants being women, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to promoting women’s participation in agricultural innovation and technology.

The program seeks to empower participants with hands-on skills and knowledge in precision agriculture, an emerging approach that integrates advanced technologies to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance decision-making in farming. Through drone applications, participants are exploring innovative ways of monitoring crops, managing inputs, and collecting real-time data to optimize yields and sustainability.

Throughout the 12 days, attendees are taking part in theory sessions and practical field exercises covering topics such as crop monitoring, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, aerial spraying, and field mapping. Under the guidance of experts from VESCO Drone and other partner organizations, trainees are learning to operate drones safely, interpret aerial imagery, and use data to identify crop stress, soil variability, and irrigation needs.

As the training progresses, participants express enthusiasm about the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Many believe the knowledge and skills acquired will help bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern, data-driven practices.

Written By:
Ian Kamau.
Communication Intern, TAGDev 2.0 Program, Egerton University. 

On 21st October 2025, the TAGDev 2.0 Program at Egerton University led by the Program Coordinator Prof. Nancy Mungai, brought together supervisors guiding Cohort 1 postgraduate students under the Program at Nuru Palace, Nakuru for a reflection meeting aimed at enhancing supervision practices and promoting timely completion of studies. Also in attendance were key academic leaders from Egerton University, including Prof. Joyce Ndemo, Chair of Department (COD) for Crops, Horticulture and Soils; Prof. James Odiek, COD for the Department of Animal Science; Prof. Hillary Bett, COD for the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management; Dr. Oscar Donde, COD for Environmental Science; Dr. Samuel Nyakatch, COD for the Agricultural Engineering Department; Dr. Justus Ombati, Deputy Director of the Graduate School and Prof. Charles Merimba, Director of the Graduate School.  The meeting aimed at discussing how best to support student progress, strengthen mentorship, and align postgraduate research with the broader objectives of the TAGDev 2.0 Program.