The FAMFISK project, led by Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) in collaboration with the Maschinenring Foundation (MRF) and Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw), aims to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve smallholder farmers’ mechanization and productivity in Senegal and Kenya. Running from March 2024 to February 2026, the project focuses on enhancing vocational and academic training in the fields of agricultural machinery and food technology, with an emphasis on practical, hands-on education.

FAMFISK connects local Universities (USSEIN in Senegal and JOOUST in Kenya) with European expertise to support the growth of Machinery Rings—local self-help organizations for farmers. These Machinery Rings aim to boost agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. Key project activities included: Recruitment of 20 Students from a multidisciplinary background to participate in a 1 Week Internship Programme in the established Machinery Rings in Kenya i.e. Bungoma, Kakamega, and Nyandarua; organizing Summer and Winter School Training Sessions; development of Prototypes into Devices/Machinery as a conduit for interventions in Community Development by the Students in collaboration with the International Partners, and Local Faculty Members and Local Machinery Ring Resource persons; Pre-qualification training for Faculty Members to sustain the Initiative. Identification and selection of viable Innovations emanating from the Design Thinking Idea concept adopted over the Summers School Training Session, and facilitating international exchange programs between Senegal, Kenya, and Germany.

Through targeted training measures, expert-led workshops, and the formation of local-agro-tech tandems, FAMFISK provides the knowledge and skills necessary for impactful interventions and modernization of the Agricultural sector. The project also promotes networking between academia, industry, and local communities, ensuring a lasting impact on the agricultural sector in both countries.

The FAMFISK project contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), fostering sustainable agricultural growth and the professionalization of agricultural services in Senegal and Kenya.

1. Summer/Winter Schools in Senegal and Kenya:
   • Senegal (2024): The first summer school was held at the Senegalese University, USSEIN, where interdisciplinary teams of local students and Faculty collaborate with machinery rings to develop solutions to agricultural challenges.
   • Kenya (2025): The second Training dubbed “Winter School took place at the Kenyan University, JOOUST, 10^TH TO 21 February 2025 offering interactive Sessions, Team Building, Internship/Excursions via the Design Thinking Ideation Concept
2. Development of Prototypes for Intervention in Farmers’ challenges

Four (4) Student Teams/Groups have developed 4 Innovative intervention Prototypes culminating into a competitive presentation in which all the 4 Prototypes were cleared for full blown Device/Machinery development by September 2025

3. Partial Qualifications
   • Creation and implementation of new qualifications, such as “machinery ring technician” and “food technology specialist,” tailored to meet local agricultural needs. These programs will be offered in Senegal and Kenya to enhance local expertise and employment opportunities.
4. Formation of Agro-Tech Tandems:
   • Establishing tandems of local agricultural machinery manufacturers, bbw technicians, and HSWT students to address specific technical challenges in Senegal. HSWT students will work on-site with manufacturers to gain practical experience.
5. International Exchange and Networking:
   • Facilitating exchanges between local universities (USSEIN and JOOUST) and German counterparts. This includes organizing trips to Germany for Senegalese and Kenyan representatives to foster further collaboration and training.
6. Public Relations and Outreach:
   • Ongoing public relations work, including the publication of articles, social media campaigns, and videos to raise awareness about the project’s impact and promote the development of agricultural machinery and food technology.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Continuous evaluation of project activities to ensure sustainability, assess the effectiveness of training measures, and ensure the long-term success of the machinery rings and vocational training programs.

These activities aim to foster innovation, build local capacity, and create lasting connections between universities, industry, and communities in Senegal, Kenya, and beyond.

1. Prof. Dr. Chrisptopher Obel-Gor – PI
2. Prof. Michael Oloko Deputy – PI
3. Prof. Maurice Nyadawa – Team Member
4. Dr. Vitalis Mogwambo – Team Member
5. Dr. Lydia Nyambok – Team Member
6. Dr. Mary Akinyi Orinda – Dean (SAFS)
7. Mr. Samuel Ohanga – M&E Resource Person
8. Mr. Charles Dwasi – Project Manager
9. Ms Priscah Wakoli – Secretariat