Nairobi, Kenya – Inside the Kifaru Room at the Ole Sereni Hotel, just minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, ten emerging communicators from across the globe gathered in a circle of purpose and discovery. Notebooks open and laptops aglow, they listened attentively as mentors shared insights on innovation, leadership, and the power of storytelling in agriculture.
By: Nukanah Kollie, Contributing Writer / [email protected]
The room buzzed with ideas—from climate-smart practices to digital storytelling—as participants explored new ways to amplify farmers’ voices in global conversations. This was the essence of the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp: a space where learning meets passion and inspiration fuels purpose. The three-day program concluded successfully in Nairobi, setting the stage for the 2025 IFAJ World Congress.
Celebrating a Milestone in Agricultural Communication
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), in collaboration with Alltech, marked 20 years of empowering young communicators through the renowned IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Program—an initiative that has connected talented journalists worldwide to elevate agricultural storytelling and leadership.
Hosted in Nairobi, the 2025 edition brought together ten promising voices from ten countries, including Liberia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Germany. Held just before the IFAJ World Congress, the program featured intensive leadership workshops, farm visits, and mentorship sessions focused on innovation, resilience, and communication for a sustainable food future.
Building a Legacy of Leadership
Speaking in Nairobi, Steve Werblow, Global President of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, described the program as a cornerstone of IFAJ’s mission to nurture young media leaders.
“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 goes beyond professional development—it builds a spirit of contribution and collaboration.
“These young leaders return home to strengthen their guilds, energizing agricultural journalism at both national and international levels,” he added.
Werblow emphasized the program’s success in connecting storytellers across regions, empowering them to tackle global issues such as climate change, food security, and technological transformation.
“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 driven to use communication as a force for positive change.”
He also commended Liberia’s participation through the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN), describing it as “a vital voice in community-based agricultural communication and rural empowerment.”
Australian Participant Reflects on Learning and Exchange
Among the participants was Victoria Ellis, a 28-year-old agricultural communicator from Australia, who described the program as both eye-opening and inspiring.
“It’s 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, listen to diverse perspectives, and learn from some of the most experienced voices in agricultural journalism.”
She emphasized the importance of communication in connecting farmers with the wider public.
“Agriculture is a fundamental industry, and we couldn’t thrive without it. Programs like this highlight the need to tell those stories—not just locally, but globally,” she explained.
British Young Leader Emphasizes Shared Purpose
Also participating was Ben Engle from the United Kingdom, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world.
“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.
He highlighted the shared mission uniting agricultural journalists everywhere—to tell authentic stories that educate, inspire, and empower.
“The ongoing support from Alltech has been instrumental,” he noted. “The future of agriculture is intertwined with the future of storytelling, and initiatives like this help strengthen both.”
Charting a Shared Vision for the Future
As the 2025 IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders wrapped up their boot camp, one message resonated clearly: agricultural journalism is more than reporting—it is about leadership, collaboration, and transformation.
The ten young leaders will now proceed to the IFAJ World Congress, scheduled for October 15–18, 2025, where they will join hundreds of journalists and experts to explore innovations shaping the future of food and communication.
Since its founding in 2005, the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp has served as a launching pad for young communicators, combining practical training, mentorship, and global networking. The initiative has built a vibrant alumni community that continues to drive progress in food systems, rural development, and agricultural storytelling worldwide.
“The future looks bright,” Werblow remarked. “When I see young leaders like Victoria and Ben, I’m confident that agricultural journalism—and the farmers it represents—are in capable hands.”
About the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Program
Established in 2005, the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Program recognizes outstanding young journalists and communicators working in agriculture. It offers leadership development, professional training, and international networking opportunities each year during the IFAJ World Congress—preparing a new generation of storytellers to help build a more sustainable, inclusive, and food-secure world.
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