Maryann Muganda

Please support my friend🥹🤲 @cindyayebare22, she delivers 🙏🏾

November, may you come with beautiful surprises.

As we step into November, may God surprise us in ways we never imagined. May the prayers we have whispered in private become testimonies we shall share openly. May doors open, opportunities locate us and favour speak for us where our names are mentioned. Above everything, may we never lose our faith in God, even when life doesn't go according to our plans.

How we communicate about soil health, climate information and agriculture can shape the future of food security. IGAD, through #FSRP, today launched a three-day Media and Influencer Training in Nairobi, running from 26–28 October 2026. The training focuses on Digital Agro-Climate Advisory Services (DACAS) and the IGAD Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub. Bringing together journalists, digital content creators and IGAD Focal Persons, the initiative aims to strengthen accurate, engaging reporting on climate-smart agriculture and the CAADP Kampala Declaration (2026–2035), advancing more resilient food systems across the region #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

The second day of the #IGAD Media and Influencer Training in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on the role of media and digital creators in promoting food systems resilience. Participants discussed how to share accurate information, verify facts, use reliable sources and create content that informs the public and encourages accountability. They also worked in groups to develop content around soil health and climate advisory services. By equipping journalists and influencers with the right skills and knowledge, IGAD is strengthening communication efforts to support more resilient food systems across the region. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

Through group discussions, participants explored the basics of good storytelling and how to create content that informs the public, raises important concerns, shapes policy debates and holds leaders accountable. The discussions also looked at the importance of ethics and independence in media and content creation. Sharing information comes with responsibility, and it is important to be truthful, fair and careful about the information shared with the public. The session was a reminder that storytelling is more than just sharing information. It is about helping people understand issues, bringing attention to community concerns and contributing to conversations that can lead to change. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

How can you create content that drives policy change? A successful campaign goes beyond creating content and posting it online. It requires clear messaging, the right tactics, a well-planned implementation strategy, and a strong monitoring and evaluation framework to measure progress and impact. Digital campaigns have the power to shape public conversations, raise awareness, influence decision-makers, amplify community voices and turn important issues into action. When content is well researched, targeted and communicated effectively, it can help inform debates, strengthen accountability and contribute to meaningful policy change. The goal is not just to create content that people see, but to create content that makes people think, starts conversations and inspires action. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture

Strengthening the connection between technical knowledge, media and the realities of communities is essential to building resilient food systems across the IGAD region. As discussions continue on establishing the IGAD Regional Media & Influencer Network, the focus is on fostering meaningful collaboration between journalists, digital content creators, technical experts & regional institutions to ensure that information on climate change, soil health, agricultural production and markets reaches communities in ways they can understand and apply in their daily lives. 🎙️@AustinOpata #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture