AIAP Welcomes Mr. Enrico Luca from the University of Florence to Explore Italy-Kenya Collaboration on Water Use
On 25th February 2026, the Association of Irrigation Acceleration Platform (AIAP) had the pleasure of hosting a distinguished visitor, Mr. Enrico Luca from the University of Florence, Italy, at our Nairobi office. The visit, which included AIAP Chairperson Prof. Bancy Mati, was focused on exploring areas of mutual collaboration in the agricultural sector, with a special emphasis on sustainable water management.
Photo: The AIAP team with Mr. Enrico Luca. The visit on 25th February 2026 marks an important step in fostering international collaboration to enhance irrigation knowledge and practice in Kenya. Mr. Luca’s visit concluded with a mutual commitment to follow up on the ideas generated. AIAP will keep its members informed as these promising discussions progress.
Mr. Luca represents the University of Florence’s DAGRI (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali / Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences and Technology). DAGRI is a leading center for research and innovation, making this engagement a significant opportunity for knowledge exchange.
The discussions were highly productive, centering on how AIAP and DAGRI can work together to address shared challenges and opportunities. As a platform dedicated to bringing together irrigation stakeholders in Kenya, AIAP is keen to integrate international expertise to benefit its members and the wider agricultural community.
Key areas of potential collaboration explored during the meeting included:
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Knowledge and Technology Exchange: Sharing best practices, innovative irrigation technologies, and research findings between Italy and Kenya to improve on-farm water productivity.
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Joint Capacity Building: Developing collaborative training programs, workshops, and seminars for Kenyan irrigation stakeholders, leveraging DAGRI’s academic strengths.
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Collaborative Research and Projects: Identifying opportunities to develop joint proposals and projects focused on climate-smart agriculture and efficient water resource management.
Photo: Prof. Bancy Mati (AIAP Chairperson) and Mr. Enrico Luca from the University of Florence, Italy, in discussions at the AIAP office on 25th February 2026. The meeting explored potential partnerships in agricultural water management.
The visit underscores AIAP’s commitment to building international synergies to upscale irrigation best practices, as outlined in our mission. A partnership with an institution like the University of Florence could open new doors for AIAP members, providing access to cutting-edge research and a global network of experts.
