CAHES Students Participated in an Agricultural Program in Kenya
Baton Rouge, La. - A select group of students and faculty from the Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SU Ag Center) recently traveled to Kenya to participate in the Next Generation Global Agriculture Scholars Experiential Learning Program. The program, which was held from November 15–24, 2025, was hosted by Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya and sponsored through the USDA-funded initiative, “Generating and Sustaining the Next Generation of the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANH) Workforce through International Experiential Learning, Outreach, and Engagement.”
The experiential learning program offered students in the College of Ag a unique opportunity to explore international agriculture through academic exchanges, cultural immersion, and hands-on field experiences across Kenya’s agricultural and ecological sectors. Participants engaged directly with Kenyan university students, faculty, and local professionals to learn about sustainable agriculture, food systems, and global food security challenges.
The Southern University delegation included both undergraduate and graduate students from a range of agricultural disciplines, including Agricultural Sciences, Urban Forestry, Human Sciences, and Environmental Toxicology.
The selected students were:
- Georrein Dupre – Graduate Student, Environmental Toxicology
- Payton Beaner – Graduate Student, Urban Forestry and Natural Resources
- Javon Staves – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Sciences and Technology
- Jae’lyn Gordon-Matthews – Undergraduate Student, Human Sciences
- Saige Kenner – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Sciences and Technology
- Sydney Marshall – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Sciences and Technology
- Analyse Houston – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Sciences and Technology
- Courbir Crosby – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Sciences and Technology
- Jeffery Floyd Jr. – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Sciences and Technology
- Zion Singleton – Undergraduate Student, Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Faculty and Staff:
· Dr. Renita Marshall-Vice Chancellor for Academics and Student Support-Associate Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences
· Dr. James Obuya-Research Assistant Professor of Plant & Soil Sciences
· Keandrys Dalton- Student Support Coordinator
· Saturn Douglas- Director for Recruitment and Retention
· Clourth Wilson- Director of Technology for the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
During the trip, students participated in an academic classroom exchange collaboration with Kenyatta University students and faculty, visited farms, factories, and research centers such as Kiambu Tea Farm, KALRO Coffee Production, and Mama Faith/ Kakai Farms, the Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, and the Bomas of Kenya Cultural Showcase. Students experienced cultural immersion through Swahili language lessons, Kenyan cuisine, music, and dance experiences with the KU Rambolo Dancers.
This experience has enabled the students to develop stronger cross-cultural competence and global citizenship, strengthen academic and professional skills through exposure to international agricultural practices, build professional networks with peers and faculty at Kenyatta University and within Kenya’s agricultural sector, expand personal growth through leadership development, adaptability, and empathy.
Ultimately, this international experiential learning experience has contributed insights and experiences among the students, enriching classroom discussions and community engagement at Southern University.
