Nairobi is buzzing with excitement as the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and MESHA Science, a leading science media network, host the world congress in Kenya.
The city is alive with conversation, learning and laughter as journalists, policymakers and other agricultural stakeholders from around the globe come together to connect and share ideas. The atmosphere is filled with purpose and collaboration – a true celebration of knowledge and innovation. More than just a gathering, the conference demonstrates how much progress can be achieved when people unite around a shared vision.
A new name for IFAJ
President of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), Steve Werblow, announced that the organisation has officially changed its name to the International Forum for Agricultural Journalists.
Werblow explained that the change was prompted by IFAJ’s corporate registration process under British law, which has a strict legal definition for the term “federation.”
The proposed change was discussed through a physical survey with executive members of the guilds and later voted on by delegates, who supported the new name.
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“What is really important is the discussion prompted by the process. It has inspired us to talk about who we are as an organisation and where we, and agricultural media are heading,” he said.
Werblow added that the process led to fascinating insights into the growing number of professional communicators in agriculture, as well as the rise of new media, including social channels, where many people may not think of themselves as media.
“As the International Forum of Agricultural Journalists, IFAJ will continue to connect agricultural journalists and communicators around the world to share insights, facts and best practices that help our members deliver accurate, timely, useful information about agriculture.”
Halala in song and dance in Kenya
Meanwhile, IFAJ and MESHA Science hosted a celebratory dinner honouring ten of the world’s finest young agricultural journalists and communicators. According to Magda du Toit, treasurer of the IFAJ, the IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Programme recognises exceptional young professionals across the globe.
She said the programme offers professional development, networking, and training opportunities, often held alongside the IFAJ Global Congress. It was opened to young leaders under the age of 35, providing international recognition and professional growth for emerging voices in agricultural journalism.
“The purpose is to provide international recognition and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders in agricultural journalism,” she said.
“Activities for participants attend professional development and networking programmes, often held before the IFAJ Global Congress.”
She added that the partnership is a collaboration between the International Forum for Agricultural Journalists and Alltech.
Du Toit told Food For Mzansi that this year the programme received 33 applications from around the world, with 10 participants chosen for the 2025 cohort.
“You have to enter through your home guild (like Agricultural Writers SA) and thus also need to be a member of your guild,” she explained.
During a celebratory function, MESHA Science, together with IFAJ, congratulated the cohort, saying halala on their achievements and bright futures in agricultural journalism.
The 2025 Young Leaders programme has selected ten outstanding emerging voices in agricultural journalism from around the world, including Aizhan Rymbayeva (Kazakhstan and Türkiye), Ben Eagle (UK), Chelsea Dinterman (USA), Johanna Fry (Germany), Juliet Akoth (Kenya), Keira Miller (Canada), Luíza Cardoso (Brazil), Nukanah Kollie (Liberia), Rodrigo Bonazzola (Argentina), and Victoria Ellis (Australia).
- Food For Mzansi journalist Vateka Halile is attending the event, representing both the publication and Agricultural Writers SA.
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