During the 14th Annual general assembly of the African forum for agriculture advisory services AFAAS, at the sidelines of the Seventh Africa-wide agriculture extension week in Malawi, the AFAAS general assembly endorsed Dr. Lilian Lihasi as the organisations new Executive Director.
According to Dr.Paul Fatch the AFAAS board chair, This Closes the long search for a strong Executive director for the continental organization.
“Dear members of the general assembly, as per its 30th Board Meeting held on 7th March 2025, is pleased to announce the finalization of recruitment process for the position of Executive Director of AFAAS. In this respect, we selected the best candidate, I am honored to introduce Dr. Lilian Lihasi Kidula as the best candidate for the position of Executive Director – Designate. We have gone through a lot of processes to ensure get the best of the best.,” said Dr. Paul Fatch amidst thunderous applause from the crowds.
Dr. fatch further asked the AGM members to ratify the decision by the board if no one had any issues to raise. Upon no objection, a unanimous Resolution to appoint her as Executive director.
Dr. Silim Nahdy, the outgoing executive director, congratulated the new executive director, and committed to support her in the push to uphold AFAAS core vision and mission.
“This is full of mixed emotions, I am happy that I have handed the baton to someone I have worked with for some time and someone very capable to do what is expected of her. I wish Lilian a fruitful tenure as the new AFAAS ED as she takes the institution to the next level. “Said Dr. Silim.
Dr. Lilian Kidula Lihasi, a Kenyan national, will become the 2nd Executive Director of AFAAS, taking over from the outgoing Executive Director and founder Dr. Silim Nahdy Mohammed.
With a strong and proven track record in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Dr. Lilian Lihasi brings along a wealth of experience and expertise to AFAAS. Dr. Lihasi holds a Doctorate degree in Agricultural and Rural Innovations, Master of Science in Agricultural Extension, and Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Home Economics from Egerton University in Kenya.
Giving her inaugural speech, Dr. Lihasi, thanked the board and the general assembly for entrusting her the office of executive director and committed to take AFAAS to greater strides.
“I am confident that the lord has a big role to play, I am hopeful that together we shall work towards a great agriculture extension and advisory service environment in Africa, I urge you all to continue supporting AFAAS and working hard to see that the voices of all rural extension service providers are heard to be able to inform policy decisions.” Said Dr. Lihasi.
Dr. Lilian Kidula Lihasi, a Kenyan national, with a strong and proven track record in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Dr. Lilian Lihasi brings along a wealth of experience and expertise to AFAAS. Dr. Lihasi holds a Doctorate degree in Agricultural and Rural Innovations, Master of Science in Agricultural Extension, and Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Home Economics from Egerton University in Kenya.
Dr. Lihasi brings along her vast experience spanning 30 years in agricultural extension, research, policy, and the whole development landscape at the last mile. Lilian’s work, among others, spans impactful Extension and development, partnership building and management, resource mobilization, and policy development. Her leadership as the Extension Specialist and as Director of Extension and Programmers at AFAAS showcased her ability to deliver transformative results across corporate and agricultural settings. Lilian comes ready with an intimate understanding, experience and expertise at both operational and strategic levels to harness the combined strength in partnerships to deliver Research and Development results for impact.
“Our special thanks to the incumbent Executive Director – Dr. Silim Nahdy Mohammed, fondly referred to as the Father of Extension, who has selflessly served thirteen and half years since November 2011, as his current tenure lapses on 31st May 2025. He leaves behind a well-established AFAAS, with the Mandate of the African Union Commission (AUC) to spearhead agricultural extension and related services in Africa. Adds Dr. Fatch
The Board wishes to express gratitude to the numerous applicants for the position of the Executive Director of the AFAAS.