KCV Impact Award Winner

KCV Impact Award Winner

Arnold Katende, Extension Horticulturist – CEA

June 30, 2026

Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension has been awarded the Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) IMPACT Award, along with $15,000 in funding, to support the project Empowering Kentucky Communities Through Urban Aquaponics and Hydroponics Education. The IMPACT Competition supports innovative initiatives that enhance social, health, and economic outcomes across Kentucky by helping faculty, staff, and students translate ideas into community impact and commercialization opportunities.

Led by Arnold Katende, Alhagie Cham, Lynsey Crumbie, and Kelly Rawalt, the project addresses barriers to fresh food access in urban communities through hands-on training in aquaponics and hydroponics. It will provide demonstration systems, bilingual educational materials, digital resources, and ongoing technical mentorship. A total of 50 participants including urban residents, schools, and community organizations will be trained in sustainable, space-efficient food production systems for year-round growing.

Program outcomes will be assessed through surveys, knowledge evaluations, and tracking adoption of hydroponic practices. Expected impacts include improved knowledge and confidence in controlled environment agriculture, increased household food security, greater adoption of sustainable production systems, and a scalable model that can be replicated across Kentucky to strengthen local food systems and expand economic opportunities.