Summary:
- In East Africa, Egerton University and Makerere University are actively involved in collaborative research to enhance sustainable agriculture and ensure food security in the face of climate challenges. This partnership, supported by organizations like Kilimo Trust, aims to develop innovative solutions and practices for smallholder farmers.
To transform East African agriculture, two universities are taking proactive steps to fortify agricultural productivity and resilience, particularly in the face of climate volatility, to ensure food and nutrition security.
Egerton University in Kenya and Makerere University in Uganda are pivotal players in a collaborative research endeavor aimed at bolstering sustainable, climate-smart agricultural practices. These practices are crucial for supporting smallholder farmers and mitigating the escalating threat of food insecurity across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This joint initiative aligns with global efforts to establish institutes or centers focused on food security and environmental sustainability. These centers, integrated within the universities’ academic frameworks, are designed to offer innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of food systems and the imperative of nourishing rapidly expanding populations.
The establishment of a Center of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture at Egerton University’s main campus, led by Kilimo Trust, signifies a significant milestone in this endeavor. Kilimo Trust, with its extensive experience in sustainable agricultural development research, is spearheading this initiative in collaboration with various universities and partners.
At the core of this collaborative effort is the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rice Initiative for Climate Smart Agriculture (R4iCSA), a research project aimed at fostering sustainable, science-driven agricultural development in the Eastern African region. With funding from the IKEA Foundation, the project targets the enhancement of sustainable production practices and the empowerment of smallholder farmers.
Egerton University’s Agro Sciences Park Seed Unit serves as a pivotal hub for innovation and collaboration, facilitating the transition of agricultural technologies from research labs to practical applications in the marketplace. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange, this unit plays a vital role in driving agricultural advancement and economic development in Kenya and beyond.
The success of field trials, particularly in introducing high-yielding upland rice varieties in semi-arid regions, underscores the transformative potential of collaborative research initiatives. By harnessing the expertise of academia, research institutions, and governmental bodies, these endeavors aim to address food and nutrition security challenges while fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Furthermore, multi-stakeholder collaboration, encompassing governmental bodies, academic institutions, private sector entities, and research organizations, is essential for realizing the ambitious goals of these research projects. Through coordinated efforts and knowledge-sharing, East African countries can enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and food sovereignty in the face of evolving climate dynamics.
The adoption of evidence-based strategies, such as the East African Community’s Rice Development Strategy, signifies a concerted effort to tackle the root causes of low rice production and import dependence. By prioritizing research and policy interventions, the region aims to bolster its agricultural sector, enhance food security, and promote intra-regional trade and cooperation.
