Nakuru, Kenya - In an inspiring partnership facilitated by the Nakuru Living Lab, the Mukebo Self-Help Group and Egerton University have joined forces to promote solar dried vegetables at the Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Show 2023 exhibition.
Spearheaded by Mr. Samuel Ooko, Chairman of the self-help group, and supported by Dr. Tom Charles Owino from Egerton University, this collaboration highlights the success of community-driven initiatives in sustainable agriculture.
The project, initiated in February this year, emerged from the collective efforts of the Mukebo Self-Help Group and their involvement with the Nakuru Living Lab.
The Living Lab provided the farmers with essential training in various aspects of agriculture, including farmer-to-farmer basics, management techniques, financial management, and post-harvest loss management. Through this platform, Dr. Owino visited the project and was greatly impressed by the dedication and innovative ideas of the self-help group.
Motivated by the growing demand for vegetables during the dry season, Mr. Ooko and his team at the Mukebo Self-Help Group decided to explore solar drying as a sustainable solution.
During the Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Show 2023 exhibition, Mr. Ooko explained the simple process of rehydrating and using the solar dried vegetables for consumption.
To enjoy the vegetables, one needs to soak them in cold water for 15 minutes, allowing them to rehydrate and regain their original texture and flavor. Once rehydrated, the vegetables can be boiled or fried according to personal preference.
The partnership between the Mukebo Self-Help Group and Egerton University demonstrates the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving agricultural innovation. Dr. Owino's involvement and support have played a crucial role in enhancing the project's ideas and overall success.
By combining their expertise and resources, the self-help group and the university aim to address post-harvest wastage and provide a consistent supply of vegetables throughout the year.
Mr. Ooko, the driving force behind the solar dried vegetable project, emphasizes the active involvement of young people within the Mukebo Self-Help Group.
The initiative serves as a training ground for the youth, equipping them with valuable skills in value addition, market linkages, and preservation techniques.
This training empowers the next generation to carry forward the project and sustain its impact in the long term.
The collaboration between the Mukebo Self-Help Group through the Living Lab and Egerton University exemplifies the transformative potential of partnerships and community-driven approaches in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Through their efforts, they are not only reducing post-harvest losses but also contributing to the availability of nutritious vegetables even during periods of low supply
| Chairman Mukebo Self help group displays the innovation of drying vegetable using solar to manage post harvest losses on July 12,2023 during the ASK Show, Nakuru. (Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University) |
By Kurian Musa
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
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