WFP: Strengthening Partnerships with University for Food Security and Agricultural Innovation.

In a significant step towards bolstering efforts in food security and agricultural innovation, Egerton University welcomed a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) to its campus. The visit, facilitated under the aegis of an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions through research and collaborative partnerships with Egerton University Confucious Institute showcased the commitment to collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges.

The delegation, led by Jane Njoroe and other representatives from the WF were warmly received by the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, Prof. Isaac Kibwage. Accompanying the Vice Chancellor were esteemed researchers Prof Richard Mulwa (DVC APD), Prof. Paul Kimurto, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization and Agro-Science Park, and Prof. Joshua Ogweno, Director of the Confucius Institute, both from the Faculty of Agriculture's Crops Horticulture and Soils department. Also present were Prof. Liu Yutao, Nanjing Agricultural University Chinese Co-Director of Confucious Institute and Prof Liu from the Faculty of Agriculture's Crops Horticulture and Soils department. Key areas of future collaboration was community engagement in climate mitigation, Resilient communities, natural resources management, Food security and nutrition, commmunity engagements, livehoods building,  among others. WFP informed the VC about World Bank school feeding programs and sourcing of food from communities. VC informed the WFP delegation agreed to purchase Agroscience Park drought varieties that have been released and are nutrient dense and fortified incluiding Chelalang and Tasha beanNdovu and Mwangaza groundnut varieties, snapping, EUFM 1702 and EUFM 4 finger millet varieties and Pigeon pea Mbaazi M1, Mbaazi M2 and Mbaazi M3 and EUS1 sorghum variety. Prof Kimurto informed the VC that WFP program that over 1500 kgs of Ndovu groundnut variety for Migori and Siaya counties for food and nutritional security in collaboration with Cereal Grain grows Association (CGA).    ,

In addition, the discussions, held in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom, delved into various facets of food security, agricultural research, and educational initiatives outlined in the existing MoU between Egerton University and the WFP. These talks provided an invaluable opportunity for both parties to share insights, expertise, and explore avenues for collaborative projects that can drive positive change in communities in several counties in Kenya including Nakuru, Baringo, Migori, Homabay, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Marsabit where Egerton and WFP also does research, extension and Outreach.They also discussed the current current of horticultural upscaling in Bahati in Nakuru county funded by IFAD implemented by Prof Ogweno, Prof Liu and Prof Liu Yutao and Prof Mulwa. 

Following the productive discussions, the delegation embarked on a campus tour, providing them with firsthand insights into Egerton University's state-of-the-art facilities, ongoing research endeavors, and the vibrant academic atmosphere that characterizes the institution.

Commenting on the visit, Prof. Isaac Kibwage emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing complex global challenges. "The collaboration between Egerton University and the World Food Programme underscores our shared commitment to harnessing research, innovation, and education for sustainable development," remarked Prof. Kibwage.

Similarly, representatives from the WFP expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to make meaningful strides in food security and agricultural resilience. "By joining forces with Egerton University, we aim to leverage expertise and resources to implement impactful initiatives that can uplift livelihoods and ensure food security for vulnerable populations," noted a member of the WFP delegation.

The visit concluded on a note of mutual appreciation and determination to further strengthen collaboration between Egerton University and the World Food Programme. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to working together towards achieving common goals of ending hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, released varieties developedn abd released by Egerton through Agroscience Park and building resilient food-secure communities. 

By Kurian Musa

Communications Officer

Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization

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