By Kurian Musa
In a bold move towards fostering innovation, education, and economic growth, Egerton University has announced the development of its Innovation Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Master Plan (IECMP). This strategic initiative signals a pivotal moment in the institution's journey towards becoming a world-class hub for entrepreneurship and societal advancement.
Egerton University recently participated in a two-day open session held at KALRO Kabete, where it showcased a range of agricultural innovations and promoted its academic programs from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.The university's delegation included Dr. Karanja Kinuthia, an Agricultural Biotechnology specialist, Ms. Serah Njambi from the Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization, Mr. Kurian Musa, the Communication Officer, Ms. Celestine from the Admissions Office, Mr. John Supeiyo, a Research Assistant at the Agro-Science Park, and Haron representing the TAGDEV Project.
Egerton University is gearing up to welcome scholars, researchers, and thought leaders from around the globe as it prepares to host the much-anticipated 15th Biennial International Conference from March 19 to 21, 2024. This year’s conference will be a blend of both virtual and face-to-face sessions.
In the picturesque landscapes of rural Kenya, smallholder farmers are embarking on a journey towards sustainable agriculture. Armed with determination and resilience, they are weaving together a tapestry of practices aimed at enhancing crop yield while safeguarding precious soil fertility. Yet, amidst this noble endeavor, a crucial question lingers: What factors drive the adoption of these sustainable practices, and what are their real-world impacts?
Enter a team of researchers: Gideon Aiko Obare (Egerton University, Kenya), Wilckyster Nyateko Nyarindo (University of Embu, Kenya) Amin Mugera and Atakelty Hailu (University of Western Australia, Australia), and Their complex yet insightful study, published in a prestigious Agricultural Economics journal, offers a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) adoption among smallholder maize-legume producers in Kenya.
Through a meticulous three-wave panel survey, the researchers delve deep into the adoption patterns and outcomes of ten SAI practices, clustered into five distinct groups. Employing sophisticated statistical models, they dissect the plot-level choices of farmers, shedding light on the underlying factors driving adoption decisions.
What emerges from their analysis is a nuanced portrait of smallholder farming realities. Factors such as the frequency of extension contacts, farm labor availability, household wealth, and the education level of household heads emerge as pivotal influencers, positively shaping the adoption of SAI practices.
Conversely, challenges such as land tenure insecurity and poor soil quality cast a shadow, highlighting the complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental factors at play.
But the study's insights extend beyond mere adoption trends. By employing a multinomial endogenous treatment effects model, the researchers uncover a kaleidoscope of outcomes across the five SAI clusters.
From variations in crop yield and revenue to fluctuations in total variable costs and net income, the study paints a vivid picture of the diverse impacts of sustainable farming practices. Importantly, these impacts are not uniform, varying according to crop systems, geographical regions, and cropping years.
However, amidst this variability lies a glimmer of hope. The study challenges the notion of a one-size-fits-all extension approach, advocating instead for participatory policies that empower farmers to co-create and disseminate locally adaptable SAI bundles.
By tailoring interventions to suit the unique needs and preferences of each community, policymakers and extension agents can unlock the full potential of sustainable agriculture.
Indeed, the implications of this research are profound. As the global community grapples with the twin challenges of food security and climate change, initiatives that empower smallholder farmers to embrace sustainable practices take on added significance.
With insights gleaned from studies such as this, stakeholders are better equipped to chart a course towards a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable agricultural future.
Story by: Kurian Musa, Egerton University.
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