Smart Farming, Stronger Futures

Researchers from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) visited Chuka University to initiate the implementation of an Experiential Learning Program aimed at strengthening climate-smart agriculture and improving food security in Tharaka-Nithi County.

The programme is being implemented through a collaboration between four researchers from Chuka University, Prof. Geofrey Gathungu, Dr. Martin Njogu, Geofrey Kosgei, and Dr. Juster Mungiria, and researchers from UAPB under funding from the 1890 Capacity Building Grant by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA, through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).

The initiative falls under the research project titled “Building resiliency of small-scale farmers’ production systems through dissemination of climate-smart agricultural technologies for enhanced global food supply chains and improved biodiversity in Tharaka-Nithi County” under the 1890 Universities Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGF5D) East Africa Cluster.

During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call to the university management, where discussions focused on strengthening research collaborations, capacity building, and sustainable agricultural innovations aimed at empowering small-scale farmers.
The team later held presentations and knowledge-sharing sessions on climate-smart agricultural technologies and resilient food systems before proceeding to the university farm for practical exercises and demonstrations.

The collaboration is expected to enhance experiential learning, research exchange, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices that contribute to improved biodiversity and global food supply chains.