Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has today, 3 October, 2023, hosted the Chief Executive Officer of EGYAGRO East Africa Ltd-Eng. Ahmed Abdelaziz in discussions regarding a new tech fertilizer in an effort to upscale the yields of small scale farmers in the region. The CEO, who was accompanied by Researcher-Stephen Ogenda, paid a courtesy call to the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata.
Prof. Francis Orata gives his remarks during the MMUST- EGYAGRO East Africa Ltd meeting.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Orata stated that his Directorate is ready to support this collaboration, adding that the University is dedicated to educating the community, especially on matters of new technologies. “This visit is timely as there are plans by the County Government of Kakamega to establish a fertilizer firm. As University researchers, we are interested in good yields by farmers in our communities and will certainly support this project. A team will be formed, spearheaded by Prof. Francis Muyekho, to steer the MMUST-EGYAGRO East Africa Ltd partnership that will also involve our students,” he said.
Researcher-Stephen Ogenda (left) and Eng. Ahmed Abdelaziz.
“Despite having access to seeds and fertilizer, we are aware that many farmers are not getting high yields and this is why we are partnering with Universities and research institutions to enlighten them. Universities are the home of research and can be used to convey information about new products and new technologies to farmers,” stated Eng. Abdelaziz.
MMUST’s Professor of Agronomy in the Department of Agriculture and Land Use Management-Prof. Muyekho, revealed that the University will conduct trials of the new tech product against the local fertilizers. “We shall develop a report that will guide further activities in the anticipated collaboration between MMUST and EGYAGRO East Africa Ltd. We look forward to formalizing this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding,” he said.
Prof. Francis Muyekho follows keenly during the talks.
Indeed, the partnership between MMUST and EGYAGRO East Africa Ltd will change the fortunes of farmers and catalyze the implementation of the food security agenda in Kakamega and beyond.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
