Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Biotechnology postgraduate students are set to be champions of sustainable agricultural practices. This follows a series of early career scientists’ Workshops, which the students participated in, and were organized by the MMUST-Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Kenya (OFAB-Kenya), led by Prof. John Muoma, in conjunction with ISAAA AfriCenter and the National Biosafety Authority (NBA). The training was spread out into three (3) phases, with the 1st phase taking place from 20th to 22nd May, 2024 at the University of Embu, the 2nd one from 17th to 18th July, 2024 at Jacaranda Hotel-Westlands Nairobi and the 3rd phase has been scheduled for a later date.
The 1st phase, which coincided with the International Day for Biological Diversity, involved the MMUST students, as well as those from other OFAB nodes, specializing in Biotechnology, Agriculture and Breeding. The participants took part in a sensitization forum and a study visit to the Bt cotton farm in Mwea, Kirinyaga County. This phase also highlighted the importance of active involvement of every person in the implementation of the ‘Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’, which aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss. This Workshop aimed at engaging the young scientists in critical conversations about biodiversity and their crucial role in its conservation. By exposing them to practical examples of how biotechnology crops, such as Bt cotton, can contribute to biodiversity preservation, the forum sought to inspire a generation of informed and proactive youth, dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices.
A section of participants holds a roundtable discussion.
The young researchers were not only presented with the chance to explore alternative career paths that align with their studies, but were also urged to embrace advocacy, as their role is very critical and their voices necessary in disseminating the right information to their respective communities. MMUST students who participated in this phase included Janet Tarus, Bruno Oduor and Elvis Ngaira, all from the Department of Biological Sciences.
The 2nd phase of the training was on science communication, which was designed to enhance the capacity of the Biotechnology postgraduate students to effectively communicate their work. It was also aimed at creating a critical mass of young Biotechnology professionals, who are able to discern facts from fallacies or falsehoods and reduce the harm of biosafety misinformation on grassroot communities. Prof. Muoma called on all scientists to undergo this training, saying that it is crucial in helping them to communicate new developments in agricultural research and products developed using biotechnology. He pointed out that this opportunity set the stage for the young scientists to come out confidently to actively engage the media and the public on important agri-biotechnology and biosafety issues.
MMUST has continued to support such initiatives in a bid to mentor early career researchers. The training Workshops saw the postgraduate Biotechnology students understand the practical applications and benefits of biotechnology in real-world settings. There is no doubt that they are now fully prepared to better navigate their professional journeys, as well as to identify new opportunities within the agricultural and environmental sectors.
Edited by Wangari Wambugu
