Professor Elnour K. Abusabah, the Vice Chancellor of University of Gezira signed on behalf of the University of Gezira a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gezira State for sugar beet cultivation and processing settlement. According to the agreement the university will spare 10 hectares from its farm to accommodate a pilot plant to process 50 tons per day of beet. The main objective of the plant is to train farmers and technologists in cultivation and processing of sugar beet by taking advantage of the research being conducted by the Sugar Institute of the University of Gezira. Sugar beet is largely a temperate crop with some cultivars found to be adapted to tropical and subtropical climate.
Engaging Valve Chain Stakeholders: Through the RUFORUM Grant (RU 2009 GRG 11), the project supported four people to attend this training course. The participants included a leader of a women’s group in Kirinyaga, a Ministry of Agriculture official and two extension staff nominated by Kamurugu Agricultural Development Initiative (KADI), a community based organization in Embu district. After participating in the course the participants have written to express their gratitude to the course organizers acknowledging it was timely and hugely beneficial to their work of increasing food security, income and improving livelihoods of Kenya farmers. The other grant (RU 2012 07) sponsored two farmers who are involved in tomato production in the Mwea growing area. These farmers benefited very much especially with respect diagnosis and identification of root-knot nematodes. This is evident from their response so far. The Principal Investigator (PI) was the coordinator of the course and was very key in ensuring farmers were well trained on diseases diagnosis and management. He oriented the course to be farmer driven, a key thrust of RUFORUM. The project contributed to the preparation and printing of the manual that was used by the participants and that will now find ready application among agricultural farmers in Kenya
The RUFORUM Graduate Research Grants (GRGs) are designed to support training of at least two MSc. students in RUFORUM member universities. The GRGs remains the flagship program of the RUFORUM Competitive Grants System (CGS) and since 2009, four Calls for Proposals have been issued with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. Out of the three previous calls, 70 research grants have been awarded. The grants are at various stages of implementation. Following the 4th call for proposals, 16 proposals have been selected for funding during the academic year 2012-2013.
AFRICA - INDIA PARTNESHIP Summit Award to Professor Richard K. Mibey for his Outstanding Contribution to Education Professor Richard Mibey, the Vice Chancellor of Moi University in Kenya was recognized for his exemplary leadership, innovation and outstanding contribution to education through the Africa—India Partnership Summit Award. The award ceremony was held on 14th December, 2011 at Sugar Beach Resort in Mauritius. The Awards were presented to individuals who have showed extemporary leadership; Innovation, Academic and Industry interface in Africa and India. The Award consists of a trophy and a citation. Please read more from the attached PDF Version.
Special Focus on the SCARDA Initative -SCAIN As the end of a year approaches we tend to think back over the previous twelve months and recall our experiences at home and in the workplace. For the many people who have been involved in the Strengthening Capacity for Agricultural Research for Development (SCARDA) project, or in follow-on activities under Strengthening Capacity for Agricultural Innovation (SCAIN), this time of reflection has special significance. After almost five years, external support for these capacity strengthening initiatives is drawing to a close. What will be their legacy and how will the people and organizations who have participated in the various activities continue to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired? Please read more from the attach PDF version
Strengthening Capacity For Agricultural Research In Africa. The project Strengthening Capacity in Agricultural Research and Development in Africa (SCARDA) aimed to enhance the performance of selected research and educational organizations in ten countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening linkages between these organizations and their key research and development partners to help foster agricultural innovation. One of the major components of the project was strengthening the quality of science in the target organizations and support for postgraduate studentships in priority topics was the key activity in this. Please refer to the attached PDF version to read more.
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