By Brian Kaleti
A senior lecture at the University of Embu has won Ksh 106 million research grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Dr. Mark Otieno, an Agroecology lecture in the department of Water and Agricultural Resource Management (WARM) has placed the University in the International map after winning the award to do his investigative research on Functional Complementarity between Nocturnal and Diurnal pollinators along a land use gradient in Kenya’s Taita Hills biodiversity.
The research will align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kenya Vision 2030 which both aim to promote sustainable development and protect biodiversity.
In a report over the grant that was shared to the press, the study will focus on studying the impact of human activity on pollinators and plant reproduction, which will inform sustainable Agricultural practices that support biodiversity and promote food security and it will kick off in May to May 2026 for a period of three years.
The study will also contribute to achieving one of the goals for the Kenya Vision 2030 to promote environmentally sustainable development.
According to the report the research will jointly be implemented by a panel of researchers from the University of Embu represented by Dr. Otieno and the University of Wuerzburg in Germany represented by Prof. Dr. Ingolf Steffan Dewenter, a professor of spatial ecology, plant pollinator interactions, tropical Agro-ecosystems and crop pollination.
Dr. Marcell Peters and expert in montane biodiversity and ecology, organismic traits and ecosystem functions and land use Change will also be part of the researchers.
It is not the first time Dr. Otieno is banking the award as last year, 2022 he was awarded as the University of Embu Researcher of the year.
After receiving the grant Dr. Otieno expressed his gratitude to the DFG selection panel for the award saying the study will have a significant impact on food security in Africa by increasing the number of pollinators which is crucial for the reproduction of plant species.
Embu vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi applauded Dr Otieno for winning the research Grant emphasizing that the grant would be a major boost in achieving the Kenya Vision 2030 and sustainable development goals.
Mugendi said the research has a potential to inform policy and Agricultural practices that promote sustainable development and protect biodiversity in the entire world.
Dr Otieno hold a PhD in Agroecology from the University of Reading (UK) ,a Master of Science in Animal Ecology and a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree in Biology from Kenyatta University.
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