Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) has introduced an agro-ecology curriculum aimed at promoting knowledge transfer to support organic farming and environmental management.
Recognizing the critical role of academia and research institutions in transforming food systems and agroecological practices, MUT launched the curriculum to address challenges in food production systems.
Prof. Benson Mwangi, Director for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Mariira Campus, emphasized the need to shift the mindset of agricultural extension service providers and farmers away from solely relying on conventional farming methods.
The agroecology course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in food production systems, aiming to reshape students’ perceptions and influence their future farming practices.
The programme addresses challenges prevalent in agrifood systems, particularly the rise of lifestyle diseases in the country.
Mwangi highlighted the importance of organically produced food in addressing these issues, emphasizing the utilization of agroecology principles and practices based on indigenous knowledge.
Developed in collaboration with Murang’a County Government, Institute of Culture and Ecology (ICE), and Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya, the curriculum targets agriculture extension service providers.
Murang’a Agriculture CEC Prof Kiringai Kamau expressed the curriculum’s potential to assist service providers and farmers in identifying suitable seeds, soils, and agroecological practices for sustainable organic farming.
Kamau emphasized the connection between agriculture, health, and disease prevention, noting that the county government is working on integrating agriculture and health through the introduction of food pharmacies in villages.
This initiative aligns with the promotion of the agroecological Act and Policy formulated by the Murang’a County Government to ensure the production and consumption of nutritious food.
By our correspondent
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