Prof. Maloiy (left) awarding the certificate to Prof. Mati
Prof. Bancy Mati, The Director of WARREC, was on 12th April 2017 awarded an Achievement certificate by JKUAT “In recognition of your Outstanding Work that has had the Most Visible Impact on Community Livelihood and Wealth Creation”. The Certificate was presented by the University Chancellor; Prof. Godfrey ole Maloiy. The event was during the exit Seminar for the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Esther Kahangi at JKUAT assembly Hall, where she named award winners for researchers within the university across various categories. The event was attended by the University Administration including the Chancellor, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mabel Imbuga, other DVCs, Professors, and staff of the university.
Prof. Mati thanked the University for this Recognition. She further said that although the award certificate does not tacitly state so, she believe this is in recognition of her work on SRI (System of Rice Intensification), which she pioneered in Kenya in 2009, and has kept the initiative going. Now with over 8,000 farmers practicing the technology in Mwea, Ahero, Bunyala, West Kano and South West Kano, it is a major breakthrough in increasing rice production while also reducing the water used in paddies, as SRI is a win-win technology bearing benefits to farmers, food security, water savings and environmental advantages, including reduction of water-borne disease vectors. Prof. Mati extends her appreciation to all those who have contributed to the SRI success. In particular, JKUAT, National Irrigation Board (NIB), AICAD, AgSRI of India, Cornell University of USA, The World Bank, World Bank Institute and all persons, institutions and partners, especially the farmers. “The goal is for all rice farmers in Kenya to adopt SRI as the best practice for growing more rice while using less water, and contributing to the twin pillars of increased food production and water savings in Kenya” Said prof Mati.
Session during the event