The Institute of Biotechnology and Research (IBR) hosted representatives from Alabaster International and the Girl Child Network, development partners supporting the ongoing research initiative titled “Cultivation, Development, and Utilization of Enset in Kenya.”
The visit marked a significant milestone in the collaborative effort to unlock the immense agricultural, nutritional, and socio-economic potential of Enset as a climate-resilient crop for Kenya.
While welcoming the delegation to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), the principal investigator, Dr. Grace Mungai said the visit aimed to assess the project progress, engage researchers, and explore the impact the initiative is poised to have on food security, sustainable agriculture, research, and community livelihoods.
Dr. Mungai further said, the project seeks to promote the development and utilization of Enset (Ensete ventricosum) as a climate-resilient crop capable of enhancing food and nutrition security, particularly in the face of climate change.
“Since the commencement of this project, we have made significant progress in establishing experimental fields, collecting research data, strengthening collaborations, and mentoring young researchers, ” said Dr. Mungai.
“We are encouraged by the promising results observed so far, which reinforce our confidence that Enset can become an important component of Kenya’s climate-smart agricultural systems, ” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Production and Extension, the RPE acting Registrar Dr. Kaibui Mwikamba hailed the strong partnership between the University and its development partners noting that the project reflects the University’s commitment to producing impactful research that responds to pressing societal challenges.
“The cultivation and utilization of Enset presents an exciting opportunity for Kenya to diversify its food systems while enhancing resilience against the effects of climate change, ” said Dr. Kaibui.
“We deeply appreciate the confidence our partners have placed in our researchers and reaffirm our commitment to deliver research that creates meaningful and lasting impact,” he added.
On her part, the CEO and Founder of Alabaster International Ms. Shannon Fernando appreciated the IBR for the remarkable progress made in cultivation, development and utilization of Enset in Kenya under the project. She said, as funders, they are impressed by the dedication, scientific rigor, and passion demonstrated by the research team and the students involved in the initiative.
“At Alabaster International, we believe, research is a powerful catalyst for sustainable development. Our investment in this project is driven by the conviction that innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions are essential in addressing food insecurity, poverty, and the growing impacts of climate change across Africa,” Ms. Shannon Fernando said.
“Enset is a crop with enormous untapped potential. Beyond its resilience to harsh climatic conditions, it offers opportunities to improve household food security, nutrition, income generation, and environmental sustainability. We are encouraged by the progress made so far and we are confident the findings from this research will inform policies, empower farmers, and create new economic opportunities, ” she stated.
She further noted that they are particularly delighted to see students actively participating in the project, stating that “investing in young researchers is investing in Africa’s future. The practical experience they gain today will equip them to become tomorrow’s innovators, scientists, and leaders in sustainable agriculture.”
The representative from Girl Child Network, Ms. Christine Karimi said as an institution, they recognize that food security, education, gender equality, and sustainable development are closely interconnected. “Supporting this project is about more than agricultural research it is about creating opportunities that improve livelihoods, empower women and girls, and build resilient communities,” she said.
“Today has been both inspiring and encouraging. Visiting JKUAT and interacting with the research team has reaffirmed our belief that meaningful partnerships can create lasting change for communities, ” Ms Karimi explained.
“We are especially pleased to meet students whose academic work is directly contributing to this initiative. Seeing young women actively engaged in scientific research and innovation gives us hope for a future where girls and women are not only beneficiaries of development but also leaders in creating solutions to society’s most pressing challenges, ” she added.
Ms. Fiona Chepngeno, a Master’s in Food Science student participating in the research project said in an interview that “I have been able to explore the
nutritional qualities and value-addition potential of Enset while working closely with experienced researchers and mentors. This hands-on experience has strengthened my research skills, enhanced my confidence, and inspired me to pursue innovative solutions to challenges facing our agricultural and food systems.”
Ms. Chepngeno appreciated the project team, and JKUAT management for creating a conducive environment for students to participate in meaningful research, thus playing an important role in her academic and professional growth.
She also thanked Alabaster International and the Girl Child Network noting that “Their investment goes beyond funding research; it is creating opportunities for students like me to gain practical experience, develop professionally, and contribute to finding sustainable solutions to national and global challenges.”
The Enset project seeks to introduce and adapt Enset commonly referred to as the “tree against hunger” in parts of East Africa as an alternative crop capable of contributing to improved food security, nutrition, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Through scientific research and innovation, the project is evaluating suitable cultivation practices, value addition opportunities, and the crop’s potential for commercialization in Kenya.
