Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has partnered with Nippon Koei, a leading Japanese consulting firm to monitor methane emissions from rice paddies in the Ahero Irrigation Scheme.
The initiative under the Capacity Development Project for Enhancement of Rice Production in Irrigation Schemes (CaDPERP) Phase 2, aims to promote climate-smart agriculture and sustainable irrigation practices in Kenya.
Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, CaDPERP aims to increase rice productivity in Kenya’s irrigation schemes while advancing environmental sustainability.
The methane emission study is a key component, aligning agricultural growth with the country’s climate change mitigation agenda.
Through the partnership, JKUAT researchers are deploying gas capturing chambers to collect and analyze methane fluxes from rice fields in Ahero.
The study also explores how irrigation techniques influence emissions, develop strategies to cut greenhouse gases without reducing yields and train farmers in sustainable rice-growing methods.
Project Principal Investigator is Dr. Paul Njogu, Director of the Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology (IEET) at JKUAT. He affirmed the University’s commitment to sustainable and solution-based agricultural research.
“By leading this methane monitoring initiative, JKUAT is not only contributing to global climate science, but also ensuring that Kenyan farmers adopt sustainable practices that enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact,” said Dr. Njogu.
Mr. Masahiro Otake, Chief Adviser of the CaDPERP 2 project at Nippon Koei, welcomed the partnership, noting, “We are proud to collaborate with JKUAT on this critical project. Methane emissions from agriculture are a global concern and through this partnership, we aim to combine Japanese expertise with Kenyan innovation to develop sustainable solutions.”
Mr. Peter Waithaka, an Environmental Technologist at IEET and a member of the research team, noted that while rice farming is vital for Kenya’s food security, sustainability remains a top priority.
“This research will provide actionable insights to reduce methane emissions, benefiting both farmers and the planet,” said Mr. Waithaka.
