In a world increasingly affected by climate change and environmental degradation, the concept of ecological resilience has taken center stage in global sustainability discussions.
It was against this backdrop that a high-level forum convened in Dunhuang, China, in May 2025, bringing together over 50 experts and scholars from five countries including Kenya, China, and Japan to explore strategies for strengthening ecosystems’ ability to withstand and recover from disturbances.
The forum, dubbed The Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, provided a critical platform to share knowledge, innovations, and best practices—ranging from climate-smart agriculture to nature-based solutions—that enhance resilience while promoting sustainable development.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) was represented by Dr. Kiprotich Wesly Cheruiyot, a lecturer at the Department of Horticulture and Food Security in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (COANRE).
His research focuses on techniques that enable farmers to adapt and thrive in the face of growing ecological challenges such as drought.
During the forum’s Parallel Session VI on Ecological Actions to Carry Forward the Shared Values of Mankind, Dr. Cheruiyot’s presentation centred around promoting practices like dryland rainwater harvesting, responsible land management, and the integration of agroforestry systems.
Drawing from his field research in dry regions like Juja, Kitui, and Molo, he highlighted how simple, low-cost techniques—like micro-field rainwater harvesting—can significantly improve grain yields and water use efficiency.
These promising results could lead to enhanced food security and climate resilience in semi-arid areas. Dr. Cheruiyot noted that the shared climatic and soil conditions between East Africa and China’s Loess Plateau make these approaches highly adaptable across regions.
Micro-field rainwater harvesting techniques are small-scale methods used on farms to capture and store rainwater directly in the soil where crops are planted. These methods include simple structures like small pits, ridges, furrows, or trenches to collect rain where it falls.
While many people are familiar with collecting rainwater from rooftops, harvesting it directly at the farm helps slow runoff, improve soil absorption, and reduce water loss—ensuring crops retain enough moisture even when rainfall is unpredictable.
Dr. Cheruiyot also highlighted the importance of conservation in highland ecosystems and lauded the growing collaboration between JKUAT and Lanzhou University (LZU) in China. The partnership fosters knowledge exchange and advances technological solutions for ecological conservation.
This sentiment was echoed by colleagues from LZU, underscoring the mutual benefits of the collaboration. Prof. Xiong Youcai from LZU’s College of Ecology praised the universities’ ongoing partnership, noting its success in technology transfer and addressing critical challenges like food security and livelihoods.
The three-day forum, held from May 29th to 31st, recommended scaling up of ecological initiatives through cooperation and collaboration, which is essential to securing food systems, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing livelihoods.
“We have to work hand in hand to create a future in which our communities thrive and our shared planet flourishes for generations to come.”
