1st biennial international conference proceedings on bridging the gap between society, science and industry
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Date
2014-11
Authors
Wanjohi, Waceke J.
Kariuki, George
Mwangi, Maina
Gichaga, Cyrus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
PREFACE
Africa’s greatest hope for development and freedom from poverty is closely linked to the performance
of the agriculture sector. Agricultural higher education institutions (HEIs) have critical roles to play in
developing well trained manpower to support a thriving agriculture sector that effectively addresses
Africa’s needs for food, employment, income and other benefits derived from agricultural activities.
However, African HEIs face the common challenges of diminishing resources, diminishing interest in
agriculture careers, weak linkages to industry and other stakeholders of the development process, and a
constant need to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of society.
To extend efforts in addressing the challenges facing agriculture higher education institutions, the
School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development (SAED) at Kenyatta University resolved to organise
and host a Biennial Conference (every two years). This is an important forum for various stakeholders to
share and exchange their knowledge and experiences, and a platform for developing networks between
individuals and institutions, through which capacity and expertise can be shared to spur development.
This first conference was organised in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
(AGRA) and the Horticulture Association of Kenya (HAK), with support from the German Academic
Exchange Foundation (DAAD). The conference brought together local and international Scholars,
Researchers, representatives of public and private sector, development partners, Non-governmental
organisations, and Community based organisations, industry and development practitioners, farmers
associations and representatives, among others. The deliberations centred on innovative approaches
for strengthening the interaction of academia, researchers and industry to more effectively address the
needs of African small scale farmers, consumers and other members of society. Core to the theme of
the conference was recognition of a need to develop a generation of agricultural researchers and agroentrepreneurs
with the knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century.
This book presents the Proceedings of the 1st SAED Biennial International conference that was held
from 30th November to 5th December, 2014 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
It is therefore with great pleasure that we launch the Proceedings of the 1st School of Agriculture and
Enterprise Development International Biennial Conference that was held in Kenyatta University,
Nairobi, Kenya from 30th November to 5th December, 2014.
The five days Conference under the theme “Bridging the gap between the Society, Science and Industry”
featured a rich mix of keynote addresses, technical papers and poster presentations, exhibitions, plenary
panel discussions and field excursion.
The organizing committee members representing Kenyatta University, AGRA, the University of Nairobi,
Horticulture Association of Kenya, DAAD, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
and other stakeholders worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the conference. The commitment,
diversity of ideas and resources contributed by the various stakeholders in the committee significantly
increased the quality of deliberations and eased the task of organizing the conference. The opportunity
to host celebrated Pan-African and global scholars, the next generation of young researchers, policy
makers and opinion shapers, innovators and industry practitioners was a great motivation to deliver a
high quality conference.
The committee greatly thanks Kenyatta University Management, Conference Organizers, Collaborators,
Sponsors, Participants, Government of Kenya and all other stakeholders for their valuable contributions
towards the success of the forum. We particularly thank the then Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of
Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hon. Felix Koskei for officially opening the conference. We are
delighted to have worked together to organize this conference successfully.
Description
1st biennial international conference held between 30th November and 5th December 2014 at Business and Student Services Center, Kenyatta University.
Edited by Waceke Wanjohi, George Kariuki, Maina Mwangi and Cyrus Gichaga
Keywords
poverty