University of Embu don wins Sh106 million research grant

The University of Embu has received a research grant amounting to Sh106 million from a German lobby to conduct the research on food security.

The grant came from the German Research Foundation (DFG) as a research award to Dr Mark Otieno, a lecturer.

It will enable Dr Otieno and the other University of Embu (UoEm) lecturers and University of Wuerzburg in Germany to investigate pollinators in Taita Hills.

The research will take place between May, 2023 and May, 2026.

According to a report released by UoEm, the research will incorporate a panel of ecologists from both Kenya and Germany.

"The research will be jointly implemented by a panel of researchers from the University of Embu represented by Dr.Mark Otieno and the university of Wuerzburg in Germany represented by Prof. Dr Ingolf Steffan Dewenter and Dr. Marcell Peters both ecologists," the report read.

Pollination is a crucial exercise in promoting development of various plant species.

This research will seek to satisfy the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and Kenya vision 2030.

It will aim at informing sustainable agricultural practices which support biodiversity and promote food security.

Dr Otieno said that he believes the study will contribute to food security in Africa by increasing the number of plants pollinators.

"Upon receiving the grant receipt Dr Otieno thanked the DFG for the award and his research collaborators from the University of Wuerzburg for their support and teamwork," the report said.

Dr Otieno is the director of research and extension at the university of Embu.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Daniel Mugendi lauded Dr Otieno for the fete.

He said the research will inform on policy and agricultural practices with the potential of promoting Sustainable Development and protecting biodiversity.