WEBINAR: means of finding alternatives to maize as a staple food in Kenya

26 August 2020. De-Maizing Kenya: Exploring on alternative crops for Food and Nutritional Security. Egerton University National Forum Webinar 1

Egerton University organised a virtual forum on ways and means of finding alternatives to maize as a staple food in Kenya. The event was moderated by the dean of the faculty of agriculture Prof Abdul Faraj. Chief guest was Prof Hamadi Boga, PS, Crop Development and Agricultural Research.

The institution's Vice Chancellor Prof Rose Mwonya, Dr Anthony Egeru of Ruforum and Prof Nancy Mungai from TagDev spoke during the opening session.

Key speakers 

• Dr Lusike Wasilwa, a director with KALRO -  the "History of maize and cropping systems in Kenya".
• Dr Timothy Njagi Tegemeo Institute - 'Comparative analysis of maize, other cereals, roots and tubers in Kenya over the last 20 years".
• Prof Agnes Mwang'ombe - "Cassava as a promising alternative crop to maize" 
• Prof Anthony Kibe - "Potato as an alternative staple crop".
• Dr Gbegbelegbe Sika and Dr David Chikoye of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) - "Perspectives on Agro-ecological zoning of maize in Africa and technologies that IITA can provide to enhance de-maizing of Kenya".
• My Josphat Munyu from the Ministry of Agriculture - "Food Nutrition Policy: Compositing and blending of flour".
• Mr Stephen Mutoro, Secretary General of the Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) - 'Consumer preferences and consumer behaviour: How to change'
• Prof Richard Mulwa amd Prof Patience Mshenga - reflections and wrap-ups of the session