The Outreach Centre (OC) in collaboration with Core Health and Wealth (CH&W) participated in the launch of I-FISH (Increasing Food and Income Security for Households) at Kibisi Gardens in Bungoma County on 23rd January 2025. Besides launching the project, farmers who had qualified through a biogas production course and had successfully installed them in their homes were also awarded.
The event was organized by the director Mr. Cleophas Chesoli and was graced by Mr. Herbert Akaliche Kombo, Assistant County Commissioner escorted by Mr. Benard Kivechi (MCA, Mbakalo Ward) and the area chief. Other stakeholders included SunCulture, Kilimo Biashara, OCP fertilizer company, Agripak seed company among others.
The University of Eldoret was represented by staff from the Department of Animal Science and Outreach Centre. The OISC staff Ms. Anne Njoki and Mr. Cosmas Mutai gave an overview and functions of Outreach Centre in meeting the community outreach objective of the University. Dr. Mewa gave a talk post-harvest management and value addition of vegetables to prevent food losses.
Dr. Omega took farmers through an overview of dairy production covering aspects such as choosing a dairy animal, the best breed, and animal nutrition. He further gave advised on dairy management system with emphasis on diseases prevention.
Mr. Chesoli gave an overview of the project; it seeks to increase, preserve, sustain, and commercialize productivity in Mbakalo Ward. He described the main value chains of interest to the project: Horticulture, dairy and silkworm. The project also seeks to improve the community’s financial management through formation of cooperatives and SACCOs. Finally, market linkages will ensure that the farmers have access to markets, preventing loss of their produce or exploitation by other players in the market.
Through the existing MOU between the University of Eldoret and CH&W, the Outreach Centre will assist the I-FISH project through farmers training and capacity building and other expertise as might be needed during the project life-cycle.
