The University of Eldoret, Outreach Centre in collaboration with CORTEVA Agro Science in implementing a project dubbed CORTEVA-OISC project held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, 6th March 2024. The project objective is to set up ten (10) demonstration plots within Uasin Gishu County to aid in practical training of farmers in minimum tillage and good crop husbandry.
The meeting was intended to bring together all the players involved in the project and ensure that the participants understood the objective of the project and the roles of different partners involved. The collaborating partners are; the University of Eldoret through the Outreach Centre, CORTEVA Agro Science, Farmers, Uasin Gishu County Government, Agricultural Mechanization Service (AMS), YARA International and Stark Ayres seed company.
The farmers involved in the project are from different wards within Uasin Gishu as follows:
| Farmer | Sub County | Ward | Crop |
| Allison Cheruiyot | Moiben | Sergoit | Maize |
| Julius Kiprotich | Moiben | Karuna/Meibeki | Maize |
| Christpher C. Rono | Moiben | Tembelio | Maize |
| Florence John | Soy | Soy | Maize |
| Philip Nge’tich | Soy | Soy | Maize |
| UOE-OISC (Ann Njoki) | Soy | Kuinet Kapsuswa | Maize |
| Kipkorir Kipchumba | Ainabkoi | Kaptagat | Horticulture |
| Enock Kiptoo | Ainabkoi | Kapsoya | Horticulture |
| Alex Sile | Kesses | Cheptiret | Horticulture |
| Philip Metto | Kesses | Tulwet Chuiyat | Horticulture |
The farmers will provide a quarter of an acre to be used to set up the demo plot. The allocated land plot should be adjacent to a busy road for visibility. The farmer is required to allow the community access to the plot for purposes of training and field days that will be held. Similarly, they will assist in the management of the plot with advice from the University and COTREVA experts. A signage will be put in all the plots for easy of identification by the public.
The University of Eldoret, Soil Science Department will carry out soil testing and make recommendations on the types and quantity of fertilizer to be used in all ten plots. YARA International will blend the fertilizer based on the soil testing recommendations. AMS will provide the required machinery for chisel ploughing and the latest calibrated planter to ensure that maximum plant population is attained. The project will provide all the other required inputs and labour for the management of the crop up to maturity. The project, through the Outreach Centre and in involving all other players, will organize for farmers’ trainings and field days in the demonstration plots in addition to collecting data and documenting the process. The harvested produce will be given to the farmer.
This project will give an opportunity to the farmers and the partners to exchange ideas on the challenges of farming and find suitable practical solutions.
Dr. Heka Kamau
Coordinator, Outreach & International Students’ Centre.
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