The team from the University of Hamburg together with the MMUST team after the discussions.
A team of researchers from the Centre for Earth System Research and Sustainability, University of Hamburg- Germany, has today, 10 January, 2023, visited MMUST in a bid to conduct a collaborative research on the biosphere of Mt. Elgon. They included; Project Coordinator, Department of Geography, Mr. Simon Strobelt, Ms. Michele Von Kocemba and a student, Mr. William Vargas.
The study will involve a baseline survey on human conflicts as well as how nature is conserved on Mt. Elgon and the data will be taken to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for analysis. The event which was presided over by the DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai, was organized by the School of Education (SEDU) led by the Dean, Prof. Moses Poipoi.
The DVC, Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai addressing participants at the event.
Expressing his delight, Prof. Mutai pointed out that MMUST is keen on conducting research that is geared towards changing the lives of the community. Adding that research is part of the University’s mandate, he revealed that MMUST is committed to supporting research and that there are a good number of ongoing projects. Of these, about ten (10) have won lucrative grants internationally.
“Geography is a unique area where we need to train many people. We have the same interest in this area of research and selecting Mt. Elgon as an area of study will definitely cause diversity in research. This will improve the social health system of the community through indigenous medicine which is boosting the medical healthcare sector in addressing various health complications,” stated Prof. Mutai.
The Dean, School of Education, Prof. Moses Poipoi making a point during the visit.
Prof. Poipoi acknowledged that the study will document the contribution of relevant bodies, challenges faced and solutions needed to support nature conservancy. He noted that the research will impact the community through outreach activities in training them on environmental conservation.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the University of Hamburg in terms of research and exchange programmes as we look forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),” said Prof. Poipoi.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Strobelt acknowledged that the University has been supportive and open-minded in professional experience. “We have a common interest in nature conservation and this will enable long term cooperation as we interact in the field of research. We have a lot to learn. Let us come together and construct knowledge,” he urged.
The project coordinator, Department of Geography, University of Hamburg, Mr. Simon Strobelt explaining a point during the visit.
Present at the event were; the Registrar, PRI- Prof. Alice Ndiema, Associate Dean, SEDU- Prof. Kennedy Bota, CoD Geography- Dr. Nalyanya Wasike, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Planning and Management, Dr. Paul Ogenga, and a student of Geography, Mr. James Kimutai who will be conducting research with the team which will be around for three (3) weeks.
Indeed, this will impact conservation of land and water on which all life depends. The research will create a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.
By Verna Awuor
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu
