FUN AND ACADEMICS: TRIP TO DRYLAND NATURAL RESOURCES CENTRE

On the 17th April 2025, students pursuing various  degree programmes with a niche in Dryland resources management, Dryland sustainability science and technology and Management  of Agro ecosystems  and  from the Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology (LARMAT) - University of Nairobi  were exposed to  an excursion to  the Drylands Natural Resources Centre (DNRC) in Makueni County. The DNRC is a Kenyan-registered NGO, under leadership of Nicholas Syano (A PhD student at LARMAT). The NGO is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Kenya's drylands. Its mission is to improve the livelihoods of marginalized communities by sharing best practices in agroforestry, agro ecology, permaculture, and cultural regeneration. The excursion was led by Dr. Stephen Mureithi, Joseph Ndutu, Carolyne Kyalo and John Kimotho.. 

Learning Outcomes

During their visit, the students engaged in various hands-on activities and observed DNRC's community-based approaches to sustainable land management. Key learning experiences included:

1. Agroecological Practices: Students learned about permaculture and agroecology techniques used to restore degraded lands. They observed how DNRC equips subsistence farmers with tools to address challenges such as deforestation, declining agricultural yields, water scarcity, and climate variability. 
2. Community Engagement: students observed DNRC's outreach programs that educate over 700 households and 12 schools on organic and agroecological methods. They learned about the significance of community involvement in sustainable practices and the role of education in promoting environmental stewardship 
3. Value-Added Products: Students explored DNRC's initiatives in producing and marketing value-added products such as green charcoal, Moringa powder, Honey, activated charcoal from Terminalia brownii, and locally-produced handicrafts. This experience highlighted the integration of economic development with environmental conservation. etc