Officers from Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) this week paid a courtesy call to Governor Eng. John Mruttu at his office in Wundanyi and presented a report of their activities in the County.
The Institute Director Dr. Victor Wasike said that the Institute is mandated to conserve the County’s Indigenous Genetic Resources for livelihoods, economic development and posterity.
The institute has carried out survey in the County since 2014 to find out the effects of climate change and the status of conservation while involving the farmers.
“Our institute has conducted a research on the effects of climate change and how farmers perceive it and the way they are coping with the changes,” said Wekesa.
As presented by GeRRI team leader in Documentation and Information Management Mr. Ndung’u Kimani, among key findings are genetic erosion as a result of drought, desertification, and population pressure among others
Farmers have opted to cultivate crops that can cope with the pressure that comes with weather changes thereby eroding the original genetics of crops. In addition, they have adopted continued water harvesting, soil conservation, early planting, tree planting and utilization of wild plants most of which have high nutritional and medicinal value.
Ndung’u called for political goodwill in implementing the recommended strategies among them the dissemination of their literature work to the public to enlighten both small and large scale farmers.
Governor Mruttu in appreciating the activities of the institute noted that they are meant to help and empower local farmers.
“I take this opportunity to thank GeRRI for choosing Taita Taveta County as a case study. Majority of the residents being farmers, your activities are of great benefit to the locals. It’s encouraging how you apply science and technology for the benefit of mankind,” said Mruttu.
Also present were Brenda Nyaboke from the Kenya National Museum, CECMs Jemima Tuja, Dr Vincent Masawi, Alexander Mwangeka, Harrison Mghana and other County government officials.
PR. Governor’s office
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