Melia Project workshop held on the 22nd of August 2019

Melia Project workshop held on the 22nd of August 2019 at the University of Nairobi,
hosted by the Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection.
A programme under the VLIR/Team initiative “Synergy for mass propagation of elite Melia volkensii clones
and exploiting its derived bio-pesticides” is implemented by University Of Nairobi, University Of Ghent,
Kenya Forestry Research Institute and Better Globe Forestry LTD to do research in utilization of the
species.The research focuses on micro-propagation, acclimatization of elite clones and utilization of the
insecticidal extract of leaves and fruits. This second phase of the programme will train two Ph.D and 4
master’s students. In addition, the capacity of the UON in-vitro and entomology laboratories will be
improved to handle micro-propagation and bio-pesticide work. The project is headed by Prof. Stefaan
Werbrouck and Prof. Guy Smagghe from the University of Ghent in Belgium. The local partners include; Dr.
Titus Magomere from Kenyatta University, Prof. Florence Olubayo of University of Nairobi; Dr. Jackson
Mulatya from Kenya Forestry Research institute and Mr. Jan Vandenabeele of Better Globe Forestry LMT.
Knowledge transfer and sharing regarding in-vitro and bio-pesticide research is a core concern of this
partnership.
It is with this in mind that a project workshop was held on 22nd of August 2019, at the University of Nairobi,
Kabete campus to share the objectives of the initiative and to further strengthen knowledge sharing with
relevant stakeholders. Welcome remarks were given by the chairman, Department of Plant Science and
Crop Protection and the Dean Faculty of Agriculture at the start of the workshop. Official opening of the
workshop was done by the Ag. Principal of the college of Agriculture and veterinary Sciences, Prof. Rose
Nyikal after remarks from, the Ambassador of Belgium to Kenya, His Excellency Mr. Nicholas Nihon; the
chief conservator of forests, Kenya forest service ; the director Kenya forestry research institute and the
Managing Director of Better Globe LMT. They all emphasized the importance of conserving forests and the
significance of research in the management and sustainable use of forest products. They thanked the Melia
research team for the initiative and theBelgium government for funding the team to undertake the research
and the capacity building for the students.