Why Egerton University?
Situated in the city of Njoro, Nakuru County, Kenya, Egerton University holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in the country. Originally established as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, it underwent significant growth and transformation over the years. By 1950, the school had evolved into an Agricultural College, offering diploma programs to its students. The Living Lab at Egerton University is a dedicated undertaking within the broader INCiTiS Food Project Living Lab. Its primary focus is to establish a sustainable and circular food production system. This initiative aims to combine aquaponics and hydroponics, two innovative farming techniques, in order to create a fully integrated circular flow for food production. The ultimate goal of the project is to seamlessly merge aquaponics and hydroponics into a self-sustaining cycle. Within this system, the fish waste from the aquaculture component serves as a nutrient source for the plants in the hydroponics system. In return, the plants cleanse the water, which is then circulated back into the fish tanks. By adopting this closed-loop approach, the system minimizes water consumption, reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, and optimizes the utilization of resources.
Technology deployed in LL
A combination of aquaponics and hydroponics, integrated into a closed-loop system.
Crops
Fish, Insects and Horticultural crops
Target stakeholders
Farmers and their Associations, Researchers, and Consumers.
Goal
Link potential (peri-)urban agri-food innovations to LLs to promote circularity. Improved network of local resource and service streams to the LLs. Increased local production, processing, and marketing of healthy and nutritious foods Conceptualized WEFE nexus for city region food system assessments. A carbon-neutral world, within global warming of 1.5°C. Promoted a resource-efficient and resilient circular Economy Reduced vulnerabilities by enhancing opportunities for vulnerable groups. Strengthened scientific capacity in Africa
Latest News
Successful Cowpea Harvest at Egerton Living Lab
At Egerton Living Lab, an onboarded farmer presents his second crop, cowpea. The same farmer already had one successful tomato harvest last year at this Living Lab. It is organically grown using fish waste and black soldier fly (BSF) frass, offering a healthy and sustainable option for consumers.
Black Netting Cover Initiatives
New initiatives are introduced at our Living Labs! This time black netting covers have been implemented to effectively reduce light intensity within the tanks. The aim of this innovation is to:
– Create a more controlled environment
– Ensure the well-being of the living world
– Secure optimal growth
Students are Gaining Valuable Practical Experience at Egerton Living Lab
Students want to learn and gain valuable practical experience. At Egerton Living Lab students are taking data on fish parameters. This practical exercise deepens their understanding of fish biology, behaviour, and aquaponics.
