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
Pepper Cultivation at Egerton University Living Lab
The Capsicum plants are thriving at the Egerton University Living Lab, grown using frass, fish, and water as key inputs. The team is actively collecting data to monitor growth and evaluate the effectiveness of the system.
Students Visiting the Egerton University Living Lab
The Egerton Univeristy Living Lab welcomed students from local agricultural schools for a practical learning experience. The students were introduced to innovative farming methods and sustainable practices directly within the Living Lab environment. Teaching children about sustainability from an early age is crucial, and the Egerton University Living Lab is playing an essential role in equipping the next generation with the knowledge needed to foster a sustainable future.
Egerton Living Lab Empowers Farmers with Training Program
Egerton Living Lab is training and onboarding farmers for the INCiTiS-FOOD Farmers Training program. This comprehensive three-day session focuses on techniques in hydroponic and aquaponic farming, along with specialised training in black soldier fly (BSF) farming.
The program aims to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to farmers, secondary school groups have also joined the Egerton Living Lab to gain insights into the operation of the Living Lab, fostering a new generation of environmentally-conscious agriculturalists.
