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
02-11-2023 at Egerton Living Lab
11-09-2023 at Egerton Living Lab
The Egerton Living Laboratory (Egerton LL) is thrilled to announce the launch of its insect rearing training program, in collaboration with Insectpro. The program has already shown exceptional promise with samples of crickets featured prominently.
In addition to cricket rearing, Egerton LL is also actively conducting training on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) rearing. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with INCiTiS-FOOD from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, led by Prof. Ayieko and Dr. Mwereza.
14-07-2023. At Egerton University Living Lab
