Kenya
Kenya
The seventh international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2024 will be launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).
The goal of this activity is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.
Everybody is welcome to join this initiative!
In celebration of Fascination of Plants Day, we hosted an exhilarating kitchen garden competition in collaboration with the Mwiki Secondary 4K Club. The event was a vibrant showcase of creativity and agricultural skills, as students transformed ideas of kitchen gardens into flourishing garden sections brimming with a variety of vegetables. The competition was fiercely contested, with each team demonstrating innovative planting techniques and sustainable gardening ideas. Our principal and teachers provided unwavering support throughout the event, offering guidance and encouragement to all participants. The best teams were honored with special prizes, recognizing their outstanding efforts and dedication to promoting the beauty and importance of plants. The day was a resounding success, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature among the students and reinforcing the joy and benefits of gardening.
On this special day, the Hockey Club gardening enthusiasts come together to commemorate the vital role that plants play in our lives. Participants engage in various activities such as seed sowing and planting aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of plant biology and agriculture. It’s a time to connect with nature, learn sustainable farming practices, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Farm Planting Day serves as a reminder of the significance of plants in sustaining life on Earth and inspires individuals to cultivate a greener, healthier planet for future generations.
“We set up small farming demonstration plots with Foster, an agricultural student at Murang’a University – Mariira campus, to illustrate the importance and benefits of using healthy planting materials for growing vegetables. Starting with healthy planting material goes a long way in improving germination, and yield, reducing the spread of pests and diseases, and supporting a healthy plant world. This exercise is part of the Resilient Cities initiative to enhance efficient and safe food production. With opportunities like this, we never miss a chance to educate youths such as Foster on the importance of plants and Plant Health.
#FascinationofPlantsDay2024
Olivia went through a 2-week training at Nemafrica, Nairobi Kenya. Nemafrica is a joint Laboratory between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and icipe specializing in diagnostics, Management, capacity building, and awareness creation on the effects of Nematodes on Plants. During the two weeks, Olivia learned about different plant parasitic nematodes, how they affect different plants, the loss they cause, and the different ways of managing them. We hope this training experience young upcoming scientists such as Olivia, will spike interest in plant science among many more!
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