Breeding better potatoes
About the department
The University of Eldoret is located in the “grain basket” of western Kenya, which produces nearly 80% of the country’s maize and wheat.
Fittingly, the university is focused on science, agriculture, and technology. Originally a farmer’s training center and then a teaching college, the University received its charter in 2013.
The School of Agriculture and Biotechnology offers degree programs designed to satisfy the growing market demand in agriculture. Within the School, the Department of Biotechnology offers courses in plant breeding and biotechnology and is the only department in the region with a biotechnology lab.
Impact on development
Dr. Emmy Chepkoech is working to improve food security in Kenya by breeding varieties of potatoes that can resist bacterial wilt.
Meet the Awardee
About the institution
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Why Seeding Labs?
Equipment will support the department’s strategic plan to expand lab facilities and create a core facility for biotechnology and molecular biology, enabling more student and faculty research.
Did you know?
The Department of Biotechnology is the only science department in the region with a biotechnology lab.
