By Musa Kurian

NJORO, Kenya – A simple practice used by a grandmother in rural Kenya could hold valuable lessons for modern agricultural science.

For years, she used ash to protect harvested grain from weevils. The traditional method helped safeguard household food. Today, researchers at Egerton University believe such indigenous knowledge deserves renewed scientific attention.

The university is strengthening research ties with French scientists to develop environmentally friendly ways of controlling agricultural pests. The partnership also seeks to document traditional farming practices that risk disappearing.

Egerton University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Planning) Prof. Julius Kipkemboi engages visiting French researchers on opportunities for collaborative research to develop environmentally friendly solutions to agricultural pest challenges

For farmers, the stakes are high. Insect pests can destroy crops after months of hard work and investment. Such losses threaten household incomes and food security.

Prof. Muthaa welcomed the partnership and pledged the university's support. He emphasised the importance of finding practical solutions while preserving indigenous knowledge.

He noted that excessive reliance on harmful chemicals makes the search for safer pest-control alternatives increasingly important.

Prof. Kipkemboi challenged researchers to develop technologies that respond to farmers' everyday challenges. He observed that pest attacks can wipe out investments made throughout the farming season.

Prof. Aduda brought a human dimension to the discussions. He recalled his grandmother's traditional use of ash to protect stored grain from weevils.

He warned that such knowledge is gradually disappearing as farmers embrace commercially marketed agricultural inputs.

He called for social science research to document traditional practices and investigate their scientific value. He also stressed that communities must receive recognition and protection when their knowledge informs new technologies.

The partnership will therefore go beyond laboratory experiments. It will explore opportunities for researchers to study neighbouring farming communities and learn directly from farmers.