Proceedings of First Annual International Conference on The Role of Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Food Security and Development.

Abstract

The rationale of the just concluded Tharaka University College 1 st Annual Research Conference was aimed at bringing together researchers to network, build collaborations and share their expertise and knowledge in enhancing Innovations and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Food Security and Development. This was the theme of the conference. The theme is in line with the contemporary times that require turning research and innovations towards the realization of the Kenya Vision 2030, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals(SGD’S) adopted by the United Nations and the Kenya Government’s Big Four Agenda. As you will find from this Book of Proceedings, the participants indeed did put forward and shared their expertise, knowledge and experiences with regard to the place of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Food Security and Development. Tharaka University College was established as a campus in 2015 and elevated as a constituent College of Chuka University in February 2017. The University College has continued to enjoy an unprecedented growth in students and staff population, as well as academic and research activities. The mandate of the university is to provide globally competitive quality education, and training. The university endeavors to be a Centre of excellence and a leading institution in matters pertaining dryland farming and mining which is our niche area. As you read the proceedings of our 1 st research conference, I wish to urge the readers of this Book of Proceedings to use the papers for the purposes of referencing literature review while writing scholarly papers and to put into practice the recommendations given by various researchers in their area of expertise. In doing so, we shall all witness the positive impact of the conference and be in a better locus to change the society positively.

Lastly, I wish to thank the Chair of the conference, the organizing committee, the technical team, Keynote Speakers, and all the participants, for finding time to be with us during the 1 st Tharaka University College Research Conference. Thank you and God bless.