Challenges and Approaches to learning and teaching agrobiodiversity By Professor Lenah Nakhone Egerton University Kenya

Introduction Definition of agrobiodiversity Role of agrobiodiversity in People’s livelihoods Role of agrobiodiversity in food security Role of learning in conservation and management of agrobiodiversity

Status and Trends of Learning AGBD at Egerton University No comprehensive programme in agrobiodiversity Isolated Courses in the Faculties of agriculture, Science and Environment and resource Development Attempts being made – - Development of training modules - Draft Curriculum for Post- Graduate Diploma in AGBD.

Status…..Continued On-going research in various Departments Comprehensive research in Bondo District, Western Kenya. Enlisted Graduate students to make follow-up research on agrobiodiversity in Bondo District.

Learning Systems Basic training of agriculture and related professionals Compartments in the agriculture Sector

Challenges Inherent attitude of lecturers at Universities Development of appropriate curricula in agrobiodiversity Dwindling interest in agriculture and related programmes Inadequate awareness on agrobiodiversity

Approaches to Learning and Teaching agrobiodiversity Experiential learning Competence Based Learning Interdisciplinary and holistic

Implementation of teaching of agrobiodiversity at University Curriculum development Approval of AGBD courses Research programmes in agrobiodiversity

Policy on agrobiodiversty Existing Policies non-responsive to activities of agrobiodiversity Draft Environment Policy of 2008 Necessary Policy Actions –Capacity Building at Institutional level

Conclusion and Recommendations Develop relevant case studies Develop a curriculum framework for teaching AGBD Determine appropriate points of entry for teaching AGBD at Universities in Sub- Saharan Africa Establish Research Networks

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