University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Southern University recently participated in the 1890 Student Global Food Security and Defense Fellows Program, held at Chuka University in Kenya. This initiative, led by UAPB’s Office of International Programs and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, aimed to immerse students in real-world agricultural practices and food security issues.
Under the guidance of faculty like Dr. Pamela Moore from UAPB and Dr. James Obuya from Southern University, students explored agriculture in the unique context of East Africa. They learned about sustainable farming techniques and the intricate relationship between agriculture, culture, and community.
Zoe McGowan, a UAPB graduate student, described the experience as transformative. “It opened my eyes to how agriculture shapes communities,” she reflected. Observing local fish farming practices helped her connect her lab work on disease control to the realities faced by farmers in Kenya.
McGowan highlighted a key disparity back home: while 41% of Arkansas is agricultural land, food deserts still exist, emphasizing that food security is not just about growing food but also about access and sustainability.
Shyia Ellingburg, a human sciences student, also found her views on agriculture evolving. “I realized farming ties into culture and identity,” she shared. For her, the bond between traditional farming practices and local community values was eye-opening.
Participants like Sterling Brown and Destyne Howard were equally inspired. Brown, an agribusiness major, recognized the potential of agroforestry and intercropping learned in Kenya for his future studies. Howard, focused on urban forestry, noted innovative organic practices that can be applied back home, echoing her commitment to sustainable agriculture.
The program included hands-on learning at farms, lectures, and visits to local initiatives. Students engaged directly with Kenyan farmers, gaining insights into methods that emphasize sustainability and collaboration.
Kenyan farmers shared valuable lessons on resilience and resourcefulness, showing that true food security relies on community-driven solutions. Dr. Moore emphasized that students learned not just techniques but also the importance of cultural understanding in agriculture.
Through this program, students have returned with a renewed commitment to impact their communities positively. The experience was framed as a pathway to understanding global agricultural challenges and translating that understanding into local actions.
Collaboration between UAPB, Southern University, and Chuka University highlights a commitment to strengthening food security through education and cultural exchange. This partnership paves the way for future research opportunities and further student exchanges, reinforcing the importance of local responses to global issues.
As these students advocate for sustainable agricultural practices, they embody the program’s mission: to transform global exposure into local responsibility.
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