The Nyanza Event: Innovation for Sustainable Development

Hyacinth Crafts, a micro-enterprise, and Kyushu Innovation Centre of Kenya (KICK), a national NGO, organized the Nyanza event on 6 and 7 November 2003.  These two groups were pioneers in the production and marketing of fibre and paper products from water hyacinth, whose invasion of East Africa’s fresh waters has greatly affected the shipping and fishing industries. The two-day event was held at Ukweli Pastoral Centre outside Kisumu town and served stakeholders mainly from Nyanza Province, but also parts of Western and Rift Valley Provinces. It was open to the public in the afternoon of the second day.  It was co-financed by the local organizers, who also contributed staff time, facilities and covered meals to all participants. A total of 37 talks and 55 exhibits were presented. The main topics of the event included principles and practice of organic resource management, indigenous plants and foods, value-added processing and marketing, information and collaboration.

A large number of the presentations and exhibits at the event were on value-added processing, and traditional foods and plants. Research institutes attending the event included Maseno University, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute and Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. Schools and colleges actively participated in the event with three primary school pupils contributing a prize-winning exhibit!  The location of the venue was somewhat outside of Kisumu town and this may have reduced the number of visitor. Nonetheless, participants interacted extensively, exchanged products and information, and initiated collaboration. They proposed that FORMAT assist in securing patents potection of their innovations, promote collaboration between grassroots organizations and research organizations, develop short-term courses to replace the events and establish an incentive scheme that promotes innovations. A motion was also forwarded to launch an additional FORMAT event in Kisii district during 2004, which is now being planned.

The “Avocado Shoe Polish” exhibit by Geoffrey Okuto won First Place in the category of Innovation in Organic Resource Management. Community Service through Organic Resource Management was won by Henry Otolo Ayoo’s exhibit on “Rapid Banana Multiplication through Hot-Water Treatment”. Wilfred Odhiambo won the category of Best Impact on Rural Development for the exhibit “An Improved Washer Pump”. A special commendation prize was awarded to Mobamba Women Group for their exhibit on “Fireless Cookers”. A planned traditional vegetable cook-off did not take place but a potential contestant, Jenipher Etiang, was recognized for her participation. Linet Otieno, Johannes Odero and Rodgers Onyango, the three pupils at St Paul’s Primary School in Kisumu were provided a special award for their exhibit on “Environmental Awareness and Conservation”. Susan Oriko was also nominated by public acclaim for special mention with her exhibit on “Natural Insecticides”. Our appreciation goes to Abel Otieno and Milicent Olal and their colleagues for organizing such an enjoyable and informative event.

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