JOOUST and Matangwe Community Health and Development Programme (MCHDP) Launch Baseline Study to Tackle Food Security and Climate Challenges in Bondo

Bondo, Kenya – July 9, 2025 — A new collaborative research initiative aimed at addressing household food security, nutrition, climate change, and inclusive development officially kicked off with an inception meeting held at Matangwe Health Facility in Bondo Sub-County.

The meeting marked the implementation of a working Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) and Matangwe Community Health and Development Programme (MCHDP) in partnership with Caring Partners Global (CPG).

The baseline study will assess key areas affecting local communities, including household  food security, nutritional practices, the impact of climate change, and the inclusion of youth and gender in development strategies/activities.

This multidisciplinary effort brings together local and international collaborators: JOOUST’s Centre for Community Health and Well-Being (CHAW-JOOUST), the University of Alberta (UoA) in Canada, and MCHDP/CPG, operating both in Kenya and Canada.

Speaking at the inception event, stakeholders emphasized on the importance of evidence-based research in informing sustainable community interventions and strategies. The project also aims to establish a dynamic research hub that will support postgraduate students and international scholars through hands-on field experience and community-driven solutions.

The collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the development of scalable models for improving health, nutrition, and environmental resilience in rural settings, setting a precedent for future academic and community partnerships.