JOOUST InseFoods charts a road map for sustainability plan.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) Africa Center of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects for Food and Feeds (INSEFOODS) Centre Advisory Board  held a meeting to chart a road map for the sustainability of the project whose  life cycle comes to an end in December 2023.

The Advisory Board which is chaired by the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Student Affairs and Research, Prof. Denis Ochuodho, while commenting  on the project noted that the project has put the institution on the world map. He added  that it had taken  keen  initiative and concerted efforts from stakeholders to ensure that  the project meets its objectives.” This project has a huge potential to create an impact in both the community and the global space.” Said Professor Ochuodho.

The Project has been lauded as a launch pad for other projects to propel JOOUST to the global arena. Present during the meeting was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Administration and Finance, Professor Aggrey Thuo, who reiterated  that the INSEFOODS project had propelled  JOOUST to a higher  league on the international arena. The Centre Director, Professor. Darius Andika, took the members through the project achievements so far, namely:  the development of a biodiversity repository of insects for food and feeds in the region, and building sustainable local, regional and international partnerships and networks for research, development and training of insects including the commercialization and KEBS approval of the cricket biscuits. “JOOUST has been able to sign an agreement with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to support the inclusive commercialization of the production of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) for the livestock feeds industry” he proudly added.

The World Bank-funded INSEFOODS project which was officially launched in October 2016 is set to close at the end of December 2023.