Stakeholder inception will validate the research plan
- Jan 1, 2026
- 1 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Dr Juliana Cheboi's research seeks to address malnutrition and food insecurity by promoting orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and pigeonpea through behaviour change communication (BCC) and value addition. A comprehensive desktop literature review has been conducted and is currently under review by the authors. Stakeholder and study participant identification and mapping have been completed.
She has submitted the project proposal for ethical approval, received the reviewer's comments, and is looking forward to positive feedback. However, the project has faced notable challenges, particularly the delay in disbursing first-quarter research funds. This has slowed down critical research activities, including the planned inception meetings with stakeholders and the timely submission of ethical review applications. Addressing these financial delays will be essential to keep the project on schedule.
The following activities are prioritised for the achievement of the project outputs:
Completion of the ethical approval process and clearance for fieldwork.
Organising stakeholder inception meetings in Elgeyo Marakwet County to validate the research plan.
Launching baseline surveys with school-going children, women of reproductive age, and farmer groups to collect data on dietary diversity, knowledge, and attitudes toward OFSP and pigeonpea.
Initiating behaviour change communication campaigns in collaboration with extension workers and local leaders.
Establishing value addition demonstration hubs for recipe development and training.
Dr Juliana Cheboi reporting on his progress for the following research project: Enhancing Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems: Improving Access to Nutritious Climate-Smart Crops Through Behaviour Change Communication and Value Addition Technology.
Edited by Heidi Sonnekus & Leti Kleyn for the FAR-LeaF programme.
