The Egerton story

0:00:32.75

A graduate.

0:00:33.39

Of Edgerton University.

0:00:34.59

Looks at the.

0:00:35.11

Future needs of Kenya.

0:00:37.24

Aware of his country.

0:00:38.2

'S past and present.

0:00:39.76

He knows that the future.

0:00:40.92

Rests upon education.

0:00:42.76

Education is important in Kenya.

0:00:44.68

Because actually, we have to.

0:00:46.64

Develop and this is something which has been identified.

0:00:51.28

That for a.

0:00:51.76

Country to develop, you need professionals.

0:00:56.52

And it is.

0:00:57

Through education that you can get those professionals.

0:01:00

Without education, where do you get?

0:01:01.32

Them do you?

0:01:01.68

Keep on importing professionals and for how long?

0:01:06.76

The answers to such questions lie at Edgerton University, where agricultural scientists and experts train the professionals who will carry the country's economy into the 21st century.

0:01:21.32

Using advanced technology, scientists at Edgerton University diagnose animal diseases in an effort to improve animal health.

0:01:28.64

And production.

0:01:33.08

Part of Edgerton.

0:01:33.84

'S goal to.

0:01:34.36

Serve science and industry.

0:01:37.64

The success of Edgerton University has rested not only on campus achievements, but also on the impact they have had on the rest of the country.

0:01:49.6

Education at Edgerton extends beyond the formal classroom to practical hands on teaching, with students in the field applying their academic knowledge.

0:02:02.8

Of course any try, any secondaries that have borne a crop more than twice, 2 times or more should be removed because we want new shoots to give crop because as they continue bearing they get existed.

0:02:17.8

Apart from the cultural aspect of emphasis here.

0:02:20.64

So each one of you will get a secretary.

0:02:29.12

Faculty and students here carry out Edgerton's role to take research and training out to the community, the training of professionals.

0:02:46.49

Begins with young students like these.

0:02:48.57

Who are learning in a strong system of primary and secondary.

0:02:51.65

Schools students like these at Colimo Primary School.

0:02:56.97

Are just beginning the educational process that may take them to professional.

0:03:00.45

Studies at Edgerton University Kenyans know education is their most important source of wealth.

0:03:07.88

That's why they spend 1/3 of the national budget on an expanding education system from primary schools through the universities.

0:03:27.08

It was my father who advised me to to go to Yelton University in one of his sons going to to Yelton University maybe.

0:03:35.56

If he successfully.

0:03:36.52

Completes the training maybe?

0:03:38.24

Would you be of a lot of assistance with their community?

0:03:40.2

Not.

0:03:40.64

Not necessarily himself or himself alone.

0:03:48.64

The story of Ederton parallels the history of Kenya.

0:03:51.84

Both go beyond African tradition and old colonial directions.

0:03:55.88

1 emerging as a new institution and the other a new nation.

0:04:00.92

An independent nation founded in 1963 with a growing population of over 20 million, including descendants of voyaging Arabs and Europeans.

0:04:09.52

A diverse background that is over 60% Christian.

0:04:20.4

The daily life of Kenya reflects a strong sense of religion and community in an Agricultural Society which is adapting to the modern world.

0:04:29.24

Agriculture is basic.

0:04:30.52

To Kenya's economy.

0:04:32.08

A critical.

0:04:32.6

Role in increasing agricultural production is played by Edgerton University.

0:04:38

This is the story of how Edgerton.

0:04:39.68

University has grown beyond its own campus to become a major factor in the nation's growth and.

0:04:44.84

Prosperity In the early 20th century, an English immigrant named Lord Edgerton of Tatton acquired land at the edge of the Rift Valley and built a castle modeled after his family's estate.

0:05:10.32

Later, he donated 300 acres to establish a School of Agriculture where white settlers could learn how to farm the fertile Highlands of Kenya's Rift Valley.

0:05:27.04

The first buildings were Lord Edgerton's office and a small bar, still in use today on the campus.

0:05:32.92

From this modest beginning sprung one of Kenya's and Africa's major universities might the vice chancellor of Edgerton University today, Doctor Muzangi reminisces.

0:05:49.24

Edgerton studied in 1939 as a small college.

0:05:53.16

To teach, there would be bridge settlers in Kian Highlands.

0:05:56.56

He started with three students and six staff and offering mainly certificate courses.

0:06:05.12

In 1963, Kenya gained her independence from Great Britain, and the black, red and green flag of the new nation was proudly raised all over Kenya.

0:06:22.36

In this newsreel, members of the British Commonwealth of Nations meet in London.

0:06:27.56

Kenya, no longer a British colony, is represented by its first president, Jomo Kenyatta.

0:06:33.28

Kenya's independence was a major event, changing the political and economic life of the country and giving a new direction to its educational system.

0:06:41.88

When to a Soviet said Kenya was going to obtain independence, the Kenya government requested the US government to help.

0:06:49.08

And at that time, most of our faculty between 1963 and 68 were trained in the US in order to be able to come back and offer and take over the courses that were previously offered by the British government.

0:07:03.4

Kenya had just gotten his independence and aid was caught upon to help with the training of money power because the policy of canonization.

0:07:15.44

Doctor Maria Molay.

0:07:16.64

With the US Agency for International Development in Kenya, coordinates Editon programs with AID.

0:07:24.24

And the GPS lived to the country.

0:07:27.64

Today.

0:07:28.04

The connection continues.

0:07:29.28

As officials of Edgerton meet with.

0:07:30.72

Steven Sinding, director of USAID in Kenya.

0:07:39.4

Our relationship with Edgerton I is certainly the oldest relationship that AID has with any single institution in Kenya.

0:07:47.72

And my guess is that it's probably the oldest institutional relationship in Africa.

0:07:53.76

To the extent that Edgerton succeeds in becoming a center of excellence in agricultural training, in research and extension, Kenyan agriculture is bound to improve the Edgerton graduates who go out into the fields and work with farmers, increase productivity and and have a very direct bearing on the future of this country.

0:08:21

As student enrollment increase, the campus began to expand with additional classrooms and buildings.

0:08:26.8

By the mid 80s, Edgerton had over.

0:08:28.88

1600 students.

0:08:34.88

At the end of 1984, we felt that we should now concentrate mainly on staff development, exchange of faculty both ways between ourselves and the universities in the US, and also in the training of our faculty at master's and PhD level.

0:08:51.32

We have over 38 years on faculty training in the US mainland at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.

0:08:57.8

We also have a number of American professors that have come here and spend a year here.

0:09:02.88

I'll.

0:09:03.88

Be teaching self fertility and plant.

0:09:05.52

Nutrition.

0:09:06.64

The role of the University of Illinois was to be able to coordinate our exchange program in terms of staff different training or faculty training and also to be able to identify senior American academicians that would spend here a year in order to help our faculty, you know, look into the question of curricula and post graduate programs.

0:09:28.28

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is a model of the American land grant.

0:09:32.76

School where the teaching of.

0:09:34.36

Science and agriculture combine with a commitment to research and Extension Service to the community.

0:09:42.84

The long term exchange between Edgerton and land grant universities has forged strong professional and personal ties.

0:09:53

One of the.

0:09:53.36

Chief supporters of the Edgerton Connection is vice chancellor of the University of Illinois Doctor Robert Berdahl.

0:10:01.16

Both universities have their roots in the agrarian communities that surround them.

0:10:08.08

The University of Illinois is a land grant institution founded in the late 19th century, was founded to help educate the rural citizens of the state of Illinois to transfer the knowledge that was developed in our College of Agriculture to them, and Edgerton has a very similar mission.

0:10:30.72

Here are two Edgerton graduates who have completed their PhDs at the University of Illinois.

0:10:37.76

I'm completing my studies here at the University of Illinois, and I'll be returning to Egerton University in the Department of Education and Extension.

0:10:47.12

When I finish my studies here at the University of Illinois, I'll be going back to my university, Egerton University, to carry out research and teaching responsibilities.

0:10:59.44

We have a lot of students from Edgerton here.

0:11:03.92

They are in a sense, contributing enormously to the diversity of people and and cultures represented on our campus.

0:11:13.32

At the same time, we've got faculty going to Edgerton, learning the environment there, helping teach students there, and bringing back a lot of what they learned to this campus.

0:11:26.72

So the exchange is really a two way exchange.

0:11:29.56

We're learning from them and we hope they're learning from us.

0:11:33.16

Although you are the one who is going to write the letter, it should be signed by the Vice Chancellor by.

0:11:40.08

The vice chancellor on the Edgerton campus in Kenya, a faculty member from Edgerton and one from the University of Illinois worked together on a human resources study for Kenya.

0:11:48.6

It has been the best experience of my life, I think in many ways at times, especially at the beginning, it was difficult because I quite simply didn't know the system.

0:11:57.76

It was a new place.

0:11:59.72

Everything was strange and education was tough, but first.

0:12:06.8

But later on I got into the system.

0:12:14.32

By 1988, Edgerton College, with further additions to the campus and increased enrollment, offered new courses and was elevated to full university status, becoming Edgerton University.

0:12:39.68

I can't read that one because as as one of the four public universities, it had the cause of study, which I I like to do that sociology.

0:12:50.32

As a matter of fact, education is very important because by being educated you come to know the world as it is and you do education.

0:12:59.68

You know how to interact with the people, you know what methods to to use the rest of it in the farming, in various fumes in life, as a matter of fact.

0:13:10.48

Nevertheless, the original mission of Edgerton remains to be a Center for excellence in agriculture education.

0:13:17.36

A careful look at specific people and places will help us understand how the Edgerton Way works.

0:13:28.64

Degree Programs.

0:13:29.56

Offered at Edgerton are important to the management of an expanding agricultural economy.

0:13:34.6

The programs develop trained professionals in all areas of food science, technology and nutrition.

0:13:43.24

Good things from the good earth are being used here, not only to provide proper food and nutrition.

0:13:48.56

But to allow.

0:13:49.16

These professionals to carry their knowledge throughout Kenya.

0:13:52.68

This and the degree programs are the true meaning of outreach.

0:14:03.32

Edgerton's Tatton Farm is a demonstration.

0:14:05.56

Farm for teaching.

0:14:06.52

And providing hands on training About 800 acres with a variety of crops such as wheat and maize and livestock such as dairy cattle, pigs and goats.

0:14:30.32

Degree programs.

0:14:31.44

Offered at Egerton.

0:14:32.6

Include animal breeding and nutrition.

0:14:34.76

Studies to develop.

0:14:36.04

New, healthier strains that produce more meat and milk.

0:14:58.4

Here is a picture of how science and good sense meet Monitoring the grazing patterns of cows helps create better.

0:15:04.6

Products for the.

0:15:05.36

People Animal science grows ever more effective and inclusive here.

0:15:15.48

Degree programs include things as diverse as genetics, animal selection, and livestock management.

0:15:23.4

Disease prevention has long been seen as a crucial item in any program.

0:15:27.64

It has been highly effective at Edgerton University.

0:15:36.28

These animals are sturdy and healthy because not only their food and health, but their environment is carefully regulated.

0:15:58.8

Ngongong Gary farms are run on a commercial basis but also provide demonstration activities for students in large scale farm management.

0:16:14.44

The Guilford Dairy Institute, a small, modern dairy plant on the campus, offers training in dairy and food technology.

0:16:25.68

Milk for the school.

0:16:26.56

Children comes from.

0:16:27.44

This dairy, which processes.

0:16:29.04

Yogurt and cheese.

0:16:30.08

As well.

0:16:43

And we believe that with the type of training which we have been undertaken at this university which involves Hanson type of training, practical as you know, a coupled with theory is a type of training that is needed for Kenya's agricultural development.

0:16:58.2

The.

0:16:58.48

Graduates from Medierton are trained to go and assist farmers as.

0:17:03.96

At grassroot level, it's not going to be a graduate who just sits in the office and expects farmers to.

0:17:11.04

To follow him in the office.

0:17:12.8

He's a graduate.

0:17:14.44

Who is an?

0:17:14.92

Extension officer who is supposed to assist?

0:17:17.92

Farmers on the ground so there is no sitting in the.

0:17:20.6

Office you have.

0:17:21.6

To go out and carry out the extension, I'm emphasizing the practical aspect of it, apart from the normal classroom lectures.

0:17:29.68

There were a lot of field safaris, that is, there were a lot of visits.

0:17:34.68

To their farms, that is, to various production.

0:17:39

Units specifically to.

0:17:41.84

Emphasize If it was a course on soil engineering, we had to go out and.

0:17:46.08

Carry out the practical aspect.

0:17:47.52

Involved in in that soil engineering, if it was a matter of learning about range plants or anything, we had to go out and land the plants on the ground together with the farmers, identifying the the plants together with the farmers.

0:18:02.12

The majority of food in Kenya is grown on small farms of less than 5 acres.

0:18:07.36

They are the backbone of Kenya agriculture.

0:18:10.88

At the edge of the Rift Valley in Kiambu is an example of such a farm.

0:18:20.26

The Extension officer, a graduate of Edgerton, is a resource to farmers like Rebecca Mugai and her family.

0:18:28.74

This officer provides up to date information about.

0:18:31.34

The plants.

0:18:31.98

And economics of farming and marketing, Rebecca says.

0:18:38.96

I like it very much when the people from agriculture extension come here to my fields.

0:18:43.76

They help us get better crockies.

0:18:50.44

With little land for grazing in this densely populated part of Kenya, she grows feed for her 3 cows.

0:19:00.64

Planting Napier grass prevents soil erosion.

0:19:03.04

On the slope of the garden along the coast of Kenya, enough rain falls for agriculture.

0:19:17.84

The soil is fertile here.

0:19:23.92

Another farmer with five acres grows maize between citrus trees and coconut.

0:19:28.16

Palms, he improves the.

0:19:29.96

Quality of the fruit by the techniques of grafting and pruning which he learned from the extension officer in his district, another Edgerton graduate.

0:19:44.72

Kenya's agriculture has in the past concentrated on the high potential hiring for areas but because of rapid population Kenya's agriculture must diversify and indeed is a diversify in other areas which are which have hit that have been called arid and semi arid area.

0:20:04.8

In the vast northern.

0:20:06.04

Plain lands region of Kenya.

0:20:07.44

There is little rainfall.

0:20:09.24

The area supports nomadic herdsmen who graze their camels, goats and cattle on scattered Bush and grass.

0:20:28.24

In the baringo.

0:20:28.88

Region A graduate of Edgerton works as a livestock extension officer, explaining to the herders in the region how to fight the tick borne diseases.

0:21:12.12

The herdsmen bring their cattle regularly to a special dip to control the diseases.

0:21:19.36

The university also has a research arm in Chevron Field Station in Baringo to help improve range management and dry land farming.

0:21:27.76

The extension officer assists farmers upgrade their livestock with breeds that are resistant to local diseases and that provide more milk and meat.

0:21:36.4

Farmers can purchase select breeds from the government experimental stations.

0:21:49.4

Here in the Abadari's mountains, there is abundant rainfall but a scarcity of farmland for the growing population.

0:22:07.26

Another graduate of Edgerton specializing in wildlife management is Kenya's first woman game Ranger.

0:22:16.18

The wildlife in this area forage for food on local farms.

0:22:20.1

The problem?

0:22:20.74

Is to.

0:22:20.98

Protect the crops without destroying the wildlife and to keep farmers from further encroaching into the forests for farmland.

0:22:29.12

Edgerton field offices.

0:22:30.36

Are leading the effort to protect the forest, the farms and the wildlife by erecting fence boundaries.

0:22:37.24

Edgerton is training students to take an overall view of the environment, preserving the natural.

0:22:42.68

Resources without upsetting.

0:22:44.16

Environmental and economic equilibrium.

0:22:50.04

These goals.

0:22:50.84

Are a shared.

0:22:51.4

Concern of Edgerton.

0:22:52.6

And the Government of Kenya, as demonstrated at the Nairobi National Game Park in 1989, Kenyon sent a message to the international community that they were serious about the environment and wildlife preservation.

0:23:09.12

They burned 12 tons of illegal ivory taken from poachers in an effort to eliminate the ivory.

0:23:14.2

Trade and preserve.

0:23:15.28

The fast vanishing elephants.

0:23:25.5

These field officers.

0:23:26.74

Working throughout Kenya share the benefits of their Edgerton training extension has become Edgerton's arms reaching out to the people.

0:23:39.52

A major emphasis and the thrust is really in the agricultural training and the Kenya being an agricultural country, we feel that training in agriculture is of great importance to the development of this country because we depend primarily on agricultural production, fire development and therefore the role of Edgerton is paramount in terms of Kenya's development.

0:24:01.12

Kenya is blessed with an abundance of land and hardworking farmers, but continuing agricultural research and technology applications are needed to increase the amount of food grown for the country and for export.

0:24:13.84

This research minded manager of a large farm speaks for Kenyan farmers.

0:24:18.44

The land was made for man to use and live in and take care of it, and therefore I do believe that we must use the land for the benefit of man and to protect it so that those who live after us can also enjoy the same blessing.

0:24:39.04

So for that purpose, I think I must feed people, the world and the nation out of land, out of my sweat.

0:25:00.56

Agricultural engineering designed to.

0:25:02.72

Conserve soil and water resources.

0:25:04.84

And develop techniques for improved farm management and increased crop.

0:25:08.36

Productivity.

0:25:13.32

Horticultural Research.

0:25:14.76

Aimed at producing more and healthier fruits and vegetables and by extension.

0:25:26.24

The improved well.

0:25:27.08

Being of Kenyans themselves.

0:26:07.03

Do we feel that if we can strength strengthen that aspect of practical training while at the same time offering the scientific background, we should be able to attain the goal we have been given to provide acupuncture training, you know, agricultural scientists that are able to give the goods in the country.

0:26:28.64

In a single generation, this one small school has grown physically and intellectually.

0:26:34.44

This.

0:26:34.76

Educational outreach covers not only Kenya but other African countries as well.

0:26:41.04

Edgerton University has a pivotal role in providing trained professional men and women who will help Kenya reach its potential in the 21st century.

0:27:18.32

This, then, is the Edgerton story.

No Results