University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Area of Focus
Horticulture
Education
Edna Muthamia is a PhD candidate in Horticulture and holds an MSc and BSc in Horticulture from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). She is also a tutorial fellow at JKUAT. Edna is interested in the study of Flower Science and climate-smart and sustainable production systems. She previously worked as a systems auditor for a Kenyan based certification body, Africert Limited where she gained over five years of experience in the horticulture industry, sustainable agriculture and climate change interventions. Edna’s research is on the Integration of the organic compound Chitosan and Calcium silicate for pre and post-harvest management of the Botrytis blight or grey mould in geraniums. Disease management in flower production systems is mainly dependent on synthetic chemicals which are dangerous to the environment, human life and the entire biodiversity. Substituting these with Natural controls such as use of Chitosan and silicates will reduce the negative pressure on the existing biodiversity.
Research & Work
Edna’s research explores sustainable farming systems for improved horticultural production and improved and safe production of flowers for better livelihoods among both small scale and large scale producers. Her research will help reduce the overall use of synthetic fungicides in flower production systems for more environmental friendly disease control and management measures.
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