Nairobi:  University dons want their research findings used in directing public policy, saying this will save taxpayers' money. Speaking at a Moi University conference that ended yesterday, the scholars said adoption of their findings and increased funding for policy studies would improve governance.  "Researchers can provide reliable solutions to the country's challenges. Why should university lecturers spend millions of shillings on research that is left to gather dust on shelves?" asked Okumu Bigambo, a communications and human rights expert.

The scholars, speaking on the theme Knowledge Management and Applied Technological Innovations for Sustainable Development, said many commissions of inquiry had ended up either replicating researches by universities or could have been done better by the dons.  By engaging universities, the government would tap practical solutions at minimal cost, they said.

"Our research, especially on HIV/Aids, has created great impact locally and globally. We have influenced government policies, but still much needs to be done to achieve the desirable effects," said Eunice Kamaara.

Moi University deputy vice chancellor, research and extension, Bob Wishitemi, said scholars should focus research on issues affecting society such as food insecurity and poverty.  "Some research is entirely motivated by career advancement," said Prof Wishitemi, who called for incentives to enable more scholars to venture into sustainable research locally "without seeking opportunities in foreign countries."

Chancellor Bethwel Allan Ogot said there were 50,000 doctorate degree holders from Africa who had migrated overseas to escape poor working terms at home.

In the area of food security, participants said agronomists should expose farmers to modern farming methods including crop rotation, sustainable use of fertilisers, and diversification from traditional crops such as maize.  Farmers represented by the Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP) said the government should promote other activities as an alternative to maize, which has been hit by high costs.

"Field extension officers are few nowadays. Most farmers are ignorant about suitable farming practices and how to make the most of increasingly scarce rains," said Musa Barno, Kenfap's Uasin Gishu branch chairman.

The farmers said it was expensive to travel to district headquarters to seek services from agricultural officers whenever they had an issue.