Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Homegrown Volunteer Network through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening community engagement and advancing sustainable development initiatives. The MOU was signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, on behalf of MUST, and Mr. Eric Mutwiri, Director of Homegrown Volunteer Network.

Homegrown Volunteer Network is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting sustainable community development through volunteerism, knowledge sharing, and the preservation of culture. The collaboration seeks to integrate academic expertise with grassroots knowledge to deliver impactful, community-centered solutions.

The key objectives of the MOU include the implementation of structured community outreach and engagement activities with a strong focus on sustainable and organic farming practices. The partnership will support the establishment of an indigenous seed bank, the development of an organic farming manual or guide, and the creation of a botanic garden within the university. These initiatives aim to enhance conservation efforts, promote food security, and support environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Knowledge transfer will be central to the partnership, leveraging art, music, and culture as tools for disseminating information and engaging communities. The collaboration will also support the development of demonstration and learning sites to enhance experiential learning, applied research, and community capacity building in organic and regenerative agriculture.

In addition, the partnership will promote the preservation, documentation, and dissemination of indigenous knowledge systems, including herbal medicine, cultural wellbeing, and traditional ecological knowledge. The MOU lays a strong foundation for long-term collaboration, resource mobilization, capacity building, and the scaling up of community-based development initiatives.

The MOU signing was witnessed by senior university officials, including Prof. Amos Omamo, Director of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Extension; Prof. Joshua Arimi, Director of Indigenous Foods; Dr. Eric Mworia, Chair of the Department of Agriculture; Ms. Susan Mutunga, Senior Assistant Registrar (RICE); and Ms. Jackline Opande, Business Developer at RICE, alongside other staff members.

Mr. Eric Mutwiri was accompanied by members of the Homegrown Volunteer Network team, including Solomon Gitari, Treasurer; Murithi Koome Njue, in charge of the cultural pillar; Diana Kinanu from Sanaa Culture; and Fridah Kagwiria representing the agricultural pillar.