The Department of Plant Science & Crop Protection at the University of Nairobi is thrilled to announce significant achievements in research and leadership, highlighted by a major publication in a world-leading journal.
Dr. Juliana Cheboi and her dedicated team have reached a monumental milestone with the official publication of their paper on crops that nourish. This significant work, which focuses on agricultural research approaches for crops that nourish by improving nutrition, soil health, resilience and prosperity, has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Food.
Traditional crop development has often prioritized yield, disease resistance, and climate tolerance. While these factors remain essential, the Crops that Nourish project shifts the conversation toward an equally critical dimension: nutritional value.
This publication explores innovative approaches to crop development aimed at improving nutritional outcomes worldwide. It addresses vital, global challenges surrounding agriculture, nutrition, and food security, exploring innovative crop development strategies with the potential to improve nutritional outcomes for communities worldwide. The research offers insights of both scientific value and societal relevance by focusing on how crops can contribute to nourishment and long-term food security.
The research emphasizes that improving global food systems requires more than producing enough calories—it requires producing the right kinds of calories. This means crops must be bred and cultivated not only to thrive in changing environments but also to deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that support human health.
Juliana’s contribution reflects her deep expertise, dedication to scientific excellence, and commitment to creating meaningful, real-world impact through research. Being published in such a prestigious journal is an exemplary accomplishment, one that highlights both the quality of the work and the significance of the team’s findings.
Dr. Juliana’s recent successes extend beyond the journal pages. She also earned Top Recognition at APBA 2025, being awarded the 2nd best researcher for the best innovative idea in participatory action research (PAR). Her recognized project idea focused on "Co-designing a farmer led Pigeon pea improvement program in Kenya through participatory research and seed system strengthening"
Her role in “Crops that Nourish” reflects not only her scientific acumen but also her dedication to research that addresses pressing global challenges. Her achievement is a source of pride and inspiration, especially for those who aspire to contribute to meaningful scientific work in agriculture, nutrition, and sustainable development. Her success is poised to encourage fellow researchers and students to aim high, engage in collaborative and impactful studies, and strive for excellence. Recognition like this demonstrates that hard work, good ideas, and commitment leads to results that matter.
Read the article HERE.
