Lipton Tea Academy has trained over 100 tea industry students and professionals on managing troublesome tea pests through a two-week course. As the world’s first comprehensive education institution dedicated to tea, the Lipton Tea Innovation & Technology Academy (Lipton Academy) aims to equip at least 3,000 Kenyans annually with sustainable pest management techniques through its Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
Held in collaboration with international partners, the program intends to encourage the end of pesticide use without impacting livelihoods. This is a timely objective as it comes when concerns are emerging over the use of pesticides on human health (including pesticide poisoning), environmental damage, and the impact on biodiversity (like bee populations). Across the globe, a movement calling for the significant reduction and eventual phase-out of pesticide us is also gaining traction, with some groups advocating for an 80% reduction by 2030 and a complete phase-out of some products by 2035.
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Lipton’s IPM course seeks to enhance the safety of farmers and consumers of tea products by encouraging alternative and chemical-free ways of pest management. The inaugural program was administered by distinguished experts from the Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, University of Amsterdam, the University of Kabianga, Kenya Tea Research Institute, Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute, and Browns East Africa Plantations. Key topics included biological control in IPM, phytosanitary management and implementation, abiotic stress management, technology in support of IPM, and the economic impact analysis of IPM approaches for tea production.
“This course represents a significant step in the journey towards more sustainable tea production. By bringing together global experts and local knowledge, we’re fostering innovation that will benefit both the industry and the environment,” said Dr. Helen Saini, the Head of Sustainable Agriculture R&D at LIPTON Teas and Infusions.
Dr. Roos van Maanen, the Director of Amsterdam Green Campus at the University of Amsterdam, added: “This collaboration highlights the critical role of bridging fundamental and applied research in addressing global agricultural challenges. We’re excited to contribute to this transformative initiative and to help advance sustainable agriculture.”
Prof. Eric Koech, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kabianga, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying: “The successful completion of this course exemplifies our commitment to industry-academia partnerships that drive agricultural sustainability. By equipping 100 participants with essential skills in sustainable pest control, we are making significant strides in enhancing the tea industry’s capabilities.”
The impact of the course on participants has been profound. Paul Okech, a student at the University of Kabianga, shared his experience:
“The IPM course was eye-opening, providing us with practical skills and new concepts that will help us address critical issues like climate change and food security. It has inspired me to continue researching and applying these valuable lessons to benefit society.”
The training program contributes to the Lipton Academy’s goal of supporting the development of the country’s largest export industry and enhancing Kenyan tea’s designation of origin as synonymous with premium value. This is part of the Lipton Academy’s broader mission to provide comprehensive education in tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing, from vocational training to PhD level courses.
Meanwhile, The Lipton Academy continues to work with various stakeholders, including the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA), and the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture, to develop and deliver practical knowledge that will foster positive change on the ground.
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