GEOFREY KINGORI GATHUNGU SEEKING FUNDING FOR PhD STUDY
My name is Geofrey Kingori Gathungu. I work with Kenya Agricultural Research Institute as a research officer and my duties includes research on Horticultural and industrial crops and training the farming communities on better farming methods through consultations, on station and on farm visits, barazas or field days. My research work requires a further training on PhD studies to equip me on adequate knowledge to solve the farmer’s problems. Currently my employer has no funding for sponsorship of PhD study.
Using my savings I registered for a PhD course at Egerton University Kenya from September 2008. The requirement was a one year taught course followed by a field project and a thesis. I have successfully completed the taught course and I am planning to embark on the thesis research project any time on receipt of funds. I have been paying for my fees after failing to secure a sponsorship for my study. I have been able to pay part of my tuition fees about 900 US $ of the total 6,000 US $. My thesis research project requires 12000 US $. I have been using my salary for living cost and purchase of books, internet services and any other cost during my training.
My proposed study is on water and fertilizer management in seed potato production. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major food crop and by far the most important vegetable crop in terms of quantities produced and consumed, from the high Andes to the plains of East Africa. However, potato productivity and industry expansion have been constrained by the low quantity and quality seed tubers being produced in the informal seed sector, partly due to improper fertilizer management practices and irregular rainfall patterns. There is need to develop strategies to provide potato growers with good quality seed at affordable prices. A study will be conducted in an informal seed grower’s farm in Molo and at Egerton University to determine the effect of irrigation, nitrogen, and phosphorus on growth, yield, quality and sprouting of potato. The treatments will consist of two potato cultivars, and three rates each of irrigation, N and P. I hope to start my project from April this year. I am enquiring if your organization can assist me with funding for my field research work to be able to complete my degree to serve the farming community better. My Admission Letter, References, Fees structure and Living expenses plus financing for books and other educational materials are available at your request.
Below are two photos showing potato production and my involvement in information dissemination. Please assist me fund my education. Thank you.
Geofrey K. Gathungu
Cellphone +254722429519
gkgathungu@yahoo.com
Leave a Reply