On May 27th, the first republican president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, visited our project partner Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC). The visit generated much interest among staff and farmers associated with KATC. KATC was also honuored on the international front, when Peter Msimuko from KATC was judged the winner of the Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award in the Netherlands.

Former President Kaunda toured the Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre extensively and according to Brother Paul Desmarais, director of KATC, was genuinely interested in the organic movement. The visit affirmed the work of KATC and was a source of pride and support to the many farmers who have made the switch to organic farming in the Chongwe district. KATC is primarily involved in training and education of farmers in environmentally responsible, organic and sustainable agricultural practices in Zambia.

KATC was also honoured earlier this spring, when one of its staff, Peter Msimuko was declared the winner of the Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award in the Netherlands. An independent jury of experts assessed three nominated theses which were judged on the following criteria: their significance for the professional practice of plant breeding and seed quality; originality, scientific quality and presentation. On March 19, Msimuko’s thesis entitled “Allele Diversity and Functional Analysis of Avirulence Gene Avr1 of Physophthora Infestans” was selected as the top entry for this prestigious award.

We at CJI send our warmest congratulations to the staff and members of the KATC community for these two notable recognitions of their excellent work.