BGU Student’s Ambitious Desert Research Hits Home
BGU Student’s Ambitious Desert Research Hits Home
April 4, 2025
Negev Development & Community Programs, Social Sciences & Humanities
BGU Student’s Ambitious Desert Research Hits Home: Tackling Food Insecurity in Kenya
Sharon Chemweno, a PhD student enrolled in Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s (BGU) Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR) program, is using her research to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing her home country of Kenya: food insecurity.
Studying at BGU’s Sde Boker campus, located in the heart of the Negev desert, Chemweno is immersed in a unique environment that combines cutting-edge research with the practical challenges of arid agricultural systems. This serene setting offers her the ideal atmosphere for deepening her expertise in desert agriculture, a field that holds great promise for addressing the agricultural struggles in regions affected by unpredictable rainfall and limited water resources.
Chemweno’s decision to pursue her PhD at BGU was driven by both her academic interests and her personal experiences growing up in an arid region. BGU’s global recognition in desert agriculture research and its specialized Desert Agriculture Research Institute have provided her with the knowledge and tools to develop efficient irrigation and nutrient management techniques which are vital for enhancing agricultural productivity in arid regions.
In the following interview, Chemweno discusses why she enrolled in BGU, her thoughts on the desert research program, and her future ambitions.
Q: Why did you choose to study at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev?
A: I enjoy studying at the University’s Sde Boker campus because of its serene environment. It’s located in the middle of the Negev desert, providing the perfect peaceful setting for research. This makes it an ideal place for both studying and conducting research.
Q: What led you to choose BGU for your PhD program?
A: I decided to join BGU because it is a globally recognized institution specializing in research related to desert agriculture and precision agriculture. I also wanted to study here because of its impressive international student body which is home to students from over 30 different countries.
Growing up in an arid and semi-arid region in Kenya, I experienced firsthand the challenges of rain fluctuations and limited irrigation facilities in agriculture. I wanted to join the best institution to gain knowledge on efficient irrigation techniques and agricultural production in arid regions.
Q: What has been your experience so far at BGU?
A: Since joining BGU for my master’s and currently pursuing my PhD, I have gained valuable knowledge in irrigation and nutrient management, specifically for desert areas. As water is scarce in desert regions, it is crucial to understand the best ways to manage this resource. The BGU Desert Agriculture Research Institute has provided me with top-notch techniques and insights in this field.
Q: What are some important aspects of your experience at BGU beyond academics?
A: Apart from gaining educational knowledge, I have also developed important international skills and networking opportunities. I have had the chance to present my research at various local and international conferences, which has allowed me to connect with professionals from different research centers and broaden my understanding of agriculture.
Q: How do you envision applying your knowledge after completing your PhD?
A: After completing my program, I plan to return to Kenya and implement the knowledge I have gained in desert agriculture, particularly in irrigation and nutrient management. My goal is to improve agricultural production in my region, addressing the current issues of food insecurity caused by erratic rainfall and climate change. I believe that precision agriculture can make a significant impact, helping to achieve food security in arid regions.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you are aiming to address with your research?
A: The biggest challenge I am focused on is food insecurity in my home region. Due to climate change, the rainfall patterns have become unpredictable, making it difficult to sustain agriculture. By applying efficient irrigation techniques and managing nutrients properly, I hope to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to a more food-secure future for my community in Kenya.
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