The participating universities have a mix of MSc and PhD students from Maseno University, Kenya; Hochschule Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Germany; University of Maribor, Slovenia; Uganda Martyrs University; and Makerere University, Uganda. Each student will receive hands-on training in these areas, including the practical applications and agricultural innovations demonstrated at the Living Labs.

In July, Maseno University, Kenya, hosted Johannes Schenk and Ben Schwarz, both students from the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in Germany, along with MSc student Lea Roz from the University of Maribor, Slovenia. Later in September, MSc students Nakiya Immaculate from Makerere University and Faraja Mbaga Lupogo from Uganda Martyrs University will continue the exchange at the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Earlier in May, the University of Maribor welcomed Michael Opiyoh, a PhD student from Maseno University. The project ensured a balance of both male and female students during the selection process.

In an interview, one of the students described her expectations for the programme as a chance to explore the potential of the Decision Support Tool (DST) developed by the project and to explore the vibrancy of the local culture. At the Living Lab in Kisumu, Kenya, another student has since been supporting the research in Germany and the local activities to operate and maintain the membrane bioreactor for water treatment used for fish pond and crop irrigation.

This effort is set to raise awareness, build capacity, and foster knowledge transfer on agroecology in East Africa, while strengthening transdisciplinary research and providing integrated scientific support for key African and European policies and priorities. In addition, it will equip students with a better understanding of relevant agroecology aspects and prepare them for future academic and professional pursuits in sustainable agriculture and food systems.