dc.description.abstract | The justification of Tharaka University College Third Annual Research Conference was a determination of bringing together researchers to network, collaborate share expertise, knowledge and latest research experiences. The conference was anchored on a robust theme of Integrated Research towards Sustainable Development Amidst Global Crises. This theme resonated well with the contemporary needs and challenges calling for positive solutions, towards sustainable development in a clean green environment. As you will find in this Book of Proceedings, the participants therein articulated and stimulated discussions on ways to overcome barriers and challenges facing our society whilst simultaneously sharing their expertise, knowledge and research experiences. Tharaka University College was started as campus of Chuka University in September 2015 elevated to a University College status in 2017. The University College is enjoying an astronomical growth in terms of student and staff population, rapid expansion of academic programmes, research and outreach activities. Our mandate as a University College is to provide global competitive quality education, training, research and outreach services endeavour to be a centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and outreach service with our niche area being dryland farming and mining. As you read the proceedings of our 3nd Annual International Research Conference, I wish to encourage you to utilize this master piece work encrypted in the papers presented for the purposes of referencing literature review in scholarly papers and more important to put in to practice the recommendations from various researchers in area of their expertise. In doing so, we shall witness a positive transformation of us through research and outreach. Lastly, I wish to thank the Chairperson of the conference, the organizing committee, the technical team, Keynote Speakers, and all the participants, for finding time to be with us during the 3nd International Annual Research Conference for the year 2021. | en_US |