About

I have worked for CABI since April 2001 on agricultural development projects. Throughout my time at CABI, I have been responsible for developing and disseminating management strategies for diseases, insect pests, seed systems challenges, and development of disease resistant/tolerant varieties using participatory approaches.

I am currently supporting countries in improving plant health systems in Zambia, Malawi and DRC through CABI’s Plantwise programme which targets all plant health players; farmers, extension providers, agro-input providers, researchers, agricultural-related regulatory bodies, and universities. Activities include capacity building in different aspects of agricultural value chains.

Previously, I led a team that developed kale varieties from an indigenous kale landrace in Kenya. And, together with other team members, I also developed a seed production model for the varieties. Two of the developed varieties were officially registered and released by the government variety release committee of Kenya.

Furthermore, I have worked on vegetable viruses, identified two major viruses; Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and Beet mosaic virus (BtMV) infecting brascicas in Kenya, and determined their impact on cabbages and kales. An IPM strategy for their management was also developed. I led a capacity building project in upland rice, NERICA, seed production in Uganda, and contributed to developing and implementing a similar project for Uganda and South Sudan. I have led  multi-country programmes and projects for management of coffee wilt disease (Uganda, DRC, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda), coffee leaf rust (India, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe), and white coffee stem borer (India, Malawi and Zimbabwe). Developed a coffee leaf rust resistant variety through single plant selection, and the variety was registered in Malawi. A range of management strategies (varietal, chemical, and cultural) were developed and are being used in respective countries. I have also led work on development of awareness raising and training resources for Cassava brown streak virus disease for countries in eastern and central Africa.

Finally, I have carried out a consultancy on determining the storage pest status in Millennium Village project countries of Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania, and recommended management strategies for identified storage pest problems.

As a manager, I am currently overseeing CABI’s Southern Africa regional centre. So far my role has led to fostering and establishing of systems of administration and infrastructure in the new centre. I am also developing links and strengthening productive relationships with member countries, and stakeholders operating in these countries, which include regional, national and other bodies responsible for research and development.