KENYA
Prof. Maina Mwangi
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
Prof. Maina Mwangi works in the Department of Agricultural Science and technology at Kenyatta University since 2009 where he teaches courses in agriculture specializing in crop protection. He has previously served as the Director for Innovation Incubation and University Industry-Linkages; Director, Grant Writing and Management (2011 – 2016), and Director, Research Support and Dissemination (2016-2020). In these roles, Dr. Maina supported fundraising through grants and organized many research capacity building events. He has served in diverse university boards and committees including the Center for International Partnerships and Collaborations, Endowment and Alumni Programmes, and led the Agribusiness training programme at the KU-UN Women African Center for Transformative and Inclusive Leadership. He is passionate about empowering youth for entrepreneurship and self-reliance. He holds BSc and MSc (Nairobi, Kenya), PhD (Bonn, Germany) and MBA in Leadership and Sustainability (Cumbria, UK). He is overall Coordinator for the UPLIFT-Ag project. Further details are available at https://agriculture.ku.ac.ke/index.php/89-faculty/20-prof-maina-mwangi; Google scholar ID: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bcWe8CoAAAAJ&hl=en ; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4136-8963; Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/mainamwangi1269. His contacts are Email: maina.mwangi@ku.ac.ke; tel. +254710860550.
Prof. Shelmith W. Munyiri
CHUKA UNIVERSITY
Professor Shelmith W. Munyiri is the Director Research, Extension and Publications at Chuka University. She has over 13 years’ experience in University teaching and 21 in the agricultural sector industry as an extension officer. She is an expert in rural advisory services and crop production systems. She is a beneficially of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowship (2010 cohort), a mentoring program that strengthens research and leadership skills of African women in agricultural science. She has won research grants including the annual CIMMYT-Kenya Small Grants Research Funding (2014 to 2017), and a Joint Interdisciplinary and Inter-Institutional National Research Funds (NRF) (2018 - to date). She has been nurtured as a Policy Analyst for Enhanced Agricultural Development and Food Security and Nutrition through the ILRI/AgriFoSe2030 Grant (2019) mentorship programme. She holds a BSc in Horticulture, MSc in Agronomy (Egerton, Kenya) and PhD in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (Makerere, Uganda). She is passionate about youth mentoring, crop improvement research, influencing seed policies and mainstreaming gender in agricultural systems. She is currently the coordinator, UPLIFT-Ag Project at Chuka University. More information can be found at: https://research.chuka.ac.ke/directors-message/ or https://www.chuka.ac.ke/personnel/dr-shelmith-wanja-munyiri/
Prof. Wambugu
Professor Stephen K. Wambugu, formerly the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at Chuka University, held various leadership positions throughout his academic career. He served as Dean from 2019 to 2023 and prior to that, chaired the Department of Social Sciences from 2014 to 2018. Additionally, he assumed the roles of Acting Dean at the School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development and served as the founding Chairman of the Department of Agribusiness Management and Trade at Kenyatta University. In these capacities, Professor Wambugu fulfilled a dual role as both an administrator and educator. He mentored staff and students in the art of crafting fundable grant proposals and conducted seminars and workshops aimed at enhancing grant writing and research capacity. His contributions extended to various university boards, senate ad hoc sub-committees, and research networks, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and institutional development. Professor Wambugu's academic pursuits are underscored by his profound interest in value chain development and the empowerment of actors within these systems. He holds a number of academic credentials including a Bachelor of Science (Bed), Master of Science (MSc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Kenyatta University, Kenya. Moreover, he has completed a certificate program in Policy Analysis Research offered by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Currently serving as a Professor of Economic Geography within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Chuka University, Professor Wambugu actively contributes to the implementation of Work Package Two (WP2) in the UPLIFT-Ag project. His multidimensional expertise continues to enrich academic discourses and advances in agricultural development initiatives.
Prof. Nanua
Jackin Njagi Nanua is a professor of Food Science and Technology and is the founding Chairman of the Department of Food Technology at Chuka University – Kenya. Before joining Chuka University, he was the Chairman of the Department of Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics at Pwani University. He has wealth of teaching and research experience in Food Science and Technology. He has been involved in curriculum development for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Some of the universities that he has lectured in include Egerton University – Kenya, Louisiana State University and Clemson University (USA) as a postdoc, University of Eswatini (formally University of Swaziland), Haramaya University – Federal Republic of Ethiopia, Pwani University – Kenya and currently Chuka University – Kenya. Prof. Nanua is also a Mater Trainer of farmers in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) methodology. He is an alumina of the University of Nairobi-Kenya (BSc), University of Reading-UK (MSc) and Louisiana State University -USA (PhD). He has carried out a number of research projects in the areas of milk products quality, fish processing, utilization of sweet potatoes and Nexus between food beliefs of the Mijikenda and nutritional status of children. Professor Nanua is very passionate about food and nutrient security of under-five year old children and other vulnerable groups. He is a member of the Chuka University team in the UPLIFT Ag consortium.
Dr. Kinyua
Dr. James Kinyua, PhD is lecturer in Chuka University in in the Department of Animal Sciences under the faculty of Agriculture where he teaches undergraduate students and supervises graduate students both at PhD and MSc levels. In the Department he is in charge of curriculum review and development beside students’ field and industrial attachment. In research, he has been involved in development of many research proposals and implementation of several research projects. He has won research grants and published many research articles in in different publications. He has a wide knowledge in consultancy and outreach programs. Dr. Kinyua worked for Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) for 20 year before joining Chuka University. He holds a PhD (Chuka University), MSc and BSc (Egerton University). In the UPIFT- Ag project, he is assisting in the implementation of Work Package WP 2. Further details are available in https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=-L6JVw8AAAAJ
Ms. Judy Wamuya
Ms. Judy Wamuya is an Assistant Registrar (M.Sc.) at Chuka University. Judy is trained in communication, media and Diplomacy. She has worked for over one year at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 6 months with the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, and 10 years at Chuka University as an Assistant Registrar: 5 years in the office of the Vice Chancellor and another 5 years at the Faculty of Science and Technology. She is currently based at Chuka University Embu Campus in the Director’s office. She has a wealth of knowledge in communication.
Dr. Chege
Ms. Judy Wamuya is an Assistant Registrar (M.Sc.) at Chuka University. Judy is trained in communication, media and Diplomacy. She has worked for over one year at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 6 months with the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, and 10 years at Chuka University as an Assistant Registrar: 5 years in the office of the Vice Chancellor and another 5 years at the Faculty of Science and Technology. She is currently based at Chuka University Embu Campus in the Director’s office. She has a wealth of knowledge in communication.
Dr. Mwakio Mwagandi
TAITA TAVETA UNIVERSITY
Dr. Mwakio Mwagandi is a Lecturer of Entrepreneurship and presently the Dean of the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences at Taita Taveta University, Kenya. He holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nairobi. He is very passionate about sculpting the lives of people and organizations. He is also in charge of the Tsavo Innovation and Incubation Hub. Mwakio is involved in various empowerment programs including organizing and enhancing the entrepreneurial capacities of youth, women and artisanal miners. He has been and is engaged in various research projects. Key among them is the development of a Sustainable Mining Action Plan (funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund) and the Tourism, Culture and Heritage Blueprint of the Coast region of Kenya (funded by the Go Blue Project). He has written and presented papers at national and international conferences.
Dr. Mwamburi Mcharo
Dr. Mwamburi Mcharo holds a PhD in Plant Breeding, MSc in Plant Breeding, and BSc in Agriculture. He is a Senior Lecturer of Plant Breeding and Biostatistics. Currently, he’s also the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Taita Taveta University.
Dr. Mcharo teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in agriculture. He has a passion for teaching agricultural statistics, plant breeding and genetics. He has so far graduated five Masters students and is supervising another four postgraduate students. He has over 25 years of experience in crop research with a focus on developing new varieties, design of agricultural experiments, and training and mentoring up-coming scientists. He has published in the areas of crop breeding and production and is currently managing research and development projects for sweet potatoes and dryland legumes
BURUNDI
Prof Willy Marcel Ndayitwayeko
UNIVERSITY OF BURUNDI
Prof Willy Marcel Ndayitwayeko is the Head of International Relation and Cooperation at the University of Burundi. He served as a Dean of Faculty of Economics and Management and Chairs many commissions and task forces at the University of Burundi and other regional organizations. He is a visiting lecturer in various universities in Africa and in Belgium and has participated in producing the teaching curriculum, quality assurance and materials in many universities in Burundi. Prof. Ndayitwayeko is a member of the executive board of East African Journal for Sciences, Technology and Innovation (EAJSTI) and former member of audit committee of Inter-University Council of East Africa. He served as an agent in assessment of quality assurance in two universities of EAC. He actively participated in drafting Burundi, EAC and AfCFTA trade policy as national consultant. He holds a BSc in Agricultural Sciences, major in Agribusiness, MPhil and DPhil in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management in Moi University (Kenya). He is an Associate Professor in agricultural economics in the Department of Rural Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management. He is currently the National Coordinator of UPLIFT-Ag
Dr. Richard Habonayo
Dr. Richard Habonayo is Head of the Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences at the University of Burundi. Since 2019 to date, he has been involved in several research projects at national level, particularly in the fields of biodiversity, agroforestry and protected area management. In 2023, he served as a member of a technical team that was established by the Inter-University Forum of East Africa (IUCEA), in collaboration with International Institute for Research in Livestock (ILRI) to develop benchmarks for Master in One Health programme in the East African Community (EAC). He holds BSc (University of Burundi, Burundi), MSc (University of Burundi, Burundi) and PhD (University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin). He is Lecturer of Forest Ecology in the Faculty of Agronomy and Bio-Engineering at the University of Burundi, (Burundi). He is currently managing the UPLIFT-Ag project at the University of Burundi
Dr. Alfred Irambona
Dr. Alfred Irambona has been a lecturer at the University of Burundi for about eight years. In addition to teaching at different universities, he has also supervised many undergraduates, especially at the University of Burundi. He obtained a B.Ed. from the University of Burundi, a M.Ed. from Yogyakarta State University in Indonesia, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from Moi University, Kenya. He has interests in research, teaching methods, and evaluation. In the UPLIFT-Ag project, he serves as a curriculum expert at the Burundi University level. His publications are available at the following link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=hmi8j4UAAAAJ&hl=en
Franck Irakoze
Franck Irakoze is currently employed by the University of Burundi, where he teaches and works as a full-time research assistant. He is also the field supervisor for the Religion in Burundi project, where he manages a team of over 10 interviewers. This project is a partnership between researchers from the University of Burundi, the Graduate Institute of Geneva and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Prior to this project, he was field manager for the Missing Labor Markets in Burundi project, led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. He led a team of over 20 surveyors and conducted interviews with farmers. He holds a Master's degree in Rural, Social and Environmental Economics from the University of Burundi, with a specialization in rural economics and agro-industry management. He is a UPLIFT-Ag project member at the University of Burundi.
Fulgence Twizerimana
University Of Ngozi - Burundi
Fulgence Twizerimana is a Junior Lecturer at the University of Ngozi in the Languages, Communication, and Arts Faculty. He is also the Coordinator of the American Corner Ngozi. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Pedagogy at the University of Burundi. Fulgence is a fervent peacebuilder and environment activist. Inspiring and empowering others, especially the youth is a crucial objective for him to tackle both local and global challenges related to peace and the environment. Fulgence is an alumnus of World Beyond War and Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) organizations. He is also a member of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association (EnPax), and Education Interest Group (EIG), and a volunteer in local organizations. He holds certificates in leadership, entrepreneurship, environment, community organization, project monitoring and evaluation, Adolescent Reproductive Health, Civic Leadership, American Peacebuilding Network, Digital Literacy to Counter Disinformation and Misinformation, among others. He is the Cordinator of the UPLIFT-Ag project at University of Ngozi. His contact is tel.: +25776470058; Email: fulgencetwiz21@gmail.com
Dr. Solange NYIRAGUHIRWA
Dr. Solange NYIRAGUHIRWA is an expert in genetics and plant breeding, she is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Sciences, and a Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Ngozi. She has published extensively in respected journals like Plants and Cereal Research Communications, showcasing her commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge. She plays a multifaceted role that reflects her dedication to elevating education, research, and the agricultural landscape. More on her research is available at https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2252-2486. Her contacts are email: hirwaso@gmail.com; Tel. +25767567032
Amidou Nshimirimana
Amidou Nshimirimana is an agro ecologist (Master's degree in Agro ecology: An Approach to Rural Sustainability), trained at the International University of Andalusia (Spain). Since 2014, he has been teaching courses in agro ecology, biodiversity, research methodology and peace studies related to the environment at the University of Ngozi. He is certified for peace building three times by the University of Colorado thanks to Rotary International and fellow Rotarians from Ngozi funds. He has 8 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation and management. In Ngozi, he is one of the pioneers in the development of ecological dry toilets thanks to a project of the Spanish NGO (Se Puede Hacer), with whom they are working to transform the lives of three Batwa villages (pygmies) in Ngozi through the use of biochar and other bio fertilizers. They also emphasize other methods of agriculture and food forest, such as those developed by Ernst Goetsch. He is a pioneer in Burundi in the field of bio fertilizers such as mountain microorganisms and bokashi, and is currently training students and farmers in their use. His thesis was on "The agro ecological potential of local organic fertilizers (bokashi, biochar and compost): Impacts on Maize. His passion is farming, teaching, and finding alternatives to conventional farming to produce more food at low cost without harming nature. His contact is email: mixamidou@gmail.com; Mobile: +257 79 926 104
Armand MFURA
Armand MFURA is a computer science engineer, with solid experience in the administration of computer systems and networks. He has 5 years of experience as an assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology in the Computer Science Department. Equipped with strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail, he consistently delivers high-quality solutions on time, earning the trust and satisfaction of partners and stakeholders. He is passionate about IT in general, in his free time he plays football or volunteer with the scouts and at the Rotary Club in his town. His contacts are armand.mfura11@gmail.com / armand.mfura@univ-ngozi.bi ; Mobile: +257 79 267 219
Ms. Consolee MUSABWAYIRE
Ms. Consolee MUSABWAYIRE is the Acting Research and Innovation Officer at the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda. She has worked at the University of Rwanda since 2007 in different positions. From October 2007-October 2008 as Veterinary Technician at the Farm of former ISAE Busogo, October2008- up 2015 implementation Station Manager at University of Rwanda, CAVM; May 2015 up to October 2017 Career Guidance and acting Farm Manager at UR/CAVM-Busogo Campus; October 2017 up to February 2019 Farm manager at UR-CAVM/Busogo Campus; February 2019 up to now Post-Harvest Technician at UR-CAVM/Busogo Campus, February 2023 up to now Ag. Research and Innovation Officer at UR-CAVM in Directorate of Research and Innovation. Consolee is a PhD student in Agricultural Sciences since 2022. He holds Master’s in Business Administration (Project management), and is a graduate of Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. Her contacts are: Email: musabwayireconsolee@gmail.com, bwayire@yahoo.com; Phone: +250 788647605.
RWANDA
Rev. Dr. Nathan Kanuma Taremwa
UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA
Rev. Dr. Nathan Kanuma Taremwa is a Senior Lecturer at the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), University of Rwanda. Founding Head of Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Economics, RDAE (Former Department of Rural Development & Agribusiness), School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (SAFS). He is serving as Secretary General for the Rwanda Quality Assurance Network (RWAQAN) and he was the Country Representative at the East Africa Quality Assurance Network (EAQAN), a position he held from 2021 up to September, 2023. His educational credentials include: BSc Agriculture (National University of Rwanda), MSc Agricultural Development (Ghent University, Belgium), MSc Leadership Development (ICT and Knowledge Society), University of Mauritius, Mauritius, and PhD in Agribusiness (Kenyatta University, Kenya). At the University of Rwanda, he is the Principal Investigator for the Master of Sciences Programme in Circular Agro-Economy (MSc. CAE). He teaches a number of courses including: Introduction to Agribusiness, Circular Economy, Circular Agribusiness Models, and Agribusiness Project Monitoring & Evaluation. He has established professional network and through this, he has acquired experience- having worked with a number of national, regional and international organizations. His research interests include agribusiness entrepreneurship, rural development and the circular economy. He is coordinating the UPLIFT-Ag project at UR and also in Rwanda. Nathan serves as an Associate Senior Pastor at Foursquare Gospel Church of Rwanda (Kimironko Parish). His contacts are Phone: (+250) 788504820; E-mail : nk.taremwa@gmail.com; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2157-0865
Dr MUPENZI Christophe
University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK)
Dr MUPENZI Christophe is the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies at UNILAK. He is an environmental assessment expert with academic rank of Senior Lecturer. He holds a PhD in environmental sciences (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Chine), Master of Science in agroforestry and soil management (National University of Rwanda) and Engineering in soil and environmental management (National University of Rwanda). He has served in diverse Institutions boards and committees. He supported many fundraisings through grants. He has more than 50 published papers in peer reviewed journals. He got many opportunities to attend several national and international conferences, workshops and professional trainings on development and environment related discussions as organizer, presenter or participant. He is also licensed as Lead Expert in Environmental Assessment (Reg. no: RAPEP/EA/233). Currently, he is the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental studies at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK). His is coordinating the UPLIFT-Ag at UNILAK. Further details on his publications are available at his google scholar account: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=mupenzi+christophe
Dr. RULINDA Ephrard
Dr. Ephrard Rulinda, currently serving as the Dean of Students and Chaplain at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), plays a pivotal role in nurturing both the academic and personal growth of students. Previously, he held the position of MBA Registrar at the same institution. Dr. Rulinda, an accomplished researcher with numerous publications to his credit, actively participates in diverse research projects. With a distinguished expertise in education, he possesses a rich academic background and extensive professional experience across different educational levels, institutions, and countries. He earned his PhD in Education Policy, Leadership, and Management from Walden University (2015-2020), a Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (2009-2012), and a Bachelor’s degree in Psycho-Pedagogy from the National University of Rwanda (1995-1997 and 1999-2001). As a member of the prestigious National Society of Leadership and Success, Dr. Rulinda exemplifies excellence in leadership and service. More information at https://site.unilak.ac.rw/directorate-of-research-and-consultancy/
Dr. NSANZUMUKIZA Martin Vincent
Dr. Nsanzumukiza Martin Vincent the Director of Research and consultancy at UNILAK. He is an environmental assessment expert and lecturer with a PhD in environmental engineering from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He holds a Master’s degree in environmental sciences and engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with Education from the University of Rwanda. With over ten years of experience in environmental assessment and development projects and five years of teaching, he has published over 15 research articles and reviewed papers for top academic journals. He has participated in national and international conferences and holds membership in the Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners. His research interests include water pollution control, membrane technology, wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, and river restoration. Currently, he serves as the Director of Research and Consultancy at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali. More information; https://site.unilak.ac.rw/directorate-of-research-and-consultancy/
Mr. NSHIMYUMUREMYI Gilbert
Mr. Nshimyumuremyi Gilbert holds the position of Registrar and Director of Academic Affairs at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, where he is responsible for overseeing the institution's academic affairs. With more than a decade of experience in various roles ranging from Tutorial Assistant to Assistant-Registrar and Lecturer, he has demonstrated proficiency in both academic and administrative capacities. His professional journey is complemented by certifications such as Oracle Database Administrator Certified Associate and Professional SCRUM Master I, highlighting his expertise in database administration and project management. Mr. Nshimyumuremyi's academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Adventist University of Central Africa, as well as a Master of Science in Computer Systems from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Currently pursuing a PhD in Data Science at the University of Rwanda, he embodies a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and academic progression. For more information visit: https://site.unilak.ac.rw/registrar-dir-academic-affairs/
Mr. NDIKUMANA Innocent
Mr. NDIKUMANA Innocent, is a Lecturer in KIGALI. He is a holder of a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship, embodies a multifaceted professional journey as a researcher, consultant, and lecturer. Currently, he enriches the academic landscape at UNILAK (University of Lay Adventists of Kigali) by imparting knowledge on Entrepreneurship and related subjects. Noteworthy is his passion and expertise in Entrepreneurship and incubator management, highlighted by enhancing the capabilities of lecturers from various Rwandan higher education institutions in strategic planning for incubation center management. He has contributed significantly to nurturing young agricultural entrepreneurs. His journey in Entrepreneurship is adorned with accolades, notably his award as one of the top three winners in the prestigious ACCESS idea competition across Africa, aimed at promoting employability in higher education institutions, organized by Leipzig University in Germany alongside its African partners. His recognition among the top achievers underscores his commitment to driving transformative initiatives that resonate beyond borders.
ZIMBABWE
Prof. Robert Musundire
CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Prof. Robert Musundire is the Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies at Chinhoyi University of Technology. He holds qualifications in the areas of Agricultural Sciences and Technology with focus on crop production and protection technologies, postharvest handling and processing. He has worked in various capacities as a research officer, senior lecturer and Associate Professor in Zimbabwean research and academic institutions. Professor Musundire’s main interests are in the areas of fertilizer research and development, food processing and technology including value addition of marginalized and neglected animal and plant food resources. Other areas of interest include circular and sustainable food production systems, agricultural mechanization and pesticide science and technology. Prof Musundire is keen in establishing new research and development linkages with emphasis on student and staff exchanges, industrial internships, development of joint curriculum and joint supervision of postgraduate students. He is coordinating the UPLIFT-Ag project at Chinhoyi University.
GERMANY
Prof. Dr. Thomas Bayer
HOCHSCHULE NEU ULM
Professor Dr. Thomas Bayer, specializing in international management at HNU, serves as the Director of HNU’s Africa Institute, holding pivotal roles since 2014 and assuming leadership in 2019. Concurrently, he spearheads the entrepreneurship-focused collaborative project StartupSÜD and launched and oversees HNU’s incubator, the HNU Founders Space. He manages significant projects like "Advancing Sustainable Economic Development in Rwanda through Circular Agro-Economy (Rwanda-CAE)" and "Capacity Strengthening in Technology Transfer and Commercialization of University Intellectual Property (TT-CUIP)" with Kenyatta University in Kenya and the University of Rwanda. Previously, he led the "Applied Entrepreneurship Academy" project in collaboration with Kenyatta University. With extensive experience in consultancy and leadership roles at ERDAS Inc. and Sun Microsystems, his academic position benefits from his valuable industry experience. His expertise encompasses technology transfer, university-industry linkages, startup incubation, sustainable business models, and circular economy initiatives. He holds a PhD in IT and Geography.
Vanessa Robertson
Vanessa Robertson joined the Africa Institute in May 2019, contributing as a research associate overseeing projects like Rwanda-CAE and TT-CUIP. Her research focuses on circular economy, the degrowth debate, sustainable entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial teams. Currently a doctoral student at the University of Passau specializing in circular business model innovation, she holds an MBA in General Management from HNU and a BA in Interdisciplinary American Studies from the University of Tübingen, with exchange semesters at Tufts University in Boston, USA. Vanessa has authored publications on circular and sufficiency-oriented business models, circular economy in the agrifood sector in Rwanda, circular economy and the debate about economic growth, and archetypical personality profiles in startup teams. Vanessa brings experience from an internship at the DAAD regional office for Africa in Nairobi and a professional background in international exchange management.
Prof. Dr. Bernard Wagemann
Professor Dr. Bernard Wagemann, an emeritus professor of strategic business management, has been instrumental at the Africa Institute since his retirement in 2014. His research now focuses on entrepreneurship in African countries, alongside conducting trainings for startups. With a background in academia and industry, he holds a doctorate in business administration and has held various strategic roles. At HNU, he served as a professor, Vice-President, and led initiatives like SME forums. Post-retirement, he continues to contribute to applied research on village electrification and lectures on Africa's development. Prof. Wagemann's career reflects his dedication to sustainable economic development and entrepreneurship in Africa.Prof. Dr. Jens-Uwe Pätzmann
Martin Schwarz
Martin Schwarz currently holds the position of Deputy Head at HNU Founders Space, a university-based incubator, and is also a university lecturer, specializing in business economics, innovation management, and social entrepreneurship. With a background in management consulting and entrepreneurship, he concurrently serves as a research associate, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful work, while pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Stuttgart, specializing in meaningful work in entrepreneurship. Martin holds a Master of Science in International Management from Steinbeis University of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies from the University of Bayreuth. His diverse professional experience includes roles as a senior consultant at EY, a project and team lead at Jack Wolfskin GmbH & Co. KGaA, and various internships at companies such as Siemens Healthcare, Daimler AG, and Fraunhofer IPA.
Professor Dr. Jens-Uwe Pätzmann
Professor Dr. Jens-Uwe Pätzmann, is an expert in marketing, branding, and strategy, serves as the Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability and is a key member of the Africa Institute at HNU since January 2019. With a background in Social and Business Communication, he obtained his doctorate from the Free University of Berlin. Prof. Dr. Pätzmann has held significant roles in strategic planning and brand management at renowned companies like Unilever and Beiersdorf. He brings over two decades of experience in teaching Marketing, Branding & Strategy at HNU and continues to contribute to academia and research in entrepreneurship and sustainability. Notably, he is recognized for his pioneering work in applying archetype theory to marketing, branding, and team research.
ITALY
Dr Silvia Sabbadini
UNIVPM ITALY UPLIFT-Ag project team
Dr Silvia Sabbadini is Researcher at Department of Agricultural, Food and environmental Sciences (D3A), Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM). Since 2010, she has been involved in research activities, national and international projects mainly focused on the application of New genomic techniques and RNAi technology for functional gene studies and biotic stress resistance in fruit tree species. She holds BSc and MSc in Agro-industrial Biotechnology (University of Verona, Italy), and PhD in Agricultural Sciences (UNIVPM, Italy). She is lecturer of Biomolecular Techniques at the Department of Agricultural, Food and environmental Sciences (UNIVPM, Italy).
Dr Luca Mazzoni
Dr Luca Mazzoni is a Researcher at Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (D3A), Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) since May 2020. Master Degree in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies obtained at the Università Politecnica delle Marche; PhD in Food, Nutrition and Health obtained at the Università Politecnica delle Marche. Since 2015 he has been carrying out research activities at D3A of UNIVPM. In his activity, the effect of genetic, environmental and agronomic factors on the productive, qualitative and nutritional characteristics of the fruits of different tree species is evaluated, through participation in various national and international research projects. Of particular importance is the activity carried out as part of the strawberry genetic improvement program. He is currently teaching “BIOFORTIFICATION IN FRUITCULTURE” at UNIVPM for the Bachelor degree in “Food Science and Technology”.
Bruno Mezzetti
Bruno Mezzetti. About 30 years of academic and research career have focused on different aspects of genetics, genetic improvement, biotechnology and cultivation systems in order to improve the sustainability and quality of fruit production, with particular attention to the possible benefits for the health of the consumer. These activities included the integration between laboratory studies for the application of new biotechnological techniques (cisgenesis and RNAi) and field studies, in different cultivation conditions, to determine the genetic and environmental factors that determine the sustainability and quality of the productions, in particular for strawberry and other berries. Particular attention was paid to the compositional analysis of new products to better determine the components of safety and nutritional benefit for the consumer. He is the author of more of 230 scientific publications (SCOPUS H-I: 50), of numerous book chapters, manuscripts, and non-indexed extension publications. Prof. Mezzetti coordinated 6 European projects (COST, FP7 and Horizon2020) and numerous national projects from public and private institutions. In 2009-2015, he was director of the Agricultural Sciences department of the Polytechnic University of Marche. Since 2015 he has been Director of the Doctoral School in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences of the Polytechnic University of Marche. He received from Web of Science-Clarivate the recognition of Highly Cited Researcher (among the 1% of the most cited researchers in the world for agricultural sciences) for three years (2019, 2020, 2021). For these merits, in 2021 President Mattarella awarded him the honor of UFFICIALE of the Italian Republic.
DENMARK
Andrea Landi
UCPH
Andrea Landi is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. His main research interest is exploring the decision-making process of food producers, in relation to their culture and entrepreneurial capacities; it is developed upon an interdisciplinary background in social and natural sciences, development studies, and a PhD project on international business and entrepreneurship. Currently, Andrea is involved in several projects, including developing policy guidelines for increasing sustainability and promoting the adoption of digital tools in the agrifood sector, and capacity building projects involving African and Asian universities. He developed his expertise working on projects in Vietnam, Thailand, Ghana, Australia, and few countries in Europe.