Natural Resources Institute

Visiting Professors

Name Details
Professor Jonne Rodenburg
  • NRI Department: Agriculture, Health and Environment Department
  • Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA
  • Biography:

    Jonne Rodenburg joined the University of Greenwich in January 2018, after a 13-years tenure at the CGIAR Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice).

    Jonne obtained a BSc and MSc-degree from Wageningen University (WU) in 1999. His MSc research project focused on the effects of slash-and-burn agriculture on spatial variation in soil fertility in rubber-rice agroforests in Indonesia, in collaboration with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). In 2005 he obtained a PhD-degree from the same university. His PhD research was on defence mechanisms (resistance and tolerance) in sorghum against the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica. Fieldwork for this study was conducted in Mali, at the experimental farm of ICRISAT. Prior to obtaining his PhD-degree, Jonne started as agronomist at AfricaRice. He was first based in Mali (2004-2005) and then moved to Benin (2005-2007), Senegal (2007-2009) and Tanzania (2009-2016). His last home base was in Côte d’Ivoire (2016-2017). At AfricaRice his work focused mainly on weed problems, with a special interest in parasitic weeds (Striga asiatica, S. hermonthica, Rhamphicarpa fistulosa) in rain-fed rice systems. Together with his co-workers and students he identified suitable rice varieties and agronomic management practices for the control of these pests. He also worked on bird - weed interactions, mechanical weed control, Good Agricultural Practices and the System of Rice Intensification in irrigated rice systems and Conservation Agriculture practices in rain-fed uplands. At the Natural Resources Institute he is leader of the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification development programme and deputy leader of the research group Ecosystem Services . He currently studies how improved soil fertility and plant nutrition can enhance host plant resistance and tolerance against parasitic weeds and he works on agroecological innovations for smallholder cropping systems in Africa.

    Jonne is also an Associate Editor of the Elsevier journal Field Crops Research, and a subject editor of the Wiley journal Weed Research and the Vice-President of the International Parasitic Plants Society (IPPS).
  • Selected Publications:
    • Rodenburg J, Mollee E, Coe R, Sinclair F. 2022. Global analysis of yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with rice and implications for agroforestry research in Africa. Field Crops Research 281, 108504; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2022.108504
    • Rodenburg J, Tippe DE, Toure A, Irakiza R, Kayeke J, Bastiaans L. 2021. From rice-like plants to plants liking rice: a review of research on weeds and their management in African rice systems. Field Crops Research 276, 108397; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2021.108397
    • Touré A, Huat J, Rodenburg J., 2021. Identifying farm-type specific entry points for innovations in weed management in smallholder inland-valley rice-based systems in West Africa. International Journal of Pest Management; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09670874.2021.1959083
    • Senthilkumar K, Sillo FS, Rodenburg J, Dimkpa C, Saito K, Dieng I, Bindraban PS, 2021. Rice yield and economic response to micronutrient application in Tanzania. Field Crops Research 270, 108201; DOI:1016/j.fcr.2021.108201 
    • Haggar J & Rodenburg J. 2021. Lessons on enabling African smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, to benefit from sustainable agricultural intensification. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability; DOI: 1080/14735903.2021.1898179
    • Irakiza R, Makokha D, Malombe I, Le Bourgeois T, Chitiki AK, Rodenburg J. 2021. Composition of weed communities in seasonally flooded rice environments in East Africa is determined by altitude. South African Journal of Botany; DOI: 1016/j.sajb.2021.04.001
    • Kabiri S, Rodenburg J, van Ast A, Pflug S, Kool H, Bastiaans L. 2021. Impact of the facultative parasitic weed Rhamphicarpa fistulosa(Hochst.) Benth. on photosynthesis of its host Oryza sativaJournal of Plant Physiology 262, 153438;  DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2021.153438
    • Mwangangi IM, Büchi L, Haefele SM, Bastiaans L, Runo S, Rodenburg J. 2021. Combining host plant defence with targeted nutrition: key to durable control of hemiparasitic Striga in cereals in sub-Saharan Africa? New Phytologist; DOI: 1111/nph.17271
    • Büchi L, Cordeau S, Hull R, Rodenburg J, 2021. Vulpia myuros, an increasing threat for agriculture. Weed Research; DOI: 1111/wre.12456
    • Haggar J, Nelson V, Lamboll R, Rodenburg J. 2020. Understanding and informing decisions on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification in Sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability; DOI: 1080/14735903.2020.1818483
    • Rodenburg J, Büchi L, Haggar J. 2020. Adoption by adaptation: Moving from conservation agriculture to conservation practices. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability; DOI: 1080/14735903.2020.1785734
    • Tippe DE, Bastiaans L, van Ast A, Dieng I, Cissoko M, Kayeke J, Makokha DW, Rodenburg J. 2020. Fertilisers differentially affect facultative and obligate parasitic weeds of rice and only occasionally improve yields in infested fields. Field Crops Research254, 107845; DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2020.107845
    • Senthilkumar K, Rodenburg J, Dieng I, Vandamme E, Sillo FS, Johnson JM, Rajaona A, Ramarolahy JA, Gasore R, Bayuh BA, Kajiru GJ, Mghase J, Lamo J, Rabeson R, Saito K. 2020. Quantifying rice yield gaps and their causes in Eastern and Southern Africa. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, DOI: 1111/jac.12417
    • Rodenburg J, Randrianjafizanaka MT, Büchi L, Dieng I, Andrianaivo AP, Ravaomanarivo LHR, Autfray P. 2020. Mixed outcomes from conservation practices on soils and Striga-affected yields of a low input, rice-maize system in Madagascar. Agronomy for Sustainable Development40:8; DOI: 1007/s13593-020-0612-0
    • Bindraban PS, Dimkpa CO, White JC, Franklin FA, Melse-Boonstra A, Koele N, Pandey R, Rodenburg J, Senthilkumar K, Demokritou P, Schmidt S., 2019. Safeguarding human and planetary health demands a fertilizer sector transformation. Plants, People, Planet (in press)
    • N’cho S, Mourits, M, Rodenburg J, Oude Lansink A. 2019. Inefficiency of manual weeding in rainfed rice systems affected by parasitic weeds. Agricultural Economics, DOI:1111/agec.12473
    • Rodenburg J, Johnson JM, Dieng I, Senthilkumar K, Vandamme E, Akakpo C, Allarangaye MD, Baggie I, Bakare SO, Bam RK, Bassoro I, Abera BB, Cisse M, Dogbe W, Gbakatchetche H, Jaiteh F, Kajiru GJ, Kalisa A, Kamissoko N, Keita S, Kokou A, Mapiemfu-Lamare D, Lunze FM, Mghase J, Maïga IM, Nanfumba D, Niang A, Rabeson R, Segda Z, Sillo FS, Tanaka A, Saito K, 2019. Status quo of chemical weed control in rice in sub-Saharan Africa. Food Security, DOI: 1007/s12571-018-0878-0
    • Senthilkumar K, Tesha BJ, Mghase, J, Rodenburg J, 2018. Increasing paddy yields and improving farm management: results from participatory experiments with good agricultural practices (GAP) in Tanzania. Paddy Water and Environment, DOI:1007/s10333-018-0666-7
    • Achandi EL, Mujawamariya G, Agboh-Noameshie AR, Gebremariam S, Rahalivavololona N, Rodenburg J. 2018. Women's Access to Agricultural Technologies in Rice Production and Processing Hubs: A Comparative Analysis of Ethiopia, Madagascar and Tanzania. Journal of Rural Studies 60, 188-198. DOI:1016/j.jrurstud.2018.03.011
    • Johnson JM, Rodenburg J, Tanaka A, Senthilkumar K, Kokou A, Dieng I, Klotoe A, Akakpo C, Segda Z, Yameogo LP, Gbakatchetche H, Acheampong GK, Bam RK, Bakare OS, Kalisa A, Gasore ER, Sékou A, Ablede K, Saito K. Farmers' perceptions on mechanical weeders for rice production in sub-Saharan Africa. Experimental Agriculture, 1-15; DOI: 10.1017/S001447971700059X
    • Randrianjafizanaka MT, Autfray P, Andrianaivo AP, Ramonta IR, Rodenburg J. 2018. Combined effects of cover crops, mulch, zero-tillage and resistant varieties on Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze in rice-maize rotation systems. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 256, 23-33. DOI:1016/j.agee.2017.12.005
    • Kabiri S, Rodenburg J, van Ast A, Bastiaans L. 2017. Slavery in Plants: how the facultative hemi-parasitic plant Rhamphicarpa fistulosa can completely dominate its host. Annals of Applied Biology 171 (3), 353-363. DOI: 1111/aab.12378
    • Tippe D, Rodenburg J, van Ast A, Anten NPR, Dieng I, Kayeke JM, Cissoko M, Bastiaans L. 2017. Delayed or early sowing: timing as parasitic weed control strategy in rice is species and ecosystem dependent. Field Crops Research 214, 14-24. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2017.08.013
    • Tippe D, Rodenburg J, Schut M, van Ast A, Kayeke J, Bastiaans L. 2017. Farmers’ knowledge use and preferences of parasitic weed management strategies in rain-fed rice production systems. Crop Protection 99, 93-107. DOI:1016/j.cropro.2017.05.007
    • Niang A, Becker M, Ewert F, Dieng I, Gaiser T, Tanaka A, Senthilkumar K, Rodenburg J, Johnson JM, Akakpo C, Segda Z, Gbakatchetche H, Jaiteh F, Bam RK, Dogbe W, Keita S, Kamissoko N, Mossi IM, Bakare OS, Cissé M, Baggie I, Ablede KA, Saito K. 2017. Variability and determinants of yields in rice production systems of West Africa. Field Crops Research 207, 1-12. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2017.02.014
    • Rodenburg J, Cissoko M, Kayongo N, Dieng I, Bisikwa J, Irakiza R, Masoka I, Midega CAO, Scholes JD. 2017. Genetic variation and host-parasite specificity of Striga resistance and tolerance in rice: the need for predictive breeding. New Phytologist 214, 1267–1280. DOI: 1111/nph.14451
    • Makokha DW, Irakiza R, Malombe I, Le Bourgeois T, Rodenburg J. 2017. Dualistic roles and management of non-cultivated plants in lowland rice systems of East Africa. South African Journal of Botany 108, 321-330. DOI: 1016/j.sajb.2016.08.011
    • Rodenburg J, Demont M, Zwart SJ, Bastiaans L. 2016. Parasitic weed incidence and related economic losses in rice in Africa. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 235, 306-317. DOI: 1016/j.agee.2016.10.020
    • Rodenburg J, Cissoko M, Dieng I, Kayeke J, Bastiaans L. 2016. Rice yields under Rhamphicarpa fistulosa-infested field conditions, and variety selection criteria for resistance and tolerance. Field Crops Research 194, 21-30. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2016.04.030
    • Rodenburg J, Le Bourgeois T, Grard P, Carara A, Irakiza R, Makokha DW, Kabanyoro R, Dzomeku I, Chiconela T, Malombe I, Sarra S, Ekeleme F, Mariko M, Andrianaivo AP, Marnotte P, 2016. Electronic support tools for identification and management of rice weeds in Africa for better-informed agricultural change agents. Cahiers Agricultures 25, 15006; DOI:1051/cagri/2016004
    • Kabiri S, van Ast A, Rodenburg J, Bastiaans L. 2016. Host influence on germination and reproduction of the facultative hemi-parasitic weed Rhamphicarpa fistulosa. Annals of Applied Biology, 169 (1), 144-154. DOI: 1111/aab.12288
    • Demont M and Rodenburg J. 2016. On the interaction between weed and bird damage in rice. Weed Research 56 (3), 193-197. DOI: 1111/wre.12206
    • Rodenburg J, Saito K, Irakiza R, Makokha DW, Onyuka EA and Senthilkumar K. 2015. Labor-saving weed technologies for lowland rice farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Weed Technology, 29 (4), 751-757. DOI: 1614/wt-d-15-00016.1 
    • Rodenburg J, Schut M, Demont M, Klerkx L, Gbehounou G, Oude Lansink A, Mourits M, Rotteveel T, Kayeke J, Ast A, Akanvou L, Cissoko M, Kamanda J, Bastiaans L, 2015. Systems approaches to innovation in pest management; reflections and lessons learned from an integrated research program on parasitic weeds in rice. International Journal of Pest Management, 61 (4), 329-339. DOI: 1080/09670874.2015.1066042 
    • Schut, M., Rodenburg, J., Klerkx, L., Hinnou, L.C., Kayeke, J., Bastiaans, L., 2015. Participatory appraisal of institutional and political constraints and opportunities for innovation to address parasitic weeds in rice. Crop Protection 74, 158-170. DOI: 1016/j.cropro.2015.04.011 
    • Rodenburg J, Cissoko M, Kayeke J, Dieng I, Khan ZR, Midega CAO, Onyuka EA, Scholes JD. 2015. Do NERICA rice cultivars express resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. and Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze under field conditions? Field Crops Research 170, 83-94. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2014.10.010
    • Rodenburg J, Morawetz JJ, Bastiaans L. 2015. Rhamphicarpa fistulosa (Hochst.) Benth. – A widespread facultative hemi-parasitic weed, threatening rice production in Africa. Weed Research 55, 118-131. DOI: 1111/wre.12129 
    • Kabiri S, Rodenburg J, Kayeke J, Ast A van, Makokha DW, Msangi SH, Irakiza R, Bastiaans L. 2015. Can the parasitic weeds Striga asiatica and Rhamphicarpa fistulosa co-occur in rain-fed rice? Weed Research 55, 145-154. DOI: 1111/wre.12124
    • Schut, M, Klerkx L, Rodenburg J, Kayeke J, Hinnou LC, Raboanarielina C, Adegbola, PY, van Ast, A, Bastiaans, L. 2015. RAAIS: Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems (Part I). A diagnostic tool for integrated analysis of complex problems and innovation capacity. Agricultural Systems 132, 1-11. DOI: 1016/j.agsy.2014.08.009
    • Schut, M, Rodenburg J, Klerkx L, Kayeke J, van Ast A, Bastiaans L. 2015. RAAIS: Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems (Part II). Integrated analysis of parasitic weed problems in rice in Tanzania. Agricultural Systems 132, 12-24. DOI: 1016/j.agsy.2014.09.004 
    • Rodenburg J, Demont M, Sow A, Dieng I. 2014. Bird weed and interaction effects on yield of irrigated lowland rice. Crop Protection 66, 46-52. DOI: 1016/j.cropro.2014.08.015
    • Nhamo N, Rodenburg J, Zenna N, Makombe G, Luzi-Kihupi A. 2014. Narrowing the rice yield gap in East and Southern Africa: using and adapting existing technologies. Agricultural Systems 131, 45-55. DOI: 1016/j.agsy.2014.08.003 
    • N’cho S, Mourits, M, Rodenburg J, Demont M, Oude Lansink A. 2014. Determinants of parasitic weed infestation in rainfed lowland rice in Benin. Agricultural Systems 130, 105-115. DOI: 1016/j.agsy.2014.07.003
    • Ogwuike P, Rodenburg J, Diagne A, Agboh-Noameshie R, Amovin-Assagba E. 2014. Weed management in upland rice in sub-Saharan Africa: impact on labor and crop productivity. Food Security 6, 327-337. DOI: 1007/s12571-014-0351-7
    • Touré A, Rodenburg J, Marnotte P, Dieng I, Huat J. 2014. Identifying the problem weeds of rice-based systems along the inland-valley catena in the southern Guinea Savanna, Africa. Weed Biology and Management 14, 121-132. DOI: 1111/wbm.12040
    • Schut M, Rodenburg J, Klerkx L, van Ast A, Bastiaans L. 2014. Systems approaches to innovation in crop protection. A systematic literature review. Crop Protection 56, 98-108. DOI: 1016/j.cropro.2013.11.017
    • Rodenburg J, Zwart SJ, Kiepe P, Narteh LT, Dogbe W, Wopereis MCS. 2014. Sustainable rice production in African inland valleys: seizing regional potentials through local approaches. Agricultural Systems 123, 1-11. DOI: 1016/j.agsy.2013.09.004 
    • Djagba JF, Rodenburg J, Zwart SJ, Houndagba CJ, Kiepe P. 2014. Failure and success factors of irrigation system developments – a case study from the Ouémé and Zou valleys in Benin. Irrigation and Drainage 63, 328-339. DOI: 1002/ird.1794 
    • Krupnik, TJ, Rodenburg, J, Haden, VR, Mbaye, D, Shennan, C, 2012. Genotypic trade-offs between water productivity and weed competition under the System of Rice Intensification in the Sahel. Agricultural Water Management 115, 156-166. DOI: 1016/j.agwat.2012.08.016
    • Krupnik TJ, Shennan C, Settle WH, Demont M, Ndiaye AB, Rodenburg J, 2012. Improving irrigated rice production in the Senegal River Valley through on-farm experiential learning and innovation. Agricultural Systems 109, 101-112. DOI: 1016/j.agsy.2012.01.008
    • Rodenburg J, Both J, Heitkönig IMA, van Koppen CSA, Sinsin B, Van Mele P, Kiepe P, 2012. Land-use and biodiversity in unprotected landscapes: The case of noncultivated plant use and management by rural communities in Benin and Togo. Society and Natural Resources 25 (12), 1221-1240. DOI: 1080/08941920.2012.674628
    • Krupnik TJ, Shennan C, Rodenburg J, 2012. Yield, water productivity and nutrient balances under the System of Rice Intensification and Recommended Management Practices in the Sahel. Field Crops Research 130, 155-167. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2012.02.003
    • Cissoko M, Boisnard A, Rodenburg J, Press MC, Scholes JD. 2011. New Rice for Africa (NERICA) cultivars exhibit different levels of post-attachment resistance against the parasitic weeds Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica. New Phytologist 192, 952-963. DOI: 1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03846.x
    • Jamil M, Rodenburg J, Charnikhova T, Bouwmeester HJ. 2011. Pre-attachment Striga hermonthica resistance of NERICA cultivars based on low strigolactone production. New Phytologist 192, 964-975. DOI: 1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03850.x 
    • Rodenburg J, Bastiaans L, 2011. Host-plant defence against Striga spp.: reconsidering the role of tolerance. Weed Research, 51 (5), 438-441. DOI: 1111/j.1365-3180.2011.00871.x 
    • Rodenburg J, Zossou N, Gbehounou G, Ahanchede A, Touré A., Kyalo G, Kiepe P, 2011. Rhamphicarpa fistulosa, a parasitic weed threatening rain-fed lowland rice production in sub-Saharan Africa - A case study from Benin. Crop Protection 30, 1306-1314. DOI: 1016/j.cropro.2011.06.007 
    • Toure A, Rodenburg J, Saito K, Oikeh S, Futakuchi K, Gumedzoe D, Huat J. 2011. Cultivar and weeding effects on weeds and rice yields in a degraded upland environment of the coastal savanna. Weed Technology 25, 322-329. DOI: 1614/wt-d-10-00172.1
    • Rodenburg J, Meinke H, Johnson, DE, 2011. Challenges for weed management in African rice systems in a changing climate. The Journal of Agricultural Science 149, 427–435. DOI: 1017/s0021859611000207 
    • Saito K, Azoma K, Rodenburg J, 2010. Plant characteristics associated with weed competitiveness of rice under upland and lowland conditions in West Africa. Field Crops Research 116, 308-317. DOI: 1016/j.cropro.2009.10.015
    • Rodenburg J, Riches CR, Kayeke JM, 2010. Addressing current and future problems of parasitic weeds in rice. Crop Protection 29, 210-221
    • de Vries ME, Rodenburg J, Bado BV, Sow A, Leffelaar PA, Giller KE, 2010. Rice production with less irrigation water is possible in a Sahelian environment. Field Crops Research 116 (1-2), 154-164. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2009.12.006
    • Rodenburg J, Saito K, Glele Kakaï R, Touré A, Mariko M, Kiepe P, 2009. Weed competitiveness of the lowland rice varieties of NERICA in the southern Guinea Savanna. Field Crops Research 114, 411-418. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2009.09.014
    • Rodenburg J, Johnson DE, 2009. Weed management in rice-based cropping systems in Africa. Advances in Agronomy 103, 149-218. DOI: 1016/s0065-2113(09)03004-1
    • Demont M, Rodenburg J, Diagne M, Diallo, S, 2009. Ex-ante impact assessment of herbicide resistant rice in the Sahel. Crop Protection 28, 728-73. DOI: 1016/j.cropro.2009.05.012
    • Wopereis MCS, Diagne A, Rodenburg J, Sié M, Somado EA, 2008. Why NERICA is a successful innovation for African farmers: a response to Orr et al. from the Africa Rice Center. Outlook on Agriculture, 37, 169-176. DOI:5367/000000008785915502.
    • Rodenburg J, Bastiaans L, Schapendonk AHCM, Putten PEL van der, Ast A van, Dingemanse NJ, Haussmann BIG, 2008. CO2-assimilation and chlorophyll fluorescence as indirect selection criteria for host tolerance against Striga. Euphytica 160, 75-87. DOI: 1007/s10681-007-9555-7 
    • Rodenburg J, Bastiaans L, Kropff MJ, 2006. Characterization of host tolerance to Striga hermonthica. Euphytica 147, 353-365. DOI: 1007/s10681-005-9030-2
    • Rodenburg J, Bastiaans L, Kropff MJ, Ast A van, 2006. Effects of host plant genotype and seed bank density on Striga reproduction. Weed Research 46, 251-263. DOI: 1111/j.1365-3180.2006.00506.x
    • Rodenburg J, Bastiaans L, Weltzien E, Hess DE, 2005. How can field selection for Striga resistance and tolerance in sorghum be improved? Field Crops Research 93, 34-50. DOI: 1016/j.fcr.2004.09.004
    • Rodenburg J, Stein A, Van Noordwijk M, Ketterings QM, 2003. Spatial variability of soil pH and phosphorus in relation to soil run-off following slash-and-burn land clearing in Sumatra, Indonesia. Soil & Tillage Research 71, 1-14. DOI: Pii s0167-1987(02)00141-1 10.1016/s0167-1987(02)00141-1 
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Jonne Rodenburg’s main focus is on understanding the ecology and biology of the parasitic weeds Striga (S. asiatica and S. hermonthica) and Rhamphicarpa fistulosa in rain-fed cropping systems and to use these insights to develop sustainable management practices that are feasible for smallholder farmers.

    Jonne is also keen on elucidating the principles and mechanisms behind effective control strategies. His work focusses on the relation between soil fertility and parasitic weeds. Striga and low soil fertility are frequently mentioned as associated crop production constraints in Africa. Despite numerous studies, the universality and causality of this association lacks conclusive evidence and the translation into reliably effective and feasible control practices for smallholder farmers has so far attained little tangible success. Jonne is keen on deepening the understanding and practical implications of this relation. Currently he studies the role of nutrients in Striga resistance and tolerance in sorghum and whether smart plant nutrition solutions (e.g., improved compositions, better targeted delivery) can enhance these defence mechanisms. In addition, he investigates the effects of fertilisers, including their composition and application methods, on Rhamphicarpa-rice interactions. 

    A second key interest of Jonne concerns the sustainable intensification and diversification strategies for smallholder farmers in Africa. He is keen on understanding how crop production in these farming systems can be optimized by improved planning in space and time as well as in terms of the choices in crop species, crop management technologies and combinations thereof. Indicators for such optimization would not be restricted to crop performance in terms of productivity alone, but also include resource-use efficiency, pest (including weeds) and disease management, and natural resources/ecosystem services provided by the agroecosystem.  
  • Research Projects:

    Royal Society: International Collaboration Award “Striga Smart Sorghum Solutions for Smallholders in East Africa”. Collaborator: Dr Steven Runo, Kenyatta University. Budget: £222K (Dec. 2019-Dec. 2022). PI.

    IFAD: Research-grant project “Capitalizing the inland valley potential for food and nutrition security for smallholder farmers in West Africa”. Collaborators: Africa Rice Center, Wageningen University, CNRA (Côte d’Ivoire) and CSIR-SRI (Ghana). Budget: $2M (2017-2021). PI.

    DFID-BBSRC-BMGF: SCPRID-grant project “Genomic approaches to understanding resistance and virulence in the cereal-Striga interaction for targeted breeding of durable defence” (BB/J011703/1). Collaborators: University of Sheffield, Africa Rice Center, CIAT, Makerere University, Kenyatta University. Budget: £1.3 M (2012-2016). Co-PI.

    NWO-WOTRO: Integrated Programme-grant: “Preparing African Rice Farmers Against Parasitic Weeds in a Changing Environment”. Collaborators: Africa Rice Center, Wageningen University, CNRA (Côte d’Ivoire), INRAB (Benin), MARI (Tanzania). Budget: €700,000 (2011-2016). PI.

    Royal Society: Research-grant project “Identifying host resistance and parasite virulence in rice - Striga associations”. Collaborators: University of Sheffield, Africa Rice Center. Budget £12,000 (2011-2012). Co-PI.

    DFID-BBSRC: SARID-grant project “Unraveling the molecular genetic basis of Striga resistance in cereals: integrating QTL and genomic approaches” (BB/F004303/1). Collaborators: University of Sheffield, Africa Rice Center, NIAB, ICRISAT. Budget: £546,741 2008-2012. Co-PI.
  • Research Students:
    • Susan Ojochide Simon (Nigeria). Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Nigeria/NRI, University of Greenwich, UK.
    • Olankunle Opeyemi Sansa (Nigeria). Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria/NRI University of Greenwich, UK.
    • Cyprian Mwale (Malawi). Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
    • Rachel Chase (USA). Agriculture Health and Environment Dept., Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom.
    • Immaculate Mueni Mwangangi (Kenya). Agriculture Health and Environment Dept., Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, UK. Time Frame: 2020-2024.
    • Guy Marius Assogba (Benin). Integrated rice and natural resources management in African wetlands. Plant Production Systems, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. Time Frame: 2017-2021.
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/6417.html
  • Responsibilities:
    • Professor of Agronomy
    • Module Leader Agronomy & Crop Physiology
    • Deputy Research Group Leader Ecosystem Services
    • Development-Programme Leader - Sustainable Agricultural Intensification
  • Awards:
    • Committee member of five PhD defences:
      • Odinkemneme Ukwoma-Eke, University of Reading, UK (14 Jan. 2022)
      • Ahmad Hamza, University of Greenwich, UK (3 Feb. 2021)
      • Olivia Pointurier, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté/INRA, France (13 Dec. 2019)
      • Mahdere Z. Shimels, Wageningen University, the Netherlands (14 Oct. 2019)
      • Tossimidé Houngbédji, Université Paris-Sud, France (18 Nov. 2016)
    • Member of European Weed Research Society (EWRS)
    • Member of International Parasitic Plants Society (IPPS
    • Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation project “Promoting Root Microbes for Integrated Striga Eradication” (PROMISE), coordinated by NIOO-KNAW, Wageningen (Start date: October 2017).
    • Member of the User Committee of the NWO-STW project “Towards sustainable weed management solutions for the aggressive rice weed Cyperus rotundus: a crop-weed perspective” coordinated by the University of Utrecht (Start date: June 2017).
    • Keynote speaker at the 14th World Congress on Parasitic Plants, Pacific Grove, California, USA (25-30 June, 2017)
    • Session organizer & chair (‘Control and Management’) at the 14th World Congress on Parasitic Plants, Pacific Grove, California, USA (25-30 June, 2017)
    • Session organizer & chair (‘Crop – Weed Interactions’) at the 7th International Weed Science Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 19-25 June, 2016
    • Invited speaker in the “Tropenzentrum Invites” seminar series. Title: Multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder approaches in crop protection – the case of parasitic weeds in rainfed rice systems in Africa. Tropenzentrum, University of Hohenheim. Stuttgart, Germany, 7 July 2014
    • Session organizer & chair (‘Ecology and Population Biology’ and ‘Control and Management’) at the 12th World Congress on Parasitic Plants, Sheffield, UK, 15-20 July, 2013
    • Organizer of the workshop ‘Advancing Research on Weed Science in Africa’ as part of the 10th African Crop Science Society Conference in Maputo, Mozambique, 1-13 October 2011
    • Panel member of the CGIAR Ad Hoc Funder Forum, ‘Celebrating Forty Years of CGIAR and Positioning the Next Forty’
    • Keynote Speaker at the 10th World Congress on Parasitic Plants, Kusadasi, Turkey, 12 June, 2009
    • Reviewer for 32 SCI-journals
    • Book reviews for Experimental Agriculture (6): (2012) 48 (3), 467; (2011) 47 (4): 736-737; (2010) 46 (1):113-114; (2009) 45 (1), 129-130; (2008) 44 (4), 573; (2008) 44 (2), 276.
    • Reviewer of a chapter of ‘Root parasitic Orobanche – parasitic mechanisms and control strategies’, edited by Joel DM, Gressel J, Musselman LJ
    • Reviewer of an FAO report ‘Shedding Light on The Invisible Links within ‘Eco-Agri-Food-Systems’ (June 2015)
    • International research proposal reviewer for the following:
      • Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P)
      • Graduate School PE&RC of Wageningen University
      • Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
      • Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC), UK

    Awards

    • 2017 2016 PE&RC Visiting Scientist research grant (Wageningen University)
    • 2017 Dr Robert J. Carsky Memorial Award for outstanding service (AfricaRice)
    • 2011 Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers
    • 2010 CGIAR Promising Young Scientist Award
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9059-9253

    LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonne-rodenburg-30470523/

    Google Scholar

    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=KUM_ZgEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

    ResearcherID (WoS)

    E-705-2011

    Research Gate

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jonne_Rodenburg

    Academia

    https://gre.academia.edu/JonneRodenburg
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3533
Visiting Academic
Professor Gabriella Gibson
  • NRI Department: Agriculture, Health and Environment Department
  • Qualifications: BA, DPhil, Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society
  • Biography:

    Gabriella Gibson obtained her PhD on Mosquito Behaviour at the University of Sussex (1978-81), in the laboratory of Dr Mick Gillies (field entomologist) and Dr Mike Jones (circadian rhythms physiologist) and collaborated with colleagues in the Centre for Excellence in Neurophysiology, specialising in visually controlled behaviour in nocturnal mosquitoes.

    Her first Post-doc research position was at Imperial College at the Silwood Park site (1981- 1986), supervised by Dr John Brady, an expert in the circadian control of behaviour in tsetse fly, where she extended her techniques in video-recording of flight behaviour in laboratory to field studies in Zimbabwe. She demonstrated that tsetse do not ‘see’ zebras, and therefore, rarely feed on them, and that tsetse use a novel mechanism for using host odours to locate favoured hosts. Over the course of four field season she also witnessed the development of the famous tsetse traps and targets developed by Vale, Hargrove, Torr, Hall and others, which has become the iconic case-study that shows basic principles of sensory control of behaviour are key to the design of successful surveillance and control devices

    She then took up a Lectureship at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (1987-1991), where she began her long-term ambition to apply the principles of behaviour and the tools she had acquired this far to the study and control of mosquitoes; e.g., analysis of the limits of nocturnal vision, characterisation of the anatomy of mosquito eyes and development of a novel, behaviourally sensitive bioassay to measure the efficacy of insecticides, which has since been adopted by the WHO.

    A return to Imperial College at Silwood Park (1992-1998) led to collaborations with Prof. Mario Coluzzii and his protégé Dr Carlo Costantini, with further laboratory and field studies of the host-seeking behaviour of malarial mosquitoes, which led to the development of the first odour-baited entry trap for malarial mosquitoes and a greater understanding of the significant role CO2 plays in relation to the background of many other host odours.

    Gibson joined NRI in 1998, where she has pursued her interest in identifying sensory-controlled behaviours in malarial mosquitoes that can be exploited to monitor and control a wide range of disease vectors.

    Key research findings:

    • Fieldwork in Zimbabwe demonstrated tsetse alter their flight course to maintain contact with animal odour plumes.
    • The fieldwork also showed the visual-ecology of tsetse eyes is well-matched to the time of day they are active, their flight speed and visual features of the landscape.
    • A zebra's stripes make it all but invisible to tsetse.
    • Integrated vector control can protect cattle-owning pastoralists in sub-Sahara Africa from tsetse affecting cattle health and mosquitoes affecting human health, based on field work in Ethiopia.
    • The eyes of nocturnal mosquitoes have evolved previously unknown mechanisms to heighten their sensitivity to light, which enables them to control flight using only starlight,
    • Mosquitoes communicate through the sounds produced by their wing-beats during swarming and mating interactions
    • Key differences in swarming behaviour and sound communication between closely related mosquito species help explain apparent reproductive isolation and ultimately speciation in the malarial mosquito Anopheles gambiae species complex, with fieldwork in Burkina Faso.

    Gibson's current key external collaborators include Prof. I.J. Russell (University of Brighton), Prof. S.J. Torr (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine), Dr R. Dabiré (Institute of Malarial Research, Burkina Faso) and Dr Rousseau Djouaka (IITA, Benin) Dr Jolyon Medlock & Alex Vaux (PHE).
  • Selected Publications:
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    The main aim of Professor Gibson's research is to elucidate how disease-transmitting insects use their sensory systems (vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch) to obtain the information they need from the outside world to guide the behaviours that are essential for their survival; e.g. locating a suitable mate, finding their blood-hosts and locating a suitable place to lay their eggs.

    Her research is inter-disciplinary, involving the study of animal behaviour, sensory physiology and neurophysiology. Fieldwork is crucial to establish the context in which behaviours occur, and laboratory studies are required to investigate the details of sensory-guided behaviour where the most essential environmental parameters can be recreated and manipulated by the experimenter. The aim is to identify key stimuli that guide behaviour and how those stimuli are used by the sensory-motor systems of insects. Knowledge of behaviour is a prerequisite to the development of well-designed tools to monitor and control pest insects and contributes insights into how sensory systems work in higher order animals.

    Professor Gibson's research is based at the NRI in laboratories instrumented with 3D video and sound recording facilities and in the field, currently in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Her published work has contributed to understanding of how specific aspects of tsetse and mosquito vision and olfaction help them to find blood-hosts, designed an improved, standardised trap for malarial mosquito species and a more sensitive bioassay to test new insecticides and discovered a previously unknown mechanism of species-recognition in mosquitoes.
  • Research Projects:

    Human Decoy Trap; operational and social acceptability of a novel tool to improve surveillance and control of mosquitoes and other disease
    MRC £580k, 2 yrs 2017-19, Role:PI, Collaborators IRSS Burkina Faso and IITA Benin.

    Malaria infects over 200 million people every, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. The malaria parasite is spread by infected mosquitoes and the most effective way to monitor the disease is to monitor populations of these mosquitoes. However, current tools for sampling malarial mosquitoes are time-consuming and labour intensive, making them expensive and difficult to standardize.

    We have developed a mosquito trap that exploits the blood-seeking behaviour of mosquitoes by mimicking the sensory stimuli that a mosquito follows when searching for a person to bite. These include the look, smell and temperature of warm-blooded hosts. We have incorporated these stimuli into a trap that lures mosquitoes towards it and then captures them when they land.

    We will test this "Human Decoy" Trap against current methods used in mosquito monitoring to determine whether it can overcome the limitations of existing tools. Fieldwork will be conducted in Burkina Faso, Benin and Cameroon, three West African countries where malaria causes thousands of deaths every year, but differing in intensity and seasonality of transmission and with different mosquito species involved to assess potential differences in trap performance in a wide range of malaria settings. We will also work with end-users of the trap (local communities, public health operatives and field technicians) to determine their perspectives and needs regarding mosquito sampling and control. The long-term aim is to develop a commercial prototype that is effective and acceptable to end-users, maximising the likelihood the trap will be adopted into the communities and sectors that need it the most.

    The Human Decoy Trap may be deployed as a mosquito control tool by reducing the number of infective mosquito bites a person receives. This is currently achieved by providing people with insecticide-treated bed nets to protect them from bites whilst they sleep and spraying the walls inside houses thus killing mosquitoes that rest there. However, neither of these options protects people from mosquitoes that may bite them outdoors during the day or just before they go to bed at night. The trap may also be effective against other vector species that transmit infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika viruses.

    Taking The Bite Out Of Wetlands: Managing Mosquitoes and The Socio-Ecological Value of Wetlands For Wellbeing
    NERC £3 m, 3 yrs, 2016-2019, Role Co-I, 4 collaborating Universities.

    Interest in the health and wellbeing impacts of wetlands has increased in the UK, in the context of both short and long term responses to extreme weather events and climate change. This is reflected in the UK Wetland Vision (Hume, 2008) that identifies a need to 'make wetlands more relevant to people's lives by better understanding and harnessing the benefits provided by naturally-functioning rivers and wetlands'. Expansion of wetlands can bring many benefits but it can also increase potential for mosquito-borne disease. There is a lack of knowledge about the consequences of wetland expansion for disease risk. This knowledge gap opens up space for speculation in the press and media about the perceived problems of 'killer' mosquitoes spreading across England, which can in turn fuel community unease and opposition to wetland creation and expansion. A key concern of the project is, therefore, to develop ecological interventions and guidance for diverse end-users to minimise mosquito-related problems, framed within and facilitated by a broader understanding of wetland value as impacted by mosquitoes. The potential contribution of wetland development to social and economic wellbeing envisaged in the UK Wetland Vision could be severely constrained by a failure to adequately address the risks imposed by mosquitoes and biting insects.

    The overall aim of this project will be to show how positive socio-cultural and ecological values of wetlands can be maximised for wellbeing and negative attitudes reduced. Management interventions for use by Public Health England and general guidelines will be developed to limit the damaging effects of mosquito populations and enhance appreciation of the ecological value of mosquitoes in wetland ecosystems. The project will result in an increase in our understanding of wetland environments and demonstrate how ecological interventions embedded in a broader understanding of wetland valuation can deliver wellbeing benefits to a broad range of stakeholders.

    There are four main objectives:

    1. Development of a new conceptual place-based ecosystem services and wellbeing framework for understanding the impact of interventions and wetland values.
    2. Exploration of the value of wetlands and mosquitoes in twelve case study locations.
    3. Production of guidelines for valuing wetlands and managing mosquito populations to enhance the value of British wetlands for wellbeing.
    4. Production of a place-based narrative on the socio-cultural, economic and ecological value of wetlands in British Society in the early years of the 21st Century.

    Exploiting acoustic distortion by mosquitoes to listen on the wing. The Leverhulme Trust: £194,000. 2012–14. Role: Co-PI. Collaboration with Prof. I.J. Russell, University of Brighton.

    The underlying mechanism of flight tone convergence (see The Wellcome Trust funded project, above) is not well understood. We know that it occurs, remarkably, at frequencies too high for males or females of a given species to hear. The physiological mechanism by which mosquitoes detect and respond differentially to the flight tones of closely related taxa is the subject of this project. It has been shown that mosquito hearing is the most sensitive of all arthropods. Moreover, they can detect and process the sound of another mosquito that is only a few centimetres away, against the background sound of their own flight tones, with both sources of sound simultaneously impinging on the flagella of their antennae. In itself, this acoustic capability is extraordinary and presents valuable insights into the wide variety of hearing mechanisms that have evolved to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of sound detection in insects.

    Areas for future research: The ultimate objective is to elucidate the mechanisms by which ecological speciation occurs in the malarial mosquito species complex Anopheles gambiae s.l. at the physiological level. Clearly, when two entities no longer recognise each other as conspecifics, the speciation process is more-or-less complete. The immediate aim of this phase of the project will be to determine the acoustic cues used by An. gambiae M and S forms to distinguish themselves from each other.

    The effect of radiation on the mating songs and courtship behaviour of the IAEA colony mosquitoes. Funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) project on the biology of male mosquitoes in relation to genetic control programmes: £10,000. 2012–13. Role: Chief Scientific Investigator.

    The efficacy of the sterile insect technique to control mosquitoes depends to a large extent on the mating competitiveness of released males compared to wild males of the target species. This project successfully demonstrated that male courtship behaviour, especially mate recognition through flight tone harmonisation, is not affected by the colonisation or irradiation of the IAEA colony males.

    Areas for future research: This research project established a 'proof of concept' that 'pure' research on mosquito communication has an immediate practical application to the development of novel tools for controlling mosquitoes of public health importance. The current rise in interest in genetically modified or manipulated mosquitoes to control wild mosquito populations provides a welcome opportunity for collaboration. NRI could become a centre of expertise for testing the mating compatibility of engineered and wild strains of target mosquito populations.

    A novel acoustic signalling system discovered in mosquitoes: exploring the biophysical and neurophysiological basis for interactive behaviour in an insect. BBSRC: £587,000. 2008–11. Role: Co-PI. Collaborator Prof. I.J. Russell, FRS, University of Sussex and Dr R. Dabiré, IRSS, Burkina Faso.

    It has been known for more than 150 years that males use their highly sensitive hearing organ (antennae and Johnston's organ) to locate potential mates by detecting the sound of a con-specific female's wing-beats. In 2006, Professor Gibson and Professor Russell (University of Brighton) discovered that females also detect males, but respond by 'singing a duet' with the male, each one subtly altering the frequency of their wing-beats to converge on a shared harmonic if they are a 'good match'. All-the-while, the male closes in on the female in a high-speed chase.

    Remarkably and perhaps uniquely in the insect kingdom, this system of sexual recognition between mosquitoes is based on interactive auditory exchanges between mosquitoes, consisting of continuous changes in wing-beat frequency in response to the detection of simultaneous changes in the wing-beat frequency of the other, unlike the highly stereotypical 'call-response' song patterns of communication described for other insects. This project characterised the behavioural, neurophysiological and biophysical mechanisms of auditory sexual recognition in mosquitoes, which led to our next novel discovery, that the Johnston's organ of mosquitoes is tuned not to the actual wing-beat frequency of the opposite sex, but to different tones in the harmonics of antennal vibrations which are generated by the combined input of flight tones from both mosquitoes. This acoustic distortion has been known to exist in the hearing organs of a range of organisms, but previously described as an interesting epiphenomenon, with no obvious purpose. Mosquitoes, however, appear to use distortion products as sensory cues that enable male–female pairs to communicate through auditory interactions between them. (See: Gibson & Russell, 2006; Warren et al., 2009).

    Areas for future research: These results led the researchers to a second phase of research investigating the potential for frequency matching to be used as a mechanism for species recognition, and found that the incipient species Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii from Burkina Faso, where they are sympatric, do not frequency match unless they are paired with their own species (Pennetier et al., 2010; Gibson et al., 2010), and this is the subject of a new project (see The Leverhulme Trust funded project, below).
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/1917.html
  • Responsibilities:

    Research and teaching Lead Pest Behaviour Research Group
  • Awards:
    • Chief Medical Editor, Medical and Veterinary Entomology, a journal of the Royal Entomological Society (2004–10)
    • Member of editorial board, Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2002 to present)
    • Molecular Entomology Steering Committee, UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) (1999-2006)
    • Member, Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
    • Member, Brain Research Association
    • Member, American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene
    • Member, Entomological Society of America.
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3127-8027
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3457
Visiting Professor of Medical Entomology
Professor Julian Quan
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
  • Qualifications: BA, MSc, PG Cert, PhD
  • Biography:

    Professor Quan has served with the Natural Resources Institute for over twenty years, becoming a member of staff of the University of Greenwich when the Institute joined the University in 1996. During this time he has worked as a development researcher and practitioner, undertaking a wide range of consultancy and applied research assignments for a variety of international clients, including the African Union, FCDO, the European Union, FAO, IIED, SIDA, UNDP, UN Habitat, the World Bank and a number of developing country governments. From 1998 – 2003 whilst with the University, Dr Quan was commissioned to work as a Land Tenure and Policy Adviser with DFID (now FCDO, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). His previous postings have been with South Bank University's Local Economic Policy Unit, the Food Studies Group at Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford (seconded to UNICEF and the Mozambican Government) and with Oxfam, in addition to periods and working in community and housing development work and teaching in Further and Adult Education in inner London.

    Professor Quan's work has focused on: land tenure, land rights and land policy; rural territorial development; rural institutions, policy and governance; local economic development; climate change adaptation and mitigation; rural livelihoods, community based natural resource management, development of smallholder agriculture, and rural extension in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and also in Latin America.Professor Quan is a specialist in lusophone countries, speaking fluent Portuguese and working extensively in Mozambique and Brazil. He takes an interdisciplinary perspective in development studies, drawing on perspectives and approaches in sociology, anthropology, geography and political science. He has collaborated extensively with leading researchers in these fields, including Camilla Toulmin and Lorenzo Cotula (IIED), Klaus Deininger (World Bank lead economist), Julio Berdegué (RIMISP, Chile) and Arilson Favareto (a leading Brazilian rural sociologist at UFABC, Sao Paulo), in addition to collaborating with researchers from the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and from the Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies at the University of Western Cape, South Africa.
  • Selected Publications:
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Professor Quan's main research interests are in formal and informal institutions for natural resource and land management, land policy, agricultural development, and place-based or territorial development policies and approaches to rural development. I consider that my work shows the importance of sound institutional arrangements that respond to multiple stakeholder interests and manage them effectively are central to achieving more inclusive and sustainable rural economic and social development. In particular, decentralised institutional innovations at the meso- or landscape scale in a) farmer economic organisation, b) mechanisms and incentives for environmental management c) organisation of rural outreach / extension services, d) participatory decision making and governance arenas, and e) delivery and funding mechanisms for rural development programmes are essential in balancing agricultural development with the multiple demands on rural areas by establishing resilient development pathways that are socially inclusive and climate compatible.

    Professor Quan's work on land tenure showed the continuing importance of customary institutions and practices in land and natural resource management, and the scope and need for their fuller integration into more formalised and inclusive land tenure and administration systems. His own investigations and his broader research leadership, including the organisation of a series of international conferences on land rights in Africa, and facilitation of an African research / policy / practitioner network on land in Africa had significant influence on international development policy on land at the beginning of the 21st Century.

    The findings and insights of Professor Quan's work on land and on territorial development are important to establish and scale-up inclusive and sustainable rural development processes in developing countries, by balancing top-down sector-led with more bottom-up territorially focussed approaches, integrating the governance of land with broader territorial governance, and achieving multi-purpose sustainable land and natural use mosaics to meet social and economic need.
  • Awards:
    • Professor Quan is a member of the ESRC peer review college.
    • Since 2006 he has been Chief Technical Adviser to Mozambique Community Lands Initiative (2006 -2014).
    • He has also acted as a Technical adviser to African Union Land Policy Initiative.
    • He has been a member of the Royal Geographical Society – Institute of British Geographers
    • Professor Quan was jointly awarded the O'Riordan Prize for the best Masters Dissertation in Rural Resources and Environmental Policy (on the topic of climate change in Mozambique) at Wye College, London, 1991.
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3053
Professor of Land and Development Practice
Professor Glyn Vale
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3199
Visiting Professor of Insect Behaviour
Professor Andrew Hall
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
  • Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD
  • Biography:

    Professor Andy Hall is a science and technology policy analyst with a specialization in the study and design of agriculture innovation processes, policies and practices.  Andy did pioneering research on the nature and performance of agricultural innovation systems and more recently has explored transformational change and innovation process agri-food systems and the nature of knowledge systems needed to support the transition to sustainable production and consumption systems. He has published extensively on these topics in peer review and non-academic literature.  Andy obtained a PhD from the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex in 1994. He has held positions at the Ugandan Agricultural Research Institute, the Natural Resources Institute (UK), the International Center for Research in the Semi-Arid Tropic (ICRISAT), India and the United Nations University Institute for Economics Research on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), Netherlands/ India, and the Open University, UK.  He also worked as a consultant advising numerous international agencies on effective innovation practice, programming and policy. Since 2014 Andy has been a Senior Principle Research Scientist in the Agriculture and Food business unit of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia.
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3199
Visiting Professor in Innovation Systems
Professor Anthony Youdeowei
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
  • Qualifications: B.Sc, Ph.D. (London), FAAS, FTWAS, FESN, FSAN, MNIM
  • Biography:

    Anthony Youdeowei obtained his PhD in Agricultural Entomology at the University of London and his research involved field studies at the renowned Rothamsted Experimental Station (now Rothamsted Research).  He began his professional career as Entomologist at the West African Cocoa Research Institute.  He then took up an appointment as Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Biology at the University of Ibadan, where he rose to become Professor of Agricultural Entomology in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry from 1973 to 1990. At the University of Ibadan, he served as Head of the Department of Agricultural Biology, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Acting Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the University of Ibadan Publishing House.

    In 1990, Anthony joined the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA, now AfricaRice) in Bouake Cote d’Ivoire as Director of Training and Communications.  From October 1997 to July 2015, he was at the Africa Regional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Accra Ghana.  During this time he acted as Consultant Senior Integrated Pest Management Specialist, pursuing his interests in integrated production and pest management and Farmer Field Schools.

    Anthony has regularly advised African Governments, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, the World Bank Africa Region, GTZ , USAID and other development agencies in integrated production and pest management policies, planning and field implementation of IPPM field training programmes. He has been consultant to the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CTA) in The Netherlands in training, development and production of training and agricultural extension materials as well as agricultural communication including the management of agricultural journals. He was the Communication Consultant to the Convergence of Sciences Project of the Wageningen University which was implemented from 2008-2013 in Benin, Ghana and Mali.  He has also served as the Communications Consultant to the African Cashew Initiative project funded by GiZ.

    Anthony was involved with FARA in the assessment of African National Agricultural Research Systems and collaborated with (NRI) in the formulation of the FARA-led project, Strengthening Capacities for Agricultural Research and Development in Africa (SCARDA) which ran from 2007-2011. In 2009, he was appointed Visiting Professor of Capacity Strengthening in Agricultural Research for Development at NRI.

    In 2010 Anthony Youdeowei was appointed a member of the Governing Council of ICIPE, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi, Kenya and he is also a Trustee and Director of PAN-UK (Pesticides Action Network).  He is currently a Director of West African Book Publishers Limited Nigeria – one of the foremost educational publishers in West Africa.  He is the author of several books on agricultural education, integrated pest management and plant protection extension and training. His favourite pastime is writing text books in science and agriculture for children.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Keith Tyrell, Sheila Willis, Stephanie Williamson, Davo Simplice Vodouhe, and Anthony Youdeowei (2018) Chapter 23: Monitoring and Minimizing Health and Environmental Risks related to Pesticides. in Integrated management of insect pests: Current and future developments edited by Marcos Kogan and Leon Hegley. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
    • Anthony Youdeowei, Paul Stapleton, Rodger Obubo (2015) Rédaction scientifique pour les chercheurs agricoles: Manuel de ressources pour la formation pp. 202.
    • Anthony Youdeowei, Paul Stapleton, Rodger Obubo (2012) Scientific Writing for Agricultural Research Scientists: A Training Resource Manual. New Edition English CTA Wageningen Netherlands. Pp. 190.
    • Arnold van Huis and Anthony Youdeowei (2009) Editors. Towards Enhancing Innovation Systems in Smallholder African Agriculture. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference for the CoS-SIS Programme. Elmina Ghana. June 2009. Published by the CoS-SIS International Coordination Committee, Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
    • Youdeowei, A. (2000) A Guidebook on Journal Publishing for Agriculture and Rural Development. INASP Oxford and CTA Holland.
    • Youdeowei, A. and Kwarteng J. (1995). Development of Training Materials in Agriculture. A course manual. WARDA and CTA, Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire, pp. 104. (English and French editions). New Edition French. CTA, Wageningen Netherlands.
    • Menyonga J.M., Bezuneh and A. Youdeowei (Editors) (1987) Food Grain Production in Semi-Arid Africa. OAU/STRC - SAFGRAD, Ouagadougou, pp. 701.
    • Youdeowei, A., Ezedinma, F.O.C and Onazi, O.C. (Editors) (1986) Introduction to Tropical Agriculture. Longman Group U.K., pp. 346.
    • Youdeowei, A. and Service, M.W. (1983) Pest and Vector Management in the Tropics (with particular reference to insects, ticks, mites and snails). Longman Group, U.K, pp. 399.
    • Youdeowei, A. (1977): A Laboratory Manual of Entomology. Oxford University Press, Ibadan, pp. 204.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:
    • Integrated Production and Pest Management in Agriculture: Research, Development and Training, including Pesticides Management in IPM.
    • Agricultural Education, Training and Scientific Communication: (including Scientific Writing, Editing and Publishing).
    • Development of Training Materials in Agriculture.
    • African Agricultural Research and Development, Project Formulation and Evaluation.
  • Awards:
    • Winner of the 2015 International Plant Protection Award of Distinction (IPPAD)
    • Founding Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), Nairobi, Kenya
    • Fellow of the Academy of Sciences of the Developing World (TWAS), Trieste, Italy
    • Fellow of the Entomological Society of Nigeria
    • Fellow of the Science Association of Nigeria
    • President, African Association of Science Editors (1990 -1992)
    • Member, International Advisory Board, International Center for the Communication of Science, Italy (1988 -1990)
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3199
Visiting Professor of Capacity Strengthening in Agricultural Research for Development
Professor G W Otim-Nape
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
  • Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD
  • Biography:

    Prof. Otim-Nape graduated with a BSc (Hons) Agric and MSc Agric. from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and a PhD in plant virology from the University of Reading, UK in 1993.  He has undertaken post-doctoral training at Wye College, University of London, at the Scottish Crops Research Institute (SCRI), and the JF Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA. 

    Professor Otim-Nape started his career as a scientific officer (Plant Pathologist) in 1976; became Senior Research Officer, Principal Research Officer, Deputy Director General, Director General NARO in 1983, 1993, 1999 and 2003 respectively, most of this period (1976-1999), spent on innovations development and management. He has published widely on agricultural development in international scientific journals, book chapters and monographs. Professor Otim-Nape has worked as a development planner (Country CAADP Processes Manager) for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), an AU/NEPAD Programme from 2006 to 2008. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Africa Innovations Institute, a Non-Governmental Centre of Excellence based in Kampala, Uganda. The Institute focuses on science, technology and innovations in Africa.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Otim-Nape G.W., Rubahire-Akiiki C., Habassa G. Ogwal, S.; Mukasa B., Okello-Onen J, Ddumba D.S., 2016. Livelihoods and Climate Change in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda. Africa Innovations Institute, 46pp (Monograph).
    • Otim-Nape G.W., 2015. Enact the Uganda Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill without Further Delay. A Keynote address at the 5th Annual Meeting of the Uganda Women Parliamentarians Association (UWOPA), Imperial Royale Hotel, 13th October 2015, Kampala
    • Otim-Nape G.W., Tusiime F., Nambooze J., Atai B., Kwesigwa S., Okello M. 2015. Integrating Indigenous Food Systems in Agricultural Development for Community Livelihoods. A Keynote address at the 5th Annual Indigenous Food Fair, 23rd October 2015, UMA Conference Hall, Kampala
    • Mukasa, B., Ssengendo, M., Otim-Nape, W.G., Okello-Onen, J., Rubaire-Akiiki, C., Konde-Lule, J., Basalirwa, P. and Ogwal Byenek, S. Gender and adaptation to the risks of climate variability for livelihood security in the cattle corridor communities of Uganda. Presentation made at the ECOHESA 2014 Symposium, Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 – 12 March, 2014.
    • Wellard K., Sengendo M., Sseguya H., Ndagire S., Mugarura S. and Otim-Nape G.W. 2014. Impact Evaluation of ASARECA Operational Plan 1 and Development Objectives and Documentation of Lessons Learned: Final Report. ASARECA/NRI UoG and AfrII. ASARECA, Entebbe, 108pp. April 2014
    • Nimusiima Alex, Basalirwa C. P. K., Majaliwa J.G.M, Otim-Nape W., Okello-Onen J., Rubaire-Akiiki C., Konde-Lule J. and Ogwal-Byenek S (2013). Nature and dynamics of climate variability in the Uganda cattle corridor. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 7(8), pp. 770 – 782
    • Otim-Nape G.W, Pangech J., Kayanga L. and Omino J 2013. South Sudan Agriculture Sector Investment Plan: Crops Agriculture. A Report Submitted to the AU/NPCA, Africa Innovations Institute, Kampala, Uganda, 28 April 2013, 63pp
    • Otim-Nape G.W, Sabwa N., Phiri E. Sentongo P. and Omino J 2013. South Sudan Agriculture Stocktaking Report. A Report Submitted to the AU/NPCA, Africa Innovations Institute, Kampala, Uganda, 18 September 2012, 112pp
    • Otim-Nape G.W., Mr. J. Pali Shikhulu, Dr. M. Blackie R 2011. Road Map and Strategy for a Renewed National Agricultural Research System, Swaziland. Final Report to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, Mbabani, Swaziland, July 2011, 177 pages.
    • Otim-Nape G.W., Dr J. Pali Shikhulu 2011. Assessment of the National Agricultural Research System of Swaziland. Final Report to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. Swaziland 153 pages, July 2011, Mbabani, Swaziland
    • Otim-Nape W. and Methu J. 2010 Approaches for innovative implementation of Agricultural Research for Development in the ASARECA Sub-region. An ASARECA Occasional publication, 48 pp, ASARECA Entebbe, (Monograph).
    • Otim-Nape W. and Methu J. 2010. Case Studies of the Application of the IAR4D Principles in Implementing ASARECA Supported Sub-Projects and Gaps in IAR4D Capacity among Sub-Grantees.  An ASARECA Occasional publication, 76 pp, ASARECA Entebbe, November 2010 (Monograph).
    • Rweyemamu M, G.W Otim-Nape and D. Serwadda 2006. Infectious Diseases: Preparing For the Future -Africa. Office of Universities, Science and Innovations, Department of Trade and Industry, London. 103pp (www.foresight.gov.uk)
    • Mukiibi J. and Otim-Nape G.W. 2003. The Contribution of NARO to the Modernization of Agriculture in Uganda. The National Agricultural Research Organization, Entebbe, Uganda, 114pp (Monograph)
    • Otim-Nape G.W., A. Bua, J.M. Thresh, Y. Baguma, S. Ogwal, G.N. Ssemakula, G. Acola, Byabakama and A. Martin, 1997. Cassava Mosaic Virus Disease in Uganda: The Current Pandemic and Approaches to Control.Chatham, UK, NRI. 65pp.(Monograph)
    • Otim-Nape G.W. , J.M. Thresh, and D. Fargette 1995. Bemisia tabaci and Cassava Mosaic Virus Disease in Africa. In: Bemisia 1995: Taxonomy, Biology, Damage, Control, and Management. P 319-350 (Gerling D. and Mayer R.T., eds) Intercept, Andover, UK.
    • Osinde, C., Okello-Onen., Oryema-Origa, H. and Otim-Nape, G.W. Nutritional and chemical composition of selected indigenous plant species used as food in the cattle corridor of Uganda, a case study of Nakasongola and Nakaseke district. Lambert academic publishers.
    • Thresh J.M., Otim-Nape G.w., G. Fabres Y.S. Yaninek E., And Adipala E. (Eds) 1994. Integrating the management of pests, weeds and diseases of cassava in Africa African Crop Science Journal (Special Issue) Vol. 2 No.4 592 pp. Makerere University, Kampala. e
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Professor George William Otim-Nape is one of East Africa’s leading agricultural research scientists. He has extensive experience in agricultural research for development, agricultural research management, and science and innovations policy. One of the major technological achievements of Professor Otim-Nape has been the control of cassava mosaic disease pandemic (CMD) which had threatened production in Uganda. A plant pathologist by training, Prof Otim-Nape has spent most of his career in agricultural research for development and has demonstrated strategic leadership and management of large agricultural research for development programmes. His current research is on agricultural innovations policy, agricultural institutional development, commercialization of staple African commodities, enhancing community adaptation and resilience to the impacts of climate change, and on integrated management of crops and livestock pests and diseases.
  • Awards:

    Dr. Otim-Nape was nominated in 1997 for the African Prize for Leadership for Sustainable End to Hunger, shortlisted and finally competed with seven other nominees four of whom were Presidents and Heads of State and Governments of African countries. The Prize was awarded to both President Chisano of Mozambique and Mrs Joyce Banda of Malawi. In 2006 he was nominated for the Yara Prize 2006.  Dr Otim-Nape was awarded Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences in 2003, the highest and most prestigious national scientific honour. He received the Lottery International Award “for his great intellect, diligence and energy he dedicated as head of the distinguished cassava research team, to the problem of cassava mosaic disease that nearly brought the crop to extinction with predictability dire consequences to the populations’ food security in the region”.  He also received a special recognition award from the Africa Crop Science Society and the Uganda National Farmers Federation for his exemplary leadership in fighting the cassava mosaic disease pandemic and contribution to food security in Uganda.  In 2008, he received the Presidential Award for Science Excellence from His Excellency The President of Uganda H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3199
Visiting Professor of Agricultural Innovation Systems
Professor George Kanyama-Phiri
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3199
Visiting Professor of Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
Professor Grant Singleton
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
  • Qualifications: Dip, BSc, PhD
  • Biography:

    Grant is a principal scientist at the International Rice Research Institute and an expert on rodent biology and management. He has authored or co-authored over 200 scientific papers, six books on rodent ecology and management, and one book on impacts of natural resource management in lowland rice. He has also written 80 non refereed proceedings of conferences. He is the coordinator of the Irrigated Rice Research Consortium (IRRC) from 2005 to present, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The IRRC focuses on natural resource management (NRM) of rice production in the irrigated agricultural lowlands in 11 Asian countries. Under the IRRC umbrella for partnerships, Grant is the coordinator of the Closing Rice Yield Gaps in Asia with Reduced Environmental Footprint (CORIGAP) Project, funded by SDC and located in six Asian countries.
  • Selected Publications:

    Full list of publications available at

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Grant_Singleton

    https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=fuzFEPMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:
    • Rodent ecology and management, wildlife biology and conservation
    • Natural resource management (NRM) of rice and facilitating the delivery of NRM research to end users through adaptive research
  • Awards:
    • Life recognition of excellence, International Conf. Rodent Biology & Management (2014)
    • Certificate of appreciation from the Minister of Agriculture for contributions to agriculture in Indonesia (2011)
    • Medal “For The Cause Of Science And Technology Development, Vietnam” (2010)
    • Medal from the Vietnam Minister of Agriculture in recognition for services to agriculture and rural development in Vietnam (2007)
    • Chairman’s Award for Scientific Contribution, Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre (inaugural year of award) (2002)
    • CSIRO Partnership Excellence Award (national) (2002)
    • Scientific Achievement and Impact Award, CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology (1997)
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3199
Visiting Professor of Wildlife Management
Professor Guy Poulter
  • NRI Department: Livelihoods and Institutions Department
  • Qualifications: BSc, PhD, FIFST​
  • Biography:

    Guy Poulter is an elected Fellow of the United Kingdom Institute of Food Science and Technology and is a Visiting Professor and Senior Fellow at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, where he was formerly the Director. Guy worked at NRI for more than 30 years. Between 2014 and May 2017 he was Director of the AGRINATURA European Economic Interest Group – a pan European body representing European Universities and Research Institutes working in the field of tropical agricultural research, development and education.

    In the course of his duties, he has extensive international work and travel experience and has been at the fore front of advocacy for better policies for global food security and agricultural for development including hands on working experience in the European Commission in Europe Aid and DG Research and Innovation.

    He is also a Special Adviser to the UK All Party Parliamentary Group for Food and Agriculture for Development.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Guy has an extensive track record of directing and leading multi-disciplinary agricultural research and development activities for the benefit of developing countries, development of strategies for multi donor collaboration towards attainment of development goals and has particular experience of the issues relating to the interaction of Members States and the European Commission in the field of international agricultural development under the umbrella of the European Union.​
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3199
Visiting Professor of Food and Agriculture for Development

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