Sussy Munialo | Food systems | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sussy Munialo – Food systems –  Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Munialo’s exemplary work aligns perfectly with the Best Researcher Award , recognizing professionals who have made significant contributions to scientific research, technological advancements, and societal impact. Her research on food fortification and nutritional enhancement has influenced policy formulation and practical applications in the food industry. Furthermore, her commitment to mentoring young scientists and advocating for women in STEM further underscores her eligibility for prestigious recognition.

 

University of Pretoria | South Africa

Profile
scholar

Scopus

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Sussy Munialo, a distinguished agricultural researcher from Kenya, has built an impressive academic foundation that has propelled her into the global arena of agricultural resource management. Born on November 6, 1986, she demonstrated a keen interest in agricultural sciences from an early age. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Extension from the University of Nairobi (2005–2009). She further pursued a Master’s degree in Agricultural Resource Management (ARM) at the University of Nairobi (2011–2013), where her research focused on innovative cropping systems for quality indigenous vegetable production.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Dr. Munialo has amassed over a decade of experience in agricultural research and development. She has worked with various institutions, including the University of Nairobi, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), among others. Her professional roles have ranged from research fellowships to consultancy positions, contributing significantly to agricultural policy, food security, and sustainable land-use systems.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Food systems

Dr. Munialo’s research interests are diverse, encompassing agricultural resource management, climate-smart agriculture, soil health, carbon measurement, food systems research, and biodiversity conservation. She has contributed to yield gap analysis, remote sensing applications in agriculture, and the development of sustainable land-use systems. Her doctoral research on maize yield gaps in western Kenya has provided critical insights into soil and management-related factors affecting smallholder farmers. She has also worked on promoting indigenous vegetables among smallholder women farmers, enhancing food security and income generation. Her expertise in data analytics, including R-Statistics, machine learning tools, econometric modeling, and GIS applications, has significantly advanced research in agricultural resource management.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Munialo’s contributions have been recognized through several prestigious grants and awards. She received a $50,000 grant from the Swedish Research Council for her Ph.D. studies and a $26,000 grant from RUFORUM for her master’s research. Additionally, she secured a $2,000 grant to promote indigenous vegetable farming in western Kenya.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Munialo’s research has had a profound impact on agricultural practices and policies, particularly in Kenya. Her work on maize yield gaps has informed strategies for improving crop productivity through better soil management and field practices. Her involvement in farmer dissemination workshops has directly benefited smallholder farmers by equipping them with knowledge on soil nutrition, field management, and climate adaptation strategies.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Munialo’s legacy is marked by her dedication to sustainable agricultural development, policy formulation, and capacity building. Her research continues to shape strategies for improving food security and climate resilience in Africa. As she advances in her career, she is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and practical implementation, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits for farmers and communities.

Conclusion

Dr. Sussy Munialo is a distinguished figure in agricultural research, whose work has significantly contributed to sustainable farming practices, food security, and policy development. Her academic achievements, professional endeavors, and research contributions reflect her commitment to transforming agriculture in Kenya and beyond. With her extensive experience and unwavering dedication, she continues to be a driving force in the advancement of agricultural science and rural development.

📚Publications

Soil and management‐related factors contributing to maize yield gaps in western Kenya

Authors: S Munialo, AS Dahlin, C Onyango M, W Oluoch‐Kosura, H Marstorp

Journals: Food and Energy Security

Micro-spatial analysis of maize yield gap variability and production factors on smallholder farms

Authors: M Sussy, H Ola, FAB Maria, BO Niklas, O M. Cecilia, OK Willis, M Håkan

Journals: Agriculture 

Gaps and opportunities in research on food systems; a micro-institutional analysis of the University of Nairobi

Authors:  S Munialo, CM Onyango, JA Lukachi, OV Wasonga, JG Maina, JM Nzuma, …

Journals: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

Factors influencing Maize yield Gaps on Smallholder farms in Vihiga and Kakamega Counties of Western Kenya

Authors: S Munialo

Journals: University of Nairobi

Systematic Review of the Agro-Ecological, Nutritional, and Medicinal Properties of the Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species Tylosema fassoglense

Authors: S Munialo, A Gasparatos, N Ludidi, AEE Ali, E Keyster, MO Akanbi, …

Journals: Sustainability

Jorge Chalco Vera | Agricultural science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jorge Chalco Vera – Agricultural science- Best Researcher Award 

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas | Argentina

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

He embarked on his academic journey at the Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina, where he earned his degree as an Agricultural Engineer on October 31, 2012. His academic pursuits were characterized by a strong focus on agronomy and zootecnia, laying a solid foundation for his future research endeavors. His early academic years were marked by a keen interest in plant ecophysiology and sustainable agricultural practices, which would later define his career trajectory.

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Following his graduation,His professional journey began with an advanced internship in the Section of Sugarcane Breeding at EEAOC Experimental Station in Tucumán, Argentina, from 2012 to 2013. This experience provided him with hands-on expertise in sugarcane breeding, a critical crop for Argentina’s agricultural sector.

In 2014, he expanded his horizons internationally as a graduate intern at CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research) in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya. This role involved extensive fieldwork and research, enriching his understanding of global forestry practices and environmental sustainability.

he continued to diversify his professional experience by working as a technical assistant on the project “Plan for the Sustainable Use of Sugarcane Straw” under FOAR (Argentine Fund for International Cooperation) and AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) in Bermejo, Bolivia, during 2017-2018. This project focused on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the sugarcane industry, further honing his expertise in this field.

Contributions and Research Focus on Agricultural science📚

His research has been pivotal in addressing key issues in agricultural science, particularly in the context of sugarcane cultivation. His significant publications reflect his deep engagement with topics such as nitrogen use efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable soil management.

Noteworthy publications include:

  • Increases in nitrogen use efficiency decrease nitrous oxide emissions but can penalize yield in sugarcane (Nutr Cycl Agroecosystems, 2022): This study highlights the trade-offs between enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and maintaining crop yields in sugarcane production.
  • Drivers of N2O Emissions from Natural Forests and Grasslands Differ in Space and Time (Ecosystems, 2020): This paper examines the spatial and temporal variations in nitrous oxide emissions from natural ecosystems.
  • Integrating critical values of soil drivers for mitigating GHGs: an assessment in a sugarcane cropping system (Sci Total Environ, 2020): This research focuses on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through improved soil management practices in sugarcane cultivation.
  • To burn or not to burn: The question of straw burning and nitrogen fertilization effect on nitrous oxide emissions in sugarcane (Sci Total Environ, 2017): This study investigates the environmental impacts of straw burning and nitrogen fertilization in sugarcane fields.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

His contributions to agricultural science have not gone unnoticed. His research has garnered significant citations, and he holds a Hirsch index (Scopus) of six, underscoring the impact and relevance of his work within the scientific community. His role as a CONICET assistant researcher at the Plant Ecophysiology Lab, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) in Salta, Argentina, further cements his reputation as a leading researcher in his field.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

His work has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and agricultural practices. His research on nitrogen use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions has provided valuable insights for sustainable agriculture, particularly in sugarcane production. By addressing critical environmental challenges, his work contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainable farming practices.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking forward, He aims to continue his research on sustainable agricultural practices and their environmental implications. His future work will likely focus on developing innovative solutions to enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts. As a member of the scientific community, he is committed to mentoring young researchers and contributing to the advancement of agricultural science.

Notable Publications