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