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Daniel Karanja
Deputy Director, Research and Innovation
Canary Bird, 673 Limuru Road, Muthaiga, PO Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya
About
I have broad technical knowledge in developing vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented, pro-poor sustainable seed systems in developing countries that involve both the public and private sectors; all phases of pre and post-harvest crop protection – including extension, training, integrated production and pest management (IPPM), regulatory (plant quarantine, pesticide control) and applied research, based on extensive experience and knowledge of crop protection problems in tropical crops.
In addition, I have extensive knowledge and experience of innovation systems approaches: participatory technology development; and development of bio-rational pesticides (biologicals and botanicals). I also have sound practical knowledge of cross-cutting issues related to socio-economic factors using scientific and technical knowledge. I have a successful track record in using information and communication strategies and systems to deliver technical, awareness and crop disease management information to smallholder farmers.
CABI centre: Kenya
CABI has a regional centre for Africa in Nairobi. Agriculture is essential for sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth and yet average crop yields in Africa are among the lowest in the world. Over 80% rely on it but many face challenges in growing sufficient good quality produce.
Related projects
Establishing a digital plant health service in Malawi
Pests and diseases contribute to 40% of food loss leading to food insecurity. Synthetic pesticides are the predominant control method but these are associated with negative environmental and health concerns. The extensive use of chemicals has sparked a renewed interest in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – an effective combination of control methods and the need for new innovative ways to manage pest and disease outbreaks. There are many digital systems that have been developed to identify, monitor, manage, control and predict outbreaks of a large number of pest and disease species. These systems provide useful information to aid decision-making and timing of integrated pest management strategies. By building on the successes of existing systems and data assets, this project aims to establish a digital agricultural plant health service for efficient pest and disease management in Malawi that will benefit over 100,000 farmers.
Start: 01/06/22 -End: 30/06/27