Nicholas Kiggundu | Cattle farming systems | Excellence in Research

Posted on by ScienceFather
Dr Nicholas Kiggundu: Cattle farming systems
Assoc. Professor at Makerere University, Uganda

Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Makerere University, Uganda. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from the University of Florida, USA, he boasts over 20 years of experience at Makerere University, contributing significantly to teaching, research, and outreach in areas such as Hydrology, Irrigation, Water resources, Watershed management, and Renewable Energy. Dr. Kiggundu holds key roles, including being a member of Makerere University’s Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Project Implementation Committee and the Steering Committee for the Appropriate Technology Centre for water, sanitation, and environment in Uganda. He is also a member of the prestigious Tau Beta Phi Engineering Honor Society in the USA.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
Education

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, 2010 🎓. MSc. Agricultural Engineering, University of Nairobi, 1998. BSc. Agricultural Engineering, Makerere University, 1994

Employment

Associate Professor, Dept. of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Makerere University (from July 2021) 🎓. Senior Lecturer (July 2017-June 2022), Lecturer (July 2011-June 2017), Asst. Lecturer (July 2001-June 2011)

Research & Management

Over 20 years at Makerere University 🏫. Specializations: Hydrology, Irrigation, Water Resources, Renewable Energy. Member of Steering Committee for Appropriate Technology Centre (Uganda). Coordinates Erasmus+ Mobility and Education Cooperation programs 🌐. Projects worth over $15 Million 💰

Projects

Key member in EU-funded projects: PrAEctiCe (€6,985,000) and SophiA (€7,800,000) 🌱💡. Team Leader for ESIA of Bugungu YP Prison Irrigation Farm (2020/2021). Principal Investigator for FAO-funded research on livestock sustainability

Recognition & Awards

PhD Graduate Research Assistantship, University of Florida, 2006 🏆. Various scholarships and awards for academic excellence and research contributions 🎖️

🍇 Research Focus:

Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu’s research spans diverse areas crucial for sustainable development in tropical environments. His work covers irrigation strategies, as evidenced by the study on Napier yield response under different irrigation methods (Ntege et al., 2023). In the realm of environmental impact, his collaborative efforts, such as the research on organic micropollutants in aquatic environments (Wang et al., 2022), showcase his commitment to water quality and ecosystem health. Additionally, his contributions extend to evaluating climate data reliability for water resource management (Garibay et al., 2021) and exploring smallholder farmers’ perceptions of agricultural drought adaptation technologies (Mfitumukiza et al., 2020). Dr. Kiggundu’s multidisciplinary approach includes assessing greenhouse gas emissions in farming systems (Kiggundu et al., 2019) and employing modeling for rainfed maize growth (Mibulo and Kiggundu, 2018). His dedication to understanding land use changes in critical areas like the Murchison Bay Catchment (Kiggundu et al., 2018) underscores his commitment to sustainable agricultural and environmental practices. Overall, his research endeavors contribute significantly to the intersection of agriculture, water resources, and environmental sustainability. 🌍🌱

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

 

 Stephen Prah | Agricultural Policy

Posted on by ScienceFather
Mr Stephen Prah: Leading Researcher in Agricultural Policy
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

🌱🍲 Stephen Prah is a dedicated professional in the field of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, currently pursuing an MSc at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. His research interests encompass agricultural and agribusiness development, production and resource economics, climate change, and the adoption of climate-smart technologies.Stephen holds a BSc with first-class honors from the same university, where he focused on the impact of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program on maize yield and profitability in Ghana.📘

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
📚 Education:
  • MSc in Agricultural Economics (Expected: November 2023)
  • BSc in Agribusiness (First-class division, August 2020)
🔍 Research Experience:

Graduate student at KNUST, researching rural-urban migration and its effects on agriculture. Undergraduate thesis on farmers’ perception of the Planting for Food and Jobs program.

💼 Work Experience:

Intern at Greening Africa Together, providing project proposals and academic support. Regional Manager at Holland Greentech, overseeing operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Agronomist, training over 2000 farmers on good agronomic practices. Project Coordinator, managing project resources and conducting evaluations.

🏆 Honors and Awards:

DAAD Award for a 3-month internship in Germany. GETFund Full Master Program Scholarship. Recipient of the KBN Award for academic excellence.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience:

Seasoned instructor at KNUST, teaching SPSS and Stata to 80 students. Research and Teaching Assistant, assisting lecturers and organizing tutorials. Stephen Prah is dedicated to advancing agricultural knowledge and sustainable practices, making significant contributions to research, teaching, and project management in the field. 🌱

🌱 Research Focus:

Stephen Prah’s research focus spans a diverse range of agricultural and economic topics, contributing significantly to the understanding of Ghana’s agricultural landscape.🌾 His studies delve into the impact of rural-urban migration on maize farmers, the welfare effects of cocoa hand pollination, and the outcomes of agricultural policy interventions like the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program.👩‍🌾 His work extends to consumer perceptions of traditional drinks, organic vegetable consumption patterns, and the adoption of food safety practices among beef sellers and consumers. Additionally, he explores farmers’ perceptions of alternative calcium sources for poultry production.Stephen Prah’s research covers a broad spectrum, reflecting his dedication to enhancing agricultural sustainability and economic welfare.

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

 

 

Ivelina Nikolova | Crop Production

Posted on by ScienceFather
Prof Dr Ivelina Nikolova: Leading Research in Crop Production
scientist at  Institute of Forage Crops, Bulgaria

🌱🔬Ivelina Nikolova is a distinguished professor with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, specializing in Plant Protection (Entomology). Born on May 26, 1973, in Rousse, Bulgaria, she has a rich academic career, starting with her master’s degree from Agricultural University, Plovdiv, in 1996.With over 21 years of scientific experience, Professor Nikolova has made significant contributions to the understanding of entomofauna in forage crops, insect pest activity, tolerance/resistance, and organic insecticides. Her major achievements include research on species composition, population dynamics, and economic importance of insect pests in leguminous forage crops.🌍🌾

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

📚 Education:

Agricultural University, Plovdiv (1991–1996) Speciality: Plant protection and agroecology Qualification degree: Master

🎓 Academic Career:

  • Professor (2016 – Present)
  • Assos. Professor (2012)
  • Academic Research Degree “Doctor” (2007)
  • Assistant Professor (2010)
  • Researcher I, II, III degree (2006, 2003, 2001)

🏆 Major Achievements:

  • Explored insect pests in forage crops
  • Developed environmentally friendly pest management
  • Studied the impact of forage crop management on entomofauna
  • Analyzed chemical composition and nutritional value of forage

🌍 International Experience:

Staff Mobility for Teaching in North Macedonia (2022), Czech Republic (2017), Latvia (2016). Specialization in Ukraine (2008)

👩‍🏫 Academic Leadership:

Head of three research projects. Participation in over twenty research projects. Director of the Institute of Forage Crops, Pleven (Feb 2021 – Present)

🌐 Membership and Positions:

Member of Scientific Organizations Editorial board member of International Journal of Agriculture Science and Food Technology Head of Department and Member of the Board of Directors at IFC-Pleven.

🌱 Research Focus:

Dr. Ivelina Nikolova’s research stands at the forefront of entomological exploration, with a keen focus on sustainable agriculture and pest management. Her pioneering work delves into the markers of resistance against the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, within Pisum sativum L. accessions. Additionally, she examines the intricate relationship between biopesticides, the spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis trifolii Monell), and its predator, Coccinella septempunctata L.Furthermore, Dr. Nikolova explores the impact of natural products on Acyrthosiphon pisum density in Pisum sativum L., emphasizing the dual benefits of pest control and enhanced forage quality. Her work reflects a commitment to understanding and promoting ecological balance in agricultural ecosystems. 🐜🌿

Publications:🌐🔬

 

AgriEducation Researcher Innovator Excellence Award

Posted on by ScienceFather
Introduction of AgriEducation Researcher Innovator Excellence Award :

Welcome to the AgriEducation Researcher Innovator Excellence Award—a distinguished accolade recognizing outstanding individuals in the field of agricultural education and research. This award celebrates innovators who have made significant contributions to the advancement of agricultural knowledge and education.

Award Eligibility:

The AgriEducation Researcher Innovator Excellence Award is open to researchers and educators dedicated to advancing agricultural education. There are no age limits, and eligible candidates should have a strong academic background, notable qualifications, and a history of impactful publications and innovations in the field.

Qualifications and Publications:

Candidates must showcase a high level of expertise in agricultural education and research, supported by relevant academic qualifications. Publications, innovative research, and contributions to the advancement of agricultural knowledge will be crucial indicators of a candidate’s eligibility.

Recurrence and Evaluation Criteria:

This award is an annual recognition. The evaluation process considers factors such as research impact, educational innovation, leadership, and overall contributions to the field of agricultural education.

Submission Guidelines:

Candidates are required to follow specific submission guidelines, including providing a comprehensive biography, an abstract highlighting their contributions, and supporting files that demonstrate their achievements in agricultural education and research.

Recognition and Community Impact:

Recipients of the AgriEducation Researcher Innovator Excellence Award will gain industry-wide recognition for their exceptional contributions. The award emphasizes the importance of community impact, acknowledging individuals who have made a significant difference in advancing agricultural education and research.

Biography and Abstract:

Candidates are expected to provide a detailed biography outlining their academic journey and a concise abstract capturing the essence of their impactful work in agricultural education and research.

Submission of Supporting Files:

Candidates are encouraged to submit relevant files showcasing their publications, innovative research, and contributions to the advancement of agricultural knowledge.

AgriInnovator Excellence Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Introduction of AgriInnovator Excellence Award,:

Welcome to the AgriInnovator Excellence Award, where groundbreaking agricultural innovations take center stage. This prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural landscape, driving progress and sustainability. Now, let’s delve into the details:
Eligibility:

Open to individuals of all ages, this award recognizes innovators in agriculture regardless of age. Qualifications span a spectrum of expertise, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents. Publications and academic achievements are not prerequisites; the emphasis is on tangible contributions to the field.

Evaluation Criteria:

Entries will be evaluated based on innovation, impact, and sustainability. The jury will consider the practical application of ideas, their influence on the community, and the long-term viability of the innovation.

Submission Guidelines:

Participants are encouraged to submit a comprehensive biography, an abstract detailing their innovation, and supporting files that substantiate their claims. Submissions should be detailed yet concise, providing a holistic view of the innovator’s work.

Recognition:

The AgriInnovator Excellence Award not only celebrates the winners but also shines a spotlight on their contributions through extensive media coverage, fostering a culture of innovation within the agricultural community.

Community Impact:

A key focus of this award is the positive impact on the agricultural community. The jury will assess how the innovation addresses community needs, promotes sustainability, and contributes to the overall well-being of the agricultural ecosystem.