ENOS AYIEMBA ONYUKA

• Performed thorough research and analysis to support the development and implementation of specialized programs on sustainable livelihoods, resilience, environmental management, food security, and climate change in the African region
• Provided support in the design and development of programs focused on sustainable livelihoods, environmental management, and climate change adaptation
• Played a key role in implementing various programs related to agri-food systems, livelihoods, and climate change
• Supported project activities, coordinated with partner organizations, and facilitated workshops and training sessions for beneficiaries
• Actively participated in capacity building initiatives by delivering training sessions and workshops on sustainable livelihood practices, climate resilience, and natural resource management
• Conducted scoping and mapping of the Gender-Responsive Green Growth landscape, aligned with the Africa Union's Green Recovery Action Plan (GRAP)
• Identified gender-specific challenges and opportunities in climate finance and developed strategies for gender-responsive interventions
• Facilitated effective collaboration and communication with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities
• Organized stakeholder consultations, facilitated meetings, and fostered partnerships to ensure successful program implementation
• Program Management Roles:
• Actively monitored and evaluated project outcomes to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
• Developed monitoring and evaluation frameworks, collected and analyzed data, and prepared reports to support decision-making processes
• Offered technical expertise and guidance in agri-food systems, livelihoods, climate change, and natural resource management
• Stayed updated on research, best practices, and emerging trends to deliver high-quality services to clients and beneficiaries
• Contributed to knowledge management efforts by documenting project experiences, lessons learned, and best practices
• Enhanced organizational knowledge, informed future program design, and shared insights with stakeholders
• Ensured compliance with regulations, standards, and policies related to sustainable livelihoods, environmental management, and climate change
• Facilitated coordination and collaboration among cross-functional teams involved in program implementation
• Organized meetings, fostered communication channels, and resolved conflicts or challenges during project execution
• Assisted in fundraising and partnership development to secure financial resources and establish collaborations
• Prepared grant proposals, conducted donor research, and fostered relationships with potential funding organizations and partners
• Climate Change Lead Expert |
• Technical Assistance to the European Union funded Intra-African-Carribean-Pacific (ACP) Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) Program in the Southern Africa Development Community (Intra ACP SADC GCCA+, Project areas of coverage: The 16 SADC member states (based in Gaborone, Botswana)
• Technical Focus
• Conducted comprehensive assessments of the current status of climate change in the SADC region, managing research activities, coordinating support, and producing high-quality reports
• Provided technical support to SADC Regional Organizations in the implementation of climate change programs, collaborating with stakeholders and contributing to program design and execution
• Enhanced the negotiation capacities of SADC Member States in collaboration with ACP Regional Organizations, facilitating dialogue and providing technical expertise
• Assisted SADC Member States in implementing the Paris Agreement and meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), offering guidance on policy development, capacity building, and knowledge sharing
• Water, Energy, and Food (WEF) Nexus Projects
• Provided technical assistance in replicating and scaling up Water, Energy, and Food (WEF) Nexus projects, facilitating knowledge transfer and supporting the adoption of sustainable practices
• Contributed to the strengthening of SADC Regional Technical Institutions and Universities in climate change adaptation and mitigation through capacity building and knowledge transfer
• Supported SADC Member States and Regional Institutions in accessing climate change finance, providing guidance on funding mechanisms and facilitating partnerships
• Engaged in climate change research projects, conducting data analysis, interpreting research results, and producing high-quality reports and articles
• Outreach and Networking
• Established partnerships with relevant organizations and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange
• Oversaw the publication of research findings and deliverables, collaborating with experts to develop outreach and marketing strategies
• Contributed to team development by participating in cross-team activities, providing leadership, and facilitating key project activities
• Engaged in management responsibilities, including project reporting and coordination with external experts and consultants
• Program Management
• Played a key role in designing and delivering project deliverables, contributing to the overall climate change technical advisory and program development
• Ensured effective program implementation by providing leadership, oversight, and support to team members
• Monitored program effectiveness and impact through evaluations, stakeholder feedback, and data analysis, reporting findings and making recommendations for improvement
• Fostered a collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning among team members
• Key Achievements
• Coordinated and hosted three SADC side events during the UNFCCC COP27 in Egypt, focusing on topics such as the Great Green Wall Initiative and best practices and lessons learned from the Intra-ACP Global Climate Change Alliance program in the SADC region
• Developed SADC Negotiations, 2 training manuals and guides for climate change negotiations, which were adopted for use in the SADC region and used for capacity building sessions
• Spearheaded the establishment of the SADC regional Climate Change Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) hub for the Southern African countries
• Coordinated capacity building for the SADC climate change negotiators and contributed to the development of SADC regional position papers on climate change for the UNFCCC COP26 and COP27
• Established a multi-stakeholder forum on Climate Smart Agricultural Techniques within the SADC member states
• Sustainable Land Management, Food Security and

Climate Smart Agriculture Lead Expert |

• Support, Poverty Alleviation (STIPA) in Kenya
• Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
• Organized professional with expertise in managing resources and optimizing performance. Proficient in providing valuable insights and supporting decision-making processes. Committed to enhancing productivity and contributing to overall success.
• Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
• Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
• Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
• Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
• Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.

• Project Design and Technical Coordination
• Led the project design and coordinated the technical implementation of project components focusing on climate change and food security improvement
• Established and managed multi-stakeholder platforms to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange
• Monitored and evaluated project activities, ensuring adherence to established procedures and reporting requirements
• Coordinated closely with county government, state, and private service providers to ensure effective project implementation
• Managed partnerships and maintained liaison with relevant stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and effective collaboration
• Ensured quality assurance during project implementation by local partners, providing guidance and support as needed
• Capacity Building and Project Management
• Conducted capacity building and training sessions for staff and project partners on relevant project areas
• Coordinated the activities of local project implementing partners, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines
• Managed contracts and agreements with other locally funded organizations and institutions, ensuring compliance with regulations
• Provided technical advisory services on procurement of inputs, tools, and equipment, verifying their distribution and utilization in project areas
• Documented periodic progress reports and shared them with the management team, highlighting achievements and challenges
• Key Achievements
• Enhanced awareness creation through field demonstrations and field days increased the level of awareness of climate-smart drought-resistant bean seeds by 40%, resulting in a demand for bean seeds by 40% (500 new farmers)
• Coordinated 22 field demonstrations (awareness sessions) resulting in increased awareness on climate-smart drought-resistant bean seeds by 40%, leading to a demand for bean seeds by 500 new farmers
• Over 60% of the project farmers were linked to markets, resulting in a 30% increase in their household income
• Additionally, 40% new markets were established, including schools, hospitals, and grain bulkers
• Local seed multiplication and bulking increased youth employment and income by 40%
• This expansion also increased access to improved bean seeds by 35% more farmers in the target population
• Over 52% of farmers in the project mandate areas were linked to Village Savings and Loaning schemes, enabling them to access financial services
• More than 50% of the farmers received skills training on new technologies and business development along the bean value chain
• Enhanced communication among bean farmers, project staff, and County Agricultural Extension Personnel through the use of STIPA innovation platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp., (crop improvement, protection & soil fertility management):
• Africa Rice Centre - East and Southern Africa Programme
• Preparing African Rice Farmers Against Parasitic Weeds in a Changing Environment (PARASITE) project

• Horticultural Innovations and Learning for Improved Nutrition and Livelihood in East Africa (HORTINLEA) Project, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development & Co-operation (BMZ), Areas of coverage: Germany, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania
• Responsibilities:
• Liaises with national partners to ensure timely execution of the research project activities;
• Apply field research techniques and procedures for the implementation of field trials;
• Collaborate in research activities assigned to adaptation, demonstration, and piloting of climate smart technologies and agronomy at scale innovations;
• Coordinate timely Monitoring, evaluation and timely reporting of the project activities;
• Participation in annual project planning and reporting workshops
• Timely preparation of project action plans, protocols, guidelines, budgets, and progress reports;
• Collect data from fields, manage databases, conduct statistical analysis of data, and compile summary of the results;
• Coordinate the project’s communication and visibility (in the form of literature review, policy briefs and journal publications);
• Document, and share project experience, successes challenges and lessons learnt
• Translate manuals, field guides, and demo materials from English to local languages as required;
• Achievements
• Conducted research on soil fertility and carbon fluxes in smallholder African Indigenous Vegetable (AIV) production systems in Kenya
• I disseminated findings, mentored students, and participated in collaborative research programs in Africa and Germany
• Conducted Soil Fertility survey among the African Leafy Vegetable growers in Western Kenya
• Contributed to the design and implementation of the HORTINLEA household surveys in Western Kenya, Nairobi and its environs
• Applied research technique to determine effectiveness of [Type] interventions.
• Authored professional scientific papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

• And Technology in Kenya, School of, Provided technical research support to doctoral, masters, and bachelor's students
• Taught and examined over 600 undergraduate students in agricultural sciences, and participated in curriculum reviews.

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) - East & Southern Africa Program | Harnessing Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement of Sorghum and Millets (HOPE) project, Project Coverage areas: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducted on-farm and on-station trials, soil analysis and advisory services, and supporting research activities
• I contributed to the development of superior sorghum germplasm, facilitated technology dissemination for improved yields, and provided soil fertility management support
• Backstopped the breeding & crop improvement research programmes on Legumes and Cereals in Malawi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
• Coordinated technology dissemination/ awareness creation activities through field demonstrations, stakeholder field days, farmer field schools, seed fairs and agricultural exhibitions/ shows
• Designed and implemented on-farm and on-station trials and demonstrations for the evaluation of dry land cereals germplasm for ecological adaptability, nutrient requirements and response to both biotic and abiotic stresses across the agro-ecological zones of Kenya and Tanzania
• Back-stopped graduate and post graduate research activities (2 post-doctoral fellows, 3 PhD fellows, 2 masters students on germplasm improvement and soil fertility management
• Managed over 10 undergraduate interns and over 50 permanent and temporary technical employees through duty assignments, payroll preparations and dispute resolutions
• Coordinated soil analytical services and client technical advisory services regarding the appropriate soil fertility management interventions in the project mandate areas
• Key Achievements
• Coordinated the on-farm and on-station technology evaluation trials for dryland cereals for ecological adaptability, Superior hybrid sorghum germplasm (e.g GADAM x IS 8193) was a flagship product of HOPE project
• Coordinated collaborative participatory technology dissemination in which the combination of superior yielding & adaptable germplasm, and the fertilizer micro-dosing techniques showed upto 150% yields improvement in dryland cereals
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
• Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
• Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
• Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
• Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
• Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
• Organized professional with expertise in managing resources and optimizing performance. Proficient in providing valuable insights and supporting decision-making processes. Committed to enhancing productivity and contributing to overall success.
• Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
• Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
• Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
• Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
• Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
• Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
• Helped team meet regulatory requirements by coordinating documentation and filings.
• Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns.
• Gathered, arranged, and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
• Completed exhaustive research into [Topic] using databases, physical records, and digital resources.
• Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
• Distilled large amounts of information and produced reports, spreadsheets, and documents outlining key details.
• Utilized statistical packages to analyze data and create visualizations.
• Interpreted laboratory results to provide technical advice to scientists.
• Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
• Cooperated with other technicians to develop and test new protocols.
• Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
• Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
• Developed new protocols and improved existing laboratory processes.
• Participated in research projects by designing and executing experiments.
• Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
• Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
• Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
• Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports.
• Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
• Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Provided support and guidance to junior lab staff.
• Trained and supervised junior technicians in laboratory protocols.
• Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
• Monitored and documented safety standards to verify compliance.
• Collaborated with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments.
• Coordinated and managed laboratory projects and experiments.

• Technically backstopped the collaborative research programs and contributed to the design and implementation of on-farm and on-station studies on parasitic weed management strategies under the smallholder rice production systems
• Specifically contributed to the review of current farm level productivity constraints; identification of relevant project partners; develop action plans and budgets for project interventions implementation; Support the design/set-up of laboratory and on -farm experimentation, field surveys and related data collection; field demonstration farms, organization of field days and training sessions with the stakeholders on appropriate Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies; networking to enhance linkage between key project partners; coordinate participatory learning and capacity building programs to key stakeholders; organization of field demonstration, field days and training sessions with stakeholders; Participation in annual project planning and reporting workshops; contribute to project monitoring; contribute to technical feedback and progress reporting; produce field stories; review and update other communication materials; document challenges and lessons learned in the process of dissemination and adoption of the relevant CSA innovations; feedback and progress reporting; delivery of presentation on report recommendations to the project management team & other stakeholders; provided technical support to post doctorate, postgraduate and intern students research projects; and coordinated the supervision of temporary staff and project interns
• Key Achievements
• Project 1: Preparing African Rice Farmers Against Parasitic Weeds in a Changing Environment (PARASITE) project: (a multidisciplinary collaborative research project of AfricaRice center, Universities and National Agricultural Research Systems of Madagascar, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire and Tanzania & international Research organizations):
• I backstopped the design and execution of the following studies (full details are available via the respective links):
• Farmers’ knowledge use and preferences of parasitic weed management strategies in rain-fed rice production systems”
• This study assessed farmers' awareness, use, preference and adoption criteria of parasitic weed management practices in the diverse rain-fed rice production ecologies in Tanzania (Crop Protection 99: 93 - 107; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317033526)
• Locally Adapted Parasitic Weed Management Strategies Based on Soil Fertility Amendments” (http://www.parasite-project.org/documents )
• The potential of timing as a parasitic weed management strategy for smallholder rice farmers”(http://www.parasite-project.org/documents;http://www.parasite-project.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Jonne-Rodenburg_FINAL.pdf; Field Crops Research 214 (2017) 14 - 24)
• 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)
• Rice yields under the parasitic weed (Rhamphicarpa fistulosa) - infested field conditions, and variety selection criteria for resistance and tolerance” (Field Crops Research 194 (2016) 21–30) DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2016.04.030)
• Project 2: Africa-Rising project, under Feed the future Initiative - USAID ( http://www.africarising.net)
• Under the project theme of ‘’Building Local and Regional Capacities in Weed Science” the project sought to enhance the appropriate weed management practices among Research & Development partners involved in rice‐based productions systems in Tanzania (https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/16864)
• Achievements
• Back-stopped a key stakeholders’ (22 research & development professionals and 15 weed science students) training on the use of a weed identification tool and weed control and management practices at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania
• The workshop launched the open‐access online African weed science network & weeds book
• Facilitated a workshop on manufacturing locally adaptable rotary weeders for lowland rice (‘’Building Local and Regional Capacities in Weed Science’, 10th - 12th July 2012 - Morogoro, Tanzania (http://www.africarising.net)
• Experimental field study on the weed management technologies, in which two weeder types were compared against herbicide application and hand weeding in terms of weed control, and labor inputs in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania (See American Journal of Weed Technology, 29(4):751-757 (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/WT-D-15-00016.1)
• Coordinated the development of two farmer‐to‐farmer instruction videos on labor‐saving weed management technologies ‐ the rotary‐hoe weeder in lowland rice and safe and efficient use of herbicides (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U375gz5A3pE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA8N3ZxYllI)
• Seed Systems Quality, (Seed Certification and Plant Examination)
• Isolated research topics of interest and devised well-coordinated studies employing [Type] and [Type] techniques.
• Identified trends in [Location] policies and economics to assist [Type] organizations with key decision making.

• Multi-locational National Plant Variety Testing for adaptability and value for cultivation, and plant variety examination for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability for the grant of plant breeders’ rights for all crop species;
• Quality seed certification through field seed crop inspection, seed processing and labelling;
• Provided guidance and recommendations on Laboratory soil and water testing services, and on-farm fertilization advisory services;
• Served as a liaison officer between KEPHIS, public & private sector players on agro-inputs quality in Kenya;
• Coordinated agro-inputs quality awareness trainings & seminars for both public and private sectors;
• Coordinated systems & quality control internal audit (ISO 9001:2008);
• Oversaw timely preparation of technical progress reports and reviews on crop variety testing and seed certification protocols;
• Conducted awareness on KEPHIS’s seed system regulatory services through farmer field days, agricultural shows, seed fairs, and on-farm varietal demonstrations;
• Coordinated human and financial resource management

• Reporting to the Technical Manager, my duties included; coordination of agro-inputs training seminars and public seed fairs; designing, execution and evaluation of pioneer seed Product Advancement Trials (PATs); facilitation of seed quality evaluation by government regulatory agencies; provided technical back-up to the sales agronomists’ team to enhance the sales and preparation of technical progress reports, crop bulletins and update pesticide spray programs based on Good Agricultural Practice requirements.

• International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) “Strengthening Seed Supply systems Project” in East Africa & Southern Programme”;, Project coverage areas: Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda
• Duties and Responsibilities
• Reporting to the CIMMYT Project leader, my core duties included:
• Liaison with national partners to ensure timely establishment of field trials and data collection;
• Ensure timely reporting to the project leader, especially of any challenging and unexpected situations during the roll-out of the assigned project for immediate adjustment;
• Communication of research findings in the form of literature review, policy briefs and publications;
• Overall technical backstopping of all the on-station and on-farm breeding research activities across the agro-ecological zones in Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda
• Coordinate field & laboratory data collection, manage databases, conduct statistical analysis of data, and compile scientific reports for presentation in relevant scientific fora
• Coordinate stakeholders’ awareness activities through workshops, seed fairs, and demonstrations;
• Participate in annual project planning and reporting workshops in Kenya;
• Contribute to the preparation of project action plans, protocols, guidelines, budgets, and reports;
• Identify, document, and share project experience, successes challenges and lessons learnt
• Supervise of temporary technical staff and interns towards attainment of the project objectives including preparations of payrolls;
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• Kept work areas extremely clean and sanitized properly to avoid errors in research.
• Supported senior management with creation and enhancement of continuous improvement of research procedures.
• Reduced project discrepancies by optimizing quality control standards.
• Followed research protocols when gathering data and performing lab experiments.
• Coordinated with research and development team to support production and boost efficiency.
• Inputted and edited computer entries from generated research using [Software].
• Handled all troubleshooting tasks on malfunctioning lab equipment working with manufacturers to resolve problems.
• Maximized efficiency by meticulously organizing and administering experiments.
• Assisted with training junior team members in laboratory techniques and operation of equipment.
• Eliminated procedure gaps by effectively guiding and teaching [Number] Technicians on operations of machinery, inspection protocols and processes.
• Reduced operational roadblocks and solved product and process issues to optimize efficiency.
• Supervised [Number] employees and achieved on-time, under-budget management on complex issues.
• Improved production efforts by managing process capabilities for semiconductor operations, [Type] and [Type].
• Verified regulatory compliance and protocol adherence through comprehensive inspections.
• Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Interpreted laboratory results to provide technical advice to scientists.
• Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
• Trained and supervised junior technicians in laboratory protocols.
• Developed new protocols and improved existing laboratory processes.
• Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
• Cooperated with other technicians to develop and test new protocols.
• Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
• Participated in research projects by designing and executing experiments.
• Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports.
• Collaborated with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments.
• Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
• Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
• Provided support and guidance to junior lab staff.
• Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
• Monitored and documented safety standards to verify compliance.
• Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
• Coordinated and managed laboratory projects and experiments.
• Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.

• Agroecology, Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate, Project areas of coverage: Africa-wide Region 05