CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal data
Name : Prof. Nancy K.N. Karanja
Date of Birth : 20th October, 1953
Place of Birth : Nyeri District
Nationality : Kenyan
Profession : Soil Scientist
Current position: Professor
Marital Status : Married with two children
Religion : Christian
Languages : Kikuyu, Kiswahili, English
Postal Address : P.O. Box 51939, Nairobi
Email :
Telephone : 254-02-4223605/02/27
254-722-472667 (mobile)
Education Institution Dates
Primary Education: Gathuthi Primary School, Nyeri District 1961-1967
Secondary Education: Kijabe High School, Kiambu District 1968-1971
Kaaga Girls High School, Meru District 1972-1973
University of Nairobi: B.Sc (Agriculture) 1974-1976
M.Sc (Soil Science) 1977-1979
University of Reading, UK: Ph.D (Soil Science) 1985-1988
Thesis
N.K. Mureria, 1979. Population dynamics of soil microorganisms in termite mound soils in Kenya. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Nairobi.
N.K. Karanja, 1988. Selecting Rhizobium phaseoli strains for use with beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Kenya. Ph.D Thesis, University of Reading.
Employment Place Period
Senior Research Officer Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1989-90
(KARI)
Principal Research Officer Kenya Forestry Research Institute,
(KEFRI) 1990-93
Senior Lecturer University of Nairobi, (UoN) 1993-2000
Associate Professor University of Nairobi (UoN) 2000-2007
Professor University of Nairobi 25th Feb, 2007
Consultant Urban Harvest-International Potato Centre 2004 to-date
Other Responsibilities
· Chairperson, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, 1996 – June, 2002.
· Director, Microbial Resource Centre (MIRCEN) Nairobi.
· Vice Chairperson, African Association for Biological Nitrogen Fixation (AABNF).
· President, African Association for Biological Nitrogen Fixation (AABNF).
· Country Technical Coordinator and member of the Global Project Steering Committee (PSC) , UNEP-GEF on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Belowground Biodiversity (BGBD) project.
· Coordinator, Solid Waste Management Network (WASTENET)
· Academic Board Member, St Paul University ,Limuru
· Vice Chairperson, PCEA HIV/AIDs Council
Research Projects
1. Biological Nitrogen Fixation:
a) Biodiversity and populations of indigenous rhizobia populations in soils of East and Southern Africa.
b) On-farm trials on the effects of rhizobia inoculants on performance of grain legume.
c) Improvement of the rhizobia inoculant production and utilization by the smallholder farmers within Eastern and Southern African region.
d) Distribution, abundance and diversity of nematodes associated with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and their effects on bean growth and nodulation in smallholder farms in Kiambu and Siaya, Kenya.
e) Urban solid waste management, urban and peri-urban agriculture programmes.
f) Improvement of sweetpotato production through integrated approaches.
2. Soil fertility:
a) Management of organic residues for maintenance of soil fertility by farmers in Central Kenya
b) Agronomic effectiveness of phosphate rocks on agroforestry tree species.
c) Assessment of improved fallows for soil fertility improvement in W. Kenya.
d) Effects of organic amendments on soilborne pests, diseases and beneficial organisms.
3. Environmental management:
a) Development of organic based fertilizers from agro-based waste products through composting and fertilizer justifications.
b) Evaluation of the ability of vertisols to remove nutrients from pond effluents at the Sagana Fisheries.
c) Urban waste management: Potential of urban waste treatment and use to enhance productivity and sustainability of rural, peri-urban agriculture.
d) Development and delivery of a training module on solid waste and urban agriculture for the Anglophone, Africa Regional Training Course on urban and peri-urban agriculture organised by Urban Harvest (CGIAR system wide initiative on urban and peri urban agriculture) and others. Participation in the on-going Urban Harvests’ urban and peri-urban activities in Nairobi.
4. Private sector and farmers linkages
a) Consulting for KEMPHIS and KARI - assessment of newly introduced bio-fertilizer on their efficacy and effect on soil biological issues.
b) Advisory services to farmers on soil related matters e.g. fertility assessment.
c) Collaborating with Homegrown Ltd. on Research and Development issues.
d) Evaluation of MAVUNO fertilizer formulations on farmers fields jointly with the Athi River Mines Ltd.
e) Advocacy in farmer FOR A for policy change to accommodate urban and peri-urban agriculture in SSA countries
Areas of Teaching in both B.Sc and M.Sc Programmes
1. Soil fertility and microbiology.
2. Soil organisms and biochemistry.
3. Degradation of synthetic and organic molecules.
4. Pesticide microbiology and geochemical cycles leading to environmental pollution.
Postgraduate Supervised Projects
1. Ms. Risper Amolo (M.Sc.). Assessing rates of filtermud mineralization, nutrient release and its effect on maize yield grown on an infertile soil from Western Kenya. (Graduated in1995).
2. Mr. D.M. Kamweti (Ph.D). Development of an appropriate methodology to predict wood yield in Agroforestry Systems. (Graduated in 1996).
3. Ms. Jane Kapkiyai (M.Sc.). Dynamics of soil carbon, nitrogen and microbial biomass in a longterm field experiment as affected by inorganic and organic fertilization. (Graduated in 1997).
4. Mr. Simon W. Bunyasi (M.Sc.). Nitrogen release from plant residue of contrasting composition to soil and maize crop. (Graduated in 1997).
5. Mr. K.W. Nyabundi (M.Sc.). Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) response to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers as influenced by mycorrhizal infection. (Graduated in 1997).
6. Ms. Evah Murage (M.Sc.). Soil carbon fractions based on physical, chemical and biological fractions and their relationship to fertility of the humic Nitosols found in Central Kenya Highlands. (Graduated in 1998).
7. Mr. Kaleb Mwendwa (M.Phil. - Moi University). Evaluation of availability and uptake of P from Rockphosphate (RP) by agroforestry trees grown in an acid soil in Kenya. (Graduated in 1999).
8. Mr. Venant Rutunga (Ph.D). Root biomass, root nutrient yield and their effects on maize/bean rotation production in a short duration to improve a fallow in Western Kenya. (Graduated, year 2000).
9. Mr. Isaac Savini (M.Sc.). Effects of organic materials on solubilization of phosphorus from phosphate rocks. (Graduated in 1999).
10. Mr. James Angawa (M.Sc.). Estimation of the effect of nitrate (NO3-N) on nodulation, N2-fixation and dry matter yield of by Calliandra Calothyrsus. (Graduated in 1999).
11. Mr. Bernard Muganda Meso (M.Sc.).Use of pond effluents of different nutrient levels for irrigation of tomatoes and french beans at the Sagana Fisheries Department, Kenya. (Graduated, 2000).
12. Mr. Protus Wanyonyi Khisa (M.Sc.). Field monitoring of surface runoff and soil loss as influenced by selected cover crops. (Graduated, 2000).
13. Mr. Joseph Ndutu (Ph.D). The effect of organic manures and gypsum on the physical and chemical properties of sodic soils in Kiboko - Makundu area of Makueni District. (in progress).
14. Mr. Elias Maina Gichangi (M.Sc.). Reduction of nitrogen losses from cattle manure by stabilization with ammonia adsorbing material. (Graduated,2001).
15. Mr. Canon E. Norris Savala (M.Sc.). Vermicomposting using farmers agro based organic waste in Eastern Africa Highlands. (Graduated,2001).
16. Mr. Kinyua Nyawira (M.Sc.). Soil fertility problem solving in the Central Kenyan highlands (Kiambu). The amelioration of the most limiting nutrient to crop production in Kiambu. (Graduated,2001).
17. Ms. Susan Sande (M.Sc.) Dynamics of soil fauna as influenced by soil fertility management practices in the Central Kenya Highlands. (Graduated, 2001).
18. Mr. I. Macharia (M.Sc.). Biological control of root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) affecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) using Bacillus spp. (Graduated, 2002).
19. Mr. David M. Muiru (M.Sc.) Influence of organic amendments on root-knot nematode populations. (Graduated,2002).
20. Mr. Musombi B. Kibberenge (Ph.D). The diversity and ecology of earthworms in selected landuse management systems: A case study of Taita and Embu Districts, Kenya. (in progress).
21. Caroline A. Ouko (MSc).Estimation of above- and belowground carbon stocks in selected landuse patterns of Mt.Marsabit ecosystem.(Graduated, 2006)
22. Alice Njeru (MSc). Assessment of selected health risks associated with livestock rearing in urban and peri-urban areas of Nakuru, Kenya.( Submitted,2006)
23. Muiru James Ngunjiri (MSc). Effects of land use intensification on soil structure and water storage in Kakamega soils. (in progress ,2006)
24. Miriam Githongo (MSc). Effect of Sewage Wastewater irrigation on diversity of soil fauna and heavy metal accumulation in selected vegetable crops grown in Kibera and Ruai areas of Nairobi.( in progress,2006)
25. Haggai Ndukhu (MSc). Dynamics of nematodes as influenced by land use, soil fertility management practices and Bacillus subtilis inoculant. (in progress,2006)
26. Joseph Monda (MSc) Enviromental risks of Cryporisporidium parvum type 2 in urban smallholder dairy production in Dagoretti,Nairobi.
INVESTIGATOR: DR. JOSEPH G. MONDA (BVM)
27. Miriam Otipa (PhD) Integrated cropping systems with organic amendments for sustainable soil health ( in progress)
28. Isaac Macharia (PhD) Mamnagement of root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. and Fusarium oxysporium disease in tomatoes using biological control agents.( in progress)
Membership in Scientific Organizations
1. Member of Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA), ISSSS.
2. President of African Association of Biological Nitrogen Fixation (AABNF).
3. Member of African Crop Science Society (ACS).
4. Member of African Network for Agroforestry Education (ANAFE) .
5. Member of Rhizobium Ecology Network for East and Southern Africa (RENEASA).
6. Member of Kenya Microbiology Society (KMS).
7. Member of Urban Waste Management (WASTENET) task force (Nairobi).
Grants and Contracts
1. The Ecology of indigenous Rhizobia populations in soils of Eastern and Southern Africa: Network Approach (RENEASA) Phase I&II. Funded by Rockefeller Foundation and UNESCO, 1994-1996 – US$ 80,000.
2. RENEASA: Phase II. Funded by Rockefeller Foundation,1998-2000 – US$ 58,000.
3. Organic matter management in smallholder farmers in Central Kenya Highlands. Funded by Rockefeller Foundation, 1995-2001 – US$ 164,000.
4. Evaluation of the agronomic effectiveness of phosphate rock fertilizers through the use of Nuclear and related techniques: Evaluation of P availability from Minjingu phosphate rock using selected agroforestry trees species. Funded by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 1993-1998 – US$ 18,000.
5. Use of fresh water pond effluencts for production of horticultural crops. Funded by USAID through CRISP-Auburn, University, 1998-1999 – US$ 15,000.
6. Population diversity of Bradyrhizobia in selected Kenya soils. Funded by American Society of Microbiology, 1998-99 – US$ 10,000.
7. Distribution, abundance and diversity of nematodes associated with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and their effect on bean growth and nodulation in smallholder farms, Kiambu and Siaya districts, Kenya.Funded by Rockefeller Foundation, 1997-1998 – US$ 5,000.
8. Landuse change, agrobiodiversity and global environmental benefits. Coordinated by the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Programme (TSBF) of UNESCO and submitted to the GEF-UNEP programme in December, 1998 – US$ 80,000 from Rockefeller Foundation.
9. UNESCO-fellowships to offer short term attachments to 5 fellows from Senegal (2), Sudan (2), and Zambia (1) in the MIRCEN laboratory to familiarise themselves with the rhizobia inoculant production technology (offered from 1995-1999). Funded by UNESCO-Paris, 2 months each fellow – US$ 18,000.
10. Visiting UNESCO-BAC fellowship to: (a) Rwanda to assess the infrustructural and Human Resource requirements of ISAR’s Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) in 1997 and (b) Sudan to conduct rhizobia inoculant production and quality control training course and as well as assessing the requirements of the ENRRI-BNF laboratory in 1998. Funded by UNESCO, 1 week in Rwanda, 1997 and 2 weeks in Sudan, 1998 – US$ 6,000.
11. Regional Training Course on “Rhizobium Inoculant Production and Quality Control” held in Marondera, Zimbabwe. Attended by 20 participants from 10 African countries. Funded by Dutch Special Biotechnology Programme, 3 weeks US$ 50,000.
12. Sustainable Management and Conservation Belowground Biodiversity GEF-UNEP (GF 2715-02) US$ 894,000 (5 year duration).
13. Effect of land use changes on belowground biodiversity and soil productivity in Embu and Kakamega agro-ecosystems. Vicres funded for 3 year.US$ 150,000
14. Urban Waste Management Network (WASTENET), 2002. IDRC US$ 15,000.
15. American Society of microbiology ASM US$5,000
16. Local Participatory Research and Development on Urban Agriculture and Livestock Keeping in Nakuru. March -December 2005,Project Funded by LPP-DFIDprogrammeU$80000.
17. Urban Agriculture Research and Development Centre in Nakuru in 2004. Project funded by IDRC CAD$ 15000
18. Management of organic waste and livestock manure for enhanced livestock production in theUrban and Peri-urban Nairobi, 2003.IDRC US$ 36,000
19. Development of an effective and efficient networking and information strategic plan for the waste managers in Nairobi, 2003. IDRC funding CAD$ 15000
20. Assessment of Benefits and risks in waste water reuse for agriculture in urban and peri urban areas of Nairobi. October 2005 to October 2007. IDRC CADs100000
21. Enhancing Livelihoods of the Youth through recycling of organic waste for Energy Briquette making at Kahawa Soweto Informal settlement, Nairobi .Sept 2006 to Sept2007 IDRC CADs 30000
22. Turning environmental burdens into livelihoods benefits: building sustainable neighbourhoods through recycling,agro-enterprises and a cohesive community in Kampala,Uganda. July 2006 to July 2009 IDRC CADs 1.2m
23. Combating HIV/AIDS in urban communities through food and nutrition security: The role of women led micro-livestock enterprises and horticultural production in Nakuru town June 2006 to June 2008. CIDA CADs 225000
21. Achieving Impact at Scale through Nutrition-focused Marketing: Understanding How Expanding Collective Access to Markets for African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) Enhances Rural and Urban Well-Being. Accepted for funding buy Kilimo Trust for USD750000 from April 2007-2009.
22. Enhanced Rural-Urban trade efficiency and environmental management based on a Business model. Submitted and accepted for funding by IDRC Canada for CADs 400000 in May 2007 to 2009
Participation in Seminars, Conferences/Symposiums and Courses
· The Annual General Meeting for Soil Science Society of East Africa at Arusha, Tanzania on 27 - 28 October, 1980.
· The first Africa Association for Biological Nitrogen Fixation (AABNF) held in
· Nairobi, Kenya on 23-27 July, 1984.
· The Inter-Regional Training course on the use of Isotopes and Radiation Techniques in Studies on soil - plant relationships with emphasis on Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) which was held at the FAO/IAEA Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory, at Seiberdorf, Austria from 7 May to 28 June, 1985.
· Resource person in the MIRCEN (Microbial Resource Centre) Regional Rhizobium Courses at the University of Nairobi, Department of Soil Science from 1989 to-date.
· 1st Annual Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Conference, 14-16 August, 1989.
· Agroforestry Alley Farming AFNETA Course from 14-18 September, 1990 at Kenya Forestry Research Institute.
· Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (AFNET II) Workshop of UNESCO, Gigiri, Nairobi which was held on 1-6 October, 1990.