Lydia is a Research Economist with over 6 years’ experience in managing and implementing research and research for development initiatives in the fields of Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Market and Value Chain Development, Gender, Governance and Institutional Development. She has in-depth knowledge and experience in research and project management including research design, management and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, community development and partnership management.
Prior to this role, Lydia worked at various capacities at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) on several programs such as DRYDEV, EverGreen Agriculture and Land Restoration/FMNR, where she co-ordinated and managed project surveys, gender and feasibility assessments, data, monitoring systems, communities of practice and co-learning among program partners. She led capacity building activities, facilitated the design and management of action learning initiatives and evidence sharing among farmers and stakeholders that informed program planning and implementation.
She has worked across Eastern Africa with various partners including World Vision, SNV, ADRA, IFAD, EU, DfID, UN, CIMMYT, KALRO, and government departments across the region. She is passionate in working with communities towards eradication of poverty, improving livelihoods and mitigating the effects of climate change to ensure the environment remains evergreen!
She holds a Master’s degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics from University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education and Extension from Egerton University.