Solutions to Agrifood Systems in Africa

Francis Nang’ayo is a veteran Agricultural Research Specialist and Policy Advisor on Science, Technology and Innovation. He has over 30 years of combined work experience having worked as Senior Manager and Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs Division at the Nairobi-based African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), an international organization that facilitates public-private partnerships for agricultural technology transfer in sub-Saharan Africa. He also serve as  General Manager at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Principal Scientist/Deputy Director for Biotechnology Research at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), and Member of Board of Directors of National Public Archives of Kenya. Trained in Agricultural Sciences, he is versed in formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs aimed at enhancing food security and conserving biological diversity through integrated natural resource management approaches including the application of quantitative scientific techniques based on Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems in quantifying, monitoring, modeling and mapping natural land use patterns. He is also trained in Strategic Management and its application in managing institutional change and widely experienced in fund-raising and resource mobilization for research and development initiatives. Dr Nang’ayo has authored and co-authored over 100 scientific publications, monographs and press articles; and delivered credentialed keynote presentations at national, regional, international and, professional meetings. A holder of a Ph.D. in Applied Ecology from Imperial College, University of London, UK, Dr Nang’ayo is a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow (RF) and Thomas Jefferson Associate (TJA).

Lisa is a lawyer by training with close to 10 years of experience in policy review, advocacy, drafting and synthesis of legal and policy documents. She has hands-on experience in drafting Policy Papers, Policy Briefs and other technical documents supportive of policy advocacy and lobbying gained her past work as Legal Officer at KEPHIS, a State Corporation in Kenya and as Legal Counsel at ELGIA, an International NGO engaged in Electoral and Legal Governance systems in Africa. Lisa has participated in forums involving inter-institutional negotiations towards consensus building such as the recent Bi-Partisan Political Talks in Kenya as well as the UNODC-led Regional Training on Practical Application of the Instruments and Processes for Stakeholder Engagement in the Implementation of the Review Mechanism of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from The University of Manchester, UK and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Commercial Law from City, University of London, UK.