Draft:Leonard Kiirika

Biography

Dr. Leonard Kiirika's experience stems from mere serving subsistence farmers in the village especially in the ASAL areas to engaging in cutting edge research in Agricultural Sciences, all geared towards enhancing food and nutrition security. He has consistently engaged in research activities targeted towards improving cropping systems to match food/feed needs for emerging world population. His specific research major is Plant Sciences with specific interests on Plant Pathology toeing an advanced line of plant-microbe interactions. He is also trained in managing community-based development projects. Dr. Kiirika completed his Undergraduate Education in Horticulture in Africa (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology KENYA), Masters and PhD in Europe (Leibniz Univesität Hannover GERMANY), worked/is working in Universities in United States of America -USA (University of Wisconsin-Madison & Washington State University), Asia (Okayama University JAPAN) and as Senior Researcher at Polish Academy of Sciences in POLAND. He has previously served in various capacities as a senior manager in private companies and NGOs, and as an extension worker in agricultural projects serving the local communities. He knows best what a poor local subsistence farmer needs, how to reach it, and how relevant the modern science is, especially to the local population. Dr. Kiirika currently serves as a Lecturer in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture ad Technology Nairobi, Kenya.