User:Muthonimasinde

Professor Muthoni Masinde is a computer scientist with B.Sc, M.Sc and Ph.D computer science degrees from the University of Nairobi, the Free University of Brussels and University of Cape Town respectively. One of her greatest achievements in the realm of computer science is a novel, relevant, affordable and sustainable drought prediction tool for developing countries of Africa. The tool taps into the rich African indigenous knowledge on natural disasters and augments it with ICTs; Wireless Sensor Networks, artificial intelligence and Mobile phones in this case. The novelty and relevance of this contribution was realised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s Focus Group - Bridging the gap: From Innovation to Standards. Her contribution to drought forecasting solutions for the Free State was featured on the BBC World Service, New York Times, Reuters TEDx Talks and Global Aidpreneur.

Her drought-prediction tool also saw her emerge as the winner of the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman Scientist – Research and Innovation Awards of the South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology. Muthoni is among the 2017 awardees for 2017 Securing Water for Food (SWFF) by USAID. My research on the use of Indigenous Knowledge and ICTs to predict droughts has put her on the map. She gets invitations as guest speakers from all over the world.