Dr. Judith Achieng Odhiambo

Dean, SANRM

Biography

JUDITH ACHIENG ODHIAMBO, PhD

School of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management

Kisii University

Email: Jodhiambo@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke and otishanan@yahoo.com

ORCiD ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3863-4362

 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Judith-Odhiambo-5

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=search_authors&mauthors=judith+achieng+odhiambo&hl=en&oi=ao

Dr. Judith Achieng Odhiambo is the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management at Kisii University and a Senior Lecturer in Agronomy with over 20 years of experience in higher education, agricultural research, extension, and academic leadership. She holds a PhD in Agronomy from the University of Wyoming, USA, where her research focused on conservation agriculture, soil nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable crop production, in addition to MSc and BSc degrees from Egerton University. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a respected scholar with research interests in climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, soil health, crop production, agricultural education, indigenous food systems, and agribusiness development. Dr. Odhiambo has successfully led and contributed to numerous nationally and internationally funded research projects supported by organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, the African Development Bank, and the Schlumberger Foundation. She has published extensively in reputable peer-reviewed journals, supervised numerous postgraduate students, and presented research at international scientific conferences. Beyond research, she is passionate about mentoring young scientists, particularly women in STEM, promoting innovation in agriculture, and strengthening partnerships between universities, government, industry, and farming communities. Her work continues to advance sustainable agricultural development, food security, and climate resilience in Kenya and across the African continent.

Research Interests

My research is driven by a passion for advancing sustainable agricultural systems that enhance food security, environmental sustainability, and resilient livelihoods. I have a particular interest in understanding the linkages between belowground carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling, soil health, and ecosystem functioning, and how these processes influence crop productivity, greenhouse gas emissions, and the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. My work explores the application of agro-ecological principles to develop climate-smart and conservation agriculture practices that improve resource-use efficiency, build resilience to climate variability and change, and sustain food production under diminishing natural resources. My broader research interests encompass sustainable crop production, soil fertility and integrated soil fertility management, cropping systems, crop-livestock integration, conservation agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the conservation and utilization of indigenous and underutilized crops for improved food and nutrition security. I am equally committed to research on agricultural extension and advisory services, technology adoption and dissemination, agricultural education, agribusiness and value chain development, food systems transformation, and the inclusion of women and youth in agricultural innovation. Through interdisciplinary, participatory, and evidence-based research, I seek to generate practical solutions that strengthen resilient farming systems, inform policy, promote sustainable natural resource management, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farming communities across Africa.

Education Background

Menengai High School
1987 - 1990
C Plain
University of Wyoming
2011 Jan - 2014 Dec
Doctor of Pholosophy(PhD)
Conservation Agricultural Practices in Rain-fed Smallholder Farming Systems of western Kenya and western Nebraska: Soil Nutrient Cycling, Greenhouse Gas Fluxes and Crop productivity
Egerton University
2006 July - 2009 March
Masters
Effect of Selected Soybean Accessions on Germination and Attachment of Striga hermonthica on maize
Egerton University
2002 July - 2006 Jan
Bachelors
Egerton University
1992 July - 1995 June
Diploma

Work Experience

Kisii University
Sep 2017 -
Kisii University
Sep 2022 -
Kisii University
Jan 2025 -

Publications

Influence of formal Agricultural Education on Uptake of Tissue Culture banana in Kiambu County, Kenya
Influence of formal Agricultural Education on Uptake of Tissue Culture banana in Kiambu County, Kenya • 2023-10-04
Analysis of the Changes in Morphological Traits of Sorghum in Legume-Sorghum Intercropping Patterns in Western Kenya
East African Scholars of Education, Humanities and Literature • 2023-06-04
Socioeconomic and institutional determinants of farmers’ willingness to adopt mushroom production technologies in Nyamira County, Kenya
African Journal of Agricultural Research. Vol. 22(5), pp. 298-305, May, 2026 DOI: 10.5897/AJAR2026.17173 • 2026-05-01
). Determinants of Credit Intensity and Its Impact on Maize Production among Smallholder Farmers in Migori County, Kenya
International Journal of Innovative Research & Development. DOI No.: 10.24940/ijird/2026/v15/i5/MAY26012 • 2026-05-01
Effects of Garlic and Ginger on the Softrot Disease Management, Growth and Yield of Cabbage in Kisii County
ISAR Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 3(5), 12-28. • 2025-01-01
Factors Influencing Production of ILVs by Smallholder Farmers in Kisii County, Kenya.
East African Scholars Multidisciplinary Bulletin. Vol7, issue 6, Aug2024. ISSN2617-4413 (print)/ISSN2617-717x (online) • 2024-08-06
School Factors Influencing the Choice of Agricultural Subjects among Girls in Post-Primary Education in Gusii Counties, Kenya
East African Journal of Education Studies. 7(3), 503-516. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes. 7.3.2199 • 2024-07-03
Influence of formal Agricultural Education on Uptake of Tisuue Culture banana in Kiambu County, Kenya
International online journal of Education and Teaching(IOJET) 2023, 10(4), 2217 -2230. • 2023-01-01
Analysis of the Changes in Morphological Traits of Sorghum in Legume-Sorghum Intercropping Patterns in Western Kenya
East African Scholars of Education, Humanities and Literature. Vol.6, Issue 5, pp 91 -101 • 2023-05-06
Soil Nitrogen and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Response to Reduced Tillage Practices under Maize-Bean Intercropping in Western Kenya
African Journal of Agriculture and Utilisation of Natural Resources for Sustainable Development. Vol.1, Issue 1, pp 45-61 • 2022-06-01
Cowpea Rust Disease Incidence and Severity on Growth and Yield of Selected Cowpea Genotypes Under Different Cropping Systems in Western Kenya.
African Journal of Agriculture and Utilisation of Natural Resources for Sustainable Development Vol.1, Issue 1, pp 62-83. • 2022-06-01
Influence of non-formal agricultural education on uptake of tissue culture banana technology in Kiambu County, Kenya
International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction. 15(3) (2022) 1414 -1428. • 2022-06-01
Soil Moisture Levels Affect Growth, Flower Production and Yield of Cucumber
Agricultura Tropica ET Subtropica, 55 (2022)1-8 • 2022-01-08
Unravelling Gender Awareness and Opportunities in Aquaculture Value Chain in Western Kenya
. E. Africa Agri. Vol 85 (1-4) 209-219. • 2021-06-01
Assessment of the extent to which soci-economic factors influences choice of agriculture subject among girls in Public secondary schools in Kisii and Nyamira Counties
Assessment of the extent to which soci-economic factors influences choice of agriculture subject among girls in Public secondary schools in Kisii and Nyamira Counties • 2021-06-01
Nyagwansa, R., Ochola , W.,Odhiambo, J., Bunyatta, D & Omweno, JO. (2021). Effectiveness of Selected Advisory Channels on Safe Use of Pesticides among the Small Holder Kale Farmers, A case of Kisii County, Kenya
East Africa Scholars Journal of Agriculture and Life Science, 4(6): 151-156; DOI:10.36349/easjals.2021.v04i06.003 • 2021-06-01
Improving Knowledge Gain in Secondary School Agricultural Education through Supervised Agricultural Experience Programme (SAEP) in Migori County, Kenya.
. International Journal of Advanced Research 2(2) 46-55 • 2020-06-01
Using Supervised Agricultural Experience Programme as A Teaching Approach to Change Students’ Attitude Towards Practical Agriculture Among Secondary School Agriculture Students: A Case of Migori County, Kenya.
Global Journal of Agricultural Research 8(3)20-41 • 2020-06-01
Evaluation of Cowpea Rust Disease Incidence and Severity on Selected Cowpea Genotypes in Western Kenya
African Journal of Agricultural Research 16(7) 1015-1024 • 2020-06-01
Gender roles and constraints in the aquaculture value chain in Western Kenya
African Journal of Agricultural Research. 16(5)732-745. DOI: 10.5897/AJAR2020.14783 • 2020-06-01
Influence of Farm Yard Manure on Nematode Infestation, Yield and Quality of Cucumber.
Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 07 (6): 101-106 ISSN: 2321 – 1571). • 2019-06-01
Dryland Soil Greenhouse Gases and Yield-Scaled Emissions in No-Till and Organic Winter Wheat–Fallow Systems. Soil Science Society of America
Journal. 80:178–192 doi:10.2136/sssaj2015.08.0295. • 2016-06-01
Weed Dynamics during Transition to Conservation Agriculture in Western Kenya Maize Production
PLoS ONE 10(8): e0133976. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0133976 • 2015-06-01
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization and Crop Parameters in Typical Maize-Bean Intercropping in western Kenya.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 5 (3):127-142. • 2015-06-01
Corn Production and Seasonal Greenhouse gas Emissions in Kenya.
Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, Off-station, 2013, PP 165 • 2013-06-01
Effect of intercropping maize and soybeans on Striga hermonthica parasitism and yield of maize.
Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 44 (2), 158 -167. • 2011-06-01
Conservation Agriculture Practices in Rain-Fed Smallholder Farming Systems of Western Kenya and Western Nebraska: Crop Productivity, Soil Nutrient Cycling and Greenhouse Gas Fluxe
PhD Dissertation, University of Wyoming, Published by C, Microform Education © Proquest LLC, UMI 3673929. • 2015-06-01
Effects of Selected Soybean Accessions on Germination and Attachment of Strigahermonthica on Maize
MSc. Thesis, Egerton University Institutional Repository http://41.89.96.232:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1145 • 2009-06-01
Outstanding PhD student
Gamma Sigma Delta Wyoming Chapter of the Honor society of Agriculture, USA • 2014-03-01
Female mentorship award
Schlumberger Faculty for the Future, Paris, France • 2013-03-01
High scholarship and achievement
Gamma Sigma Delta Wyoming Chapter of the Honor society of Agriculture, USA • 2013-04-01
Female mentorship award
Schlumberger Faculty for The Future, Paris, France • 2012-03-01
In Vitro Selection of Soybean Accessions for Induction of Germination of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth Seeds and Their Effect on Striga hermonthica Attachment on Associated Maize. In A. Batiano, B. Wasawa,J.M. Okeyo, F. Maina, &J. M. Kihara (eds.), Innovations as a key to green revolution in Africa: Exploring scientific facts. .
Springer Dordrecht Heldelberg London New York, e- ISBN978-90-481-2543-2, Vol.1: 365-372 • 2011-01-01
Peace as a catalyst for Agricultural Prosperity in Uasin Gishu County in the North Rift Region of Kenya. Strengthening African Economies through Innovations for Sustainable Development,
2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference, Kisii University, • 2024-09-12
Analysis of Growth and Yield Performance of Sorghum in Sorghum-Legume Intercrop in Western Kenya. Strengthening African Economies through Innovations for Sustainable Development,
2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference, Kisii University • 2024-09-12
Assessment of the Major Agricultural Value Chains in Nyamira County, Kenya. Strengthening African Economies through Innovations for Sustainable Development,
2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference, Kisii University • 2024-09-12
Factors Influencing Production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (ILVs) by Smallholder Farmers in Kisii County, Kenya. Strengthening African Economies through Innovations for Sustainable Development,
2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference, Kisii University • 2024-09-12
Seasonal GHG Fluxes Indicate a Decline in Sustainability of Double-Cropping of Maize Bean Intercrops in Western Kenya. Fostering Research and Innovations for Sustainable Agricultural Development:
Kisii University Agritec Conference, Kenya • 2022-04-06
Enhancing Sorghum Productivity through Sorghum-Legume Intercrop in Lowland area of Western Kenya. Fostering Research and Innovations for Sustainable Agricultural Development:
Kisii University Agritec Conference, Kenya • 2022-04-06
Evaluation of Cowpea Rust (Uromyces phaseoli var vignae) Disease Incidence and severity on Growth of Selected Improved Cowpea Genotypes (Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp) in Western Kenya. Promoting Agricultural Technology and Value Chain Linkages for Sustainable Livelihoods
Kisii University Agritech Exhibition and Conference, Kenya • 2019-11-14
Soil Moisture Levels affect Growth, Flower Production and Yield of Cucumber. Promoting Agricultural Technology and Value Chain Linkages for Sustainable Livelihoods
Kisii University Agritech Exhibition and Conference, Kenya • 2019-11-13
Soil Nitrogen and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Response to Reduced Tillage and Cover Crop Based Practices in Western Kenya. Promoting Agricultural Technology and Value Chain Linkages for Sustainable Livelihoods:
Kisii University Agritech Exhibition and Conference, Kenya • 2019-11-14
Seasonal variation in Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Maize-Bean Intercropping Under Inversion Plowing in Western Kenya.
Grand Challenges great Solutions: International Meetings, Long beach, CA, USA. • 2014-11-05
Early Indicators of Change to Transition to Conservation Practices by Smallholder Farmers in Western Kenya.
Grand Challenges great Solutions: International Meetings, Long beach, CA, USA. • 2014-11-05
Impact of Conservation Tillage on soil Quality Under Smallholder Farming Systems in Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya.
Grand Challenges Great Solutions: International Meetings, Long beach, CA, USA. • 2014-11-05
Conservation Agricultural Practices (CAPs) in Rain-Fed Farming Systems of Western Kenya, Eastern Uganda and Western Nebraska: Crop productivity, Soil nutrient Cycling, and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions,
Faculty for the Future Fellows Regional Forum, Schlumberger/ Rice University, , Houston, TX, USA. • 2012-12-19
Assessing Conservation Agricultural Production Systems (CAPS) for smallholder farmers in rain-fed farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Visions for Sustainable Planet:
International Annual Meetings, Cincinnati, OH, USA • 2012-10-24
Conservation Agriculture for Smallholder Farms in Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya. Visions for Sustainable Planet:
International Annual Meetings, Cincinnati, OH, USA. • 2012-10-24
Development and Transfer of Conservation Agriculture Production Systems (CAPS) for Smallholder Farms in Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya. Visions for Sustainable Planet:
International Annual Meetings, Cincinnati, OH, USA. • 2012-10-24
Assessing Conservation Agricultural Production Systems (CAPS) for Small Holder Farmers in Rain-fed Farming System in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Fundamentals for Life; Soil, Crop and Environmental Sciences:
International Annual Meetings, , San Antonio, TX, USA. • 2011-10-19
In Vitro Selection of Soybean Accessions for Induction of Germination of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth Seeds and Their Effect on Striga hermonthica Attachment on Associated Maize. Innovations as a Key to Green Revolution in Africa, Exploring scientific facts:
International symposium, Arusha, Tanzania • 2007-09-21
Note Applicable
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Note Applicable
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Research Grants

National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) To Increase Banana Value Chain Productivity and Profitability
PI: DR. JUDITH ACHIENG ODHIAMBO | World Bank and Implemented by Kisii County
KES
National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) To Increase Banana Value Chain Productivity and Profitability
PI: DR. JUDITH ACHIENG ODHIAMBO | World Bank and Implemented by Nyamira County
KES
Integrated Agricultural practices for Improved Livelihood. A ward of Kisii University
PI: DR. JUDITH ACHIENG ODHIAMBO | Kisii University
KES
Raising crop response: bidirectional learning to catalyze sustainable intensification at multiple scales. Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification. (Michigan State University (MSU) DUNS number: 193247145
PI: Dr. Sieg Snapp, Professor, Michigan State University | Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable.Michigan State University (MSU) DUNS number: 193247145 Intensification
KES
Long-term dry land winter wheat based cropping systems in western Nebraska, USA.
PI: DR. JUDITH ACHIENG ODHIAMBO | Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Award
KES
Development and Transfer of Conservation Agriculture Production Systems for small-holder farms in eastern Uganda and western Kenya
PI: Dr. Jay Norton | SANREM-CRISP-LTRA10 through USAID.EPP –A-00-04-00013-00.
KES
Striga hermonthica Weed Management Using Soybean Trap Crop in Western Kenya
PI: Dr. Isaiah Masinde Tabu PI. | S T & I Research Grant awards, NCST,
KES
Food production and Striga weed control in Western Kenya -a collaborative project with CMMYT/TSBF
PI: Dr. Bernard Vanlauwe | African Agricultural Technology Foundation
KES

Skills

Experimental design Statistical data analysis Greenhouse gas measurements ILO/SIYB Certified Trainer GYB-SYB-IYB