Faculty

• 2003-2006: PhD (Systems Ecology) University of Nairobi, Kenya: Dissertation: The Effects of land use land cover change on soil functional capacity: Patterns, Process and Implications for plant productivity. A case study of Kakamega Forest, Kenya.

 

• 1995-1996: M Phil. Environmental studies (Wildlife Ecology, GIS/Remote Sensing), Moi University, Kenya: Dissertation: Habitat Use Patterns of Burchell’s Zebra in Nairobi National Park, Kenya

 

• 1987-1990: BSc. Wildlife Management, Moi University, Kenya. (Major: Terrestrial and Fresh Water Ecology)

1. Employer survey to determine entry-level capabilities among working youth (18-25 years). (PI 100%) Alex O. Awiti; EUR 228, 100; funded by Porticus (October 2018- November 2019)

 

2. Maximizing the Development Impact of Extractive Resources in Kenya. Case Study of Turkana. (PI 100%) $150,000; funded by Rockefeller Foundation (January 2015 -January 2017)

 

3. East Africa Dialogue Series. (PI 50%) $411,000; funded by IDRC, Aga Khan Foundation, Canada, Aga Khan Foundation, Geneva Ford Foundation (April 2014 – April 2017)

 

4. Policy and planning for sustainable urban food systems. (PI 100%) $ 222,500; funded by Global Affairs Canada. (October 2013- September 2016)

 

5. Evaluating the impact of new weather and climate services for fishers and farmers in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya. (PI 100%) $153,000; Donor- Kofi Annan Foundation (June 2011–December 2012)

 

6. Understanding Pathways to Increasing Adaptive Capacity and Resilience among Rural Households in Kwale, Kenya. (PI 100%) $86,000; funded by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for Environment; August 2010 to April 2011.

 

7. Application of Participatory GIS in Spatial-Temporal Mapping of Biophysical and Cultural Function for Local Planning in Il Ngwesi Conservation Area, Laikipia, Kenya. (PI 100%) Alex Awiti; $20,000; funded by The Christensen Fund; July 2010 to February 2011.

1. Awiti, AO. Covid-19: A Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective (in preparation)

 

2. Owila, H H. N. Chege, A. Awiti, C. Orwa. 2021. Mapping Broadcast Media Outlets and Accredited Journalists in Kenya: Towards Understanding News and Information Inequalities. Communicatio, Volume 46 (4) 96-131

 

3. Enns, C, B. Bersaglio, A. Awiti. The promises and pitfalls of pursuing inclusive, sustainable development through resource corridors in Africa. (Forthcoming) Book Chapter.

4. Enns, C., B. Bersaglio, R. Karmushu, M. Luhula, A. Awiti 2020. Investigating how development corridors interact with the Sustainable Development Goals in East Africa. International Development Planning Review. https://doi.org/10.3828/idpr.2020.7

 

5. Awiti, A., C. Orwa. 2019. Identity, values and norms of East Africa’s

youth. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth 24 (4), 421-437 (2 citations)

 

6. Githanga, D. A. Awiti, F. Were, et al., 2019. A consensus on malnutrition in Africa: A report from the micronutrient deficiency awareness forum (Nairobi 2017). Africa Journal of Food and Nutrition Development, 19(2): 14277-14290 (2 Citation)

 

7. Onyango E. A., O. Sahin, A. Awiti, et al., 2016. An integrated risk and vulnerability assessment framework for climate change and malaria transmission in East Africa. Malaria Journal. DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1600-3 (45 citations)

 

8. Seipt, C. J. Padgham, J. Kulkarni, A. Awiti (Editors). 2013. Climate change risk management in Africa. Thematic Issue Environmental Development, Vol 5 (1-182). (11 citations)

 

9. Seipt, C. J. Padgham, J. Kulkarni, A. Awiti. 2013. Capacity building for adaptation in Africa: Encouraging and enabling research for informed decision-making. Environmental Development, Vol 5:1-5. (11 citations)

 

10. Vincent, K., T. Cull, E. A van Garderen, A. Awiti. 2012. Writeshops: An effective tool to enable African scientists to publish? Environmental Development, Vol 5:172-174

 

11. Awiti, AO. 2012. Education, higher (Africa). In Louise Kotze and Stephen Morse (Eds.), The Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability, Afro- Eurasia: Assessing Sustainability, Vol. 9: 118-122. Great Barrington, MA: Berkshire Publishing.

 

12. Onyango, E., S. Ochieng, AO. Awiti. 2012. Weather and climate information needs of small-scale farming and fishing communities in western Kenya for enhanced adaptive potential to climate change. Sustainable Research and Innovation Proceedings 4: 187–93. (13 Citations)

 

13. Awiti, AO. 2012. Carbon Markets are Intangible for Africa’s Smallholder Farmers. Environmental Development, (2): 145–146.

 

14. Awiti, AO. 2012. Stewardship of National Parks and Reserves in an Era of Global Change. Environmental Development, (1): 102-106. (7 citations)

 

15. Ahmed, M., Vellani, C.W., Awiti, AO. 2011. Medical Education: Meeting the challenge of implementing health care in sub Saharan Africa. Infectious disease clinics of North America, 25 (2): 411-420. (13 citations)

 

16. Awiti, AO. 2011. Biological diversity and resilience: lessons from the recovery of cichlid species in Lake Victoria. Ecology and Society, 16 (1), 9 (43 citations)

 

17. Awiti AO. Walsh MG, Kinyamario J., 2008. Dynamics of topsoil Carbon and Nitrogen along a tropical forest-cropland chronosequence: Evidence from stable isotope analysis and spectroscopy. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 127: 265-272. (64 citations)

 

18. Awiti AO. Walsh MG, Shepherd KD, Kinyamario J., 2008. Soil Condition Classification using Infrared Spectroscopy: A Proposition for Soil Condition Assessment along a tropical Forest-Cropland Chronosequence. Geoderma, 143: 73-84 (123 citations)

 

19. Yatich T, Awiti A, Nyukuri E, Mutua J, Kyalo A, Tanui J and Catacutan D. 2007. Policy and institutional context for NRM in Kenya: Challenges and opportunities for Landcare. ICRAF Working paper-no. 43. Nairobi: World Agroforestry Centre. (23 citations)

 

20. Palm CA. Sanchez PA, Ahamed S., Awiti AO. 2007. Soils: A contemporary perspective. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 32: 99–

129. (240 citations)

 

21. Walsh, M. K.D Shepherd, A, Awiti, T.G Vagen. 2006. Land degradation surveillance: A Spatial framework for characterization, research and development. The 18th World Congress of Soil Science. (2 citations)

 

1. Awiti, AO. 2021. The Impact of Covid-19 on Education: Challenges and way forward. Invited Presentation at the 23rd National Health Sciences Research Symposium. Aga Khan University, February 11-13th 2021.

2. Awiti, AO. 2020. Sustainable Development Goals: What can universities really do? Invited Keynote at an international Symposium on Internationalizing SDGs, convened by Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), September 29th 2020.

 

3. Awiti, AO. 2020. Building Resilient Organizations. Keynote presentation at the 2019/2020 Partners Forum of Safaricom Foundation, March 4th 2020, Nairobi Kenya.

 

4. Awiti, AO. Kenyan youth: Health Dividend or Opportunity Lost? A public lecture series on the 60th Anniversary of Aga Khan University Hospital. Aga Khan University, Nairobi. February 19th 2020.

5. Awiti, AO. The Changing Nature of Careers in the 21st Century: The Role and Responsibility of the Parent in Higher Education. Keynote Address at the Annual Careers Fair, Rusinga Schools, Nairobi. 3rd February, 2020.

 

6. Awiti, AO. 2019. Job entry-level skills: Seizing the moment, securing the future. Keynote presentation at the launch of report on entry-level skill among Kenyan youth. Nairobi, November, 6th 2019.

 

7. Awiti, AO. 2018. Is Africa misunderstood or just unknowable? Invited Public Lecture delivered at Institute of African Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada November 23rd 2018.

 

8. Awiti, AO., C. Orwa. 2018. Intelligence-based delivery of universal healthcare. Universal Healthcare Conference, Wote, Makueni Kenya. April 4-5, 2018.

 

9. Awiti, AO., C. Orwa. 2018. Identity, values and norms of East Africa’s youth. A keynote paper present presented at the symposium on

Governance and Islam in East Africa: Muslims and the State. Aga Khan University, 17-18th January 2018.

 

10. Awiti, AO, E. Buchanan, C. Orwa. 2017. Understanding the patterns of spatial inequality in Kenya. Paper presented at the Kenya Equity Week, Nairobi. March 22, 2017.

 

11. Awiti, AO. 2017. Leaders and Champions for Healthy Communities. Safe mothers and newborns accelerating the reduction of neonatal and maternal mortality. A Leadership Workshop for Health Professionals. Nairobi, June 11-16, 2017.

 

12. Awiti, AO. 2016. Development as a complex, ill-disciplined problem. Keynote presentation made at skills share staff retreat of Save the Children International. Safari Park Hotel, Kenya June 27, 2016.

 

13. Awiti, AO. 2016. Resilient Food and Cities: Africa’s Urban Moment, Keynote address at the Cities and Food Conference held at University of Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada, June 9-10, 2016.

 

14. Awiti, AO. B. Scott. 2016. Kenya Youth Report: State of the Future. Launch of Kenya Youth Report, January 18, 2016, Nairobi, Kenya

 

15. Awiti, AO. Africa Rising: Opportunity for all? Working Lunch Seminar delivered at DFATD, Africa Desk, Ottawa Canada. June 18, 2015.

 

16. Awiti, AO. Stoking African Innovation: Ways and Means. Africa Prosperity Summit, May 20-22, 2015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

 

17. Awiti, AO. Healthy People, Resilient Systems. "Healthy People, Resilient Systems." IFPRI 2020 conference on Building Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security, May 15-17, 2014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzXfoIE-IDo

 

18. Awiti, AO. Re-Imagining Cities for People: TEDx Nairobi 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDVd_hiQxvY

 

19. Awiti, AO. The Role of Policy in Building Africa’s Resilience to Climate Change Impacts. Third Annual Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 21 – 23 October, 2013.

 

20. Awiti, AO. Evidence of Regime Shifts in Agro-ecosystems. Water for Food Global Conference May 5-8, 2013 Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.

 

 

1. Awiti, AO., C. Orwa, L. Mbuvi, M. Karumba. 2019. Survey of employers and employees in the formal and informal sectors to determine entry-level skills among youth (18-30 yrs.) in employment Kenya.

 

2. Awiti, AO, C. Orwa, L. Mbuvi, M. Karumba. 2019. Job entry-level skills:

  Seizing the moment, securing the future.

 

3. Enns, C., B. Bersaglio, M. Luhulu, R. Karmushu, A. Awiti. 2018. East Africa’s New Development Corridors and the Elusive Promise of Inclusive Development. Research Paper

 

4. Awiti, AO, B. Scott. 2017. East Africa Dialogue Series: Youth, Urbanization, Growth and Inequality. Technical Report Submitted to IDRC.

 

5. Awiti AO, J. Okanga. 2017. Maximizing the Development Impact of Extractive Resources in Kenya. Technical Report Submitted to Rockefeller Foundation

 

6. Awiti, AO, Scott. 2016. Kenya Youth Survey (43 Citations)

 

7. Awiti, AO, B. Scott and S. Bhanji. 2015. The East Africa Youth Dialogue: Be the change. http://eadialogueseries.org/east-africa- youth-data-be- the- change-video/#.VdF8SHgcOXw.

 

8. Awiti, AO. 2012. Principles for Academic Design for Undergraduate Science Programs. Technical Report Submitted to the Faculty of Arts and

 

Sciences Advisory Committee.

 

9. Awiti, AO, E. Onyango and S. Ochieng. 2012. Weather and Climate Information Needs of Smallholder Farmers: Case Study of Rarieda District, Kenya. Report Submitted to the Kofi Annan Foundation.

 

10. Awiti, AO, R. Ouma, S. Shamsy. 2012. Understanding Pathways to Increasing Adaptive Capacity and Resilience Among Rural Households in Kwale, Kenya. Technical Report Submitted to the Aga Khan Foundation, Kenya.

 

11. Awiti, AO. 2011. Understanding the Linkages Between Farm Productivity, Income, Nutrition, and Climate Change: Priority Setting for Action Research. Technical Report Prepared for the Aga Khan Foundation, Tanzania.

 

12. Awiti, AO. 2010. Review of Adaptation Best Practice in the Nile River Basin Region. A report prepared for Climate Change Adaptation Unit, DEPI, United Nations Environment Programme.

 

13. Shepherd, K., M Walsh, F Mugo, C Ong, TS Hansen, B Swallow, A Awiti, M Hai, D Nyantika, D Ombao, M Grunder, F Mbote, D Mungai. 2000. Improved land management in the Lake Victoria Basin: Linking land and lake, research and extension, catchment and lake basin. ICRAF, Working paper. (19 Citations)

 

1. Enns, C. A. Awiti, B. Bersaglio. With construction paused, let’s rethink roads and railway projects to protect people and nature. The Conversation, June 15th 2020. https://theconversation.com/with-construction-paused-lets-rethink- roads-and-railway-projects-to-protect-people-and-nature-137672

2. Funding health, education pays off. The Star. October 2nd 2018. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/10/02/alex-awiti-funding-health- education-pays-off_c1827944

 

3. Global challenges call for robust global governance. The Star. September 25th 2018. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/09/25/alex-awiti-global- challenges-call-for-robust-global-governance_c1823951

 

4. East African Youth: What they think. The Elephant. June 7th 2018. https://www.theelephant.info/features/2018/06/07/east-african-youth-what- they-think/

 

2. Survey of young people in East Africa shows their values mirror those of adults. The Conversation. March 12 2018.

https://theconversation.com/survey-of-young-people-in-east-africa-shows- their-values-mirror-those-of-adults-92597

 

6. Time to re-imagine role of civil society in Africa. International Policy Digest. July 26th 2016. https://intpolicydigest.org/2016/07/26/time-re-imagine-role- civil-society-africa/

 

7. Is the Aid vs. Foreign Direct Investment debate helpful for Africa? International Policy Digest. July 13th 2016. https://intpolicydigest.org/2016/07/13/aid-vs-foreign-direct-investment- debate-helpful-africa/

 

8. Here is some good news about Ugandan youth, and some bad. August 24th 2016. The East African. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/oped/comment/Some-good-news-about- Ugandan-youth-and-some-bad/434750-3361860-ic0nyhz/index.html

 

9. Why EA graduates are ill-equipped for the global job market. August 25th 2014. The East African. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/Why-EA- graduates-are-ill-equipped-for-the-global-job-market/4552908-2430042- aj9e5dz/index.html

 

10. Plight of learners, teachers in EA demands change in curriculum. February 8th 2014. The East African.

 

11. Against the mosquito, humans have proved incompetent; but we can win. The East African. August 3rd 2013. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/oped/comment/Against-the-mosquito- humans-have-proved-incompetent-warriors/434750-1935584- ppmb4oz/index.htm

 

12. Beware of the resource curse! East Africa is already showing classical symptoms. The East African. June 29th 2013. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/oped/comment/Beware-the-resource-curse- East-Africa/434750-1898724-fn86m1/index.html

 

13. Long hours, test, tuition are drilling imagination and inquiry out of pupils. The East African June 7th 2010. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/4552908- 933090-jntjjf/index.html

 

See longer list on: https://muckrack.com/alex-awiti/articles

 

Selected Video Publications

1. Understanding China and India Interests in Africa. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2016/07/india- match-china-economic-influence-africa-160710151000388.html

 

2. Food Systems in a dynamic world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npfKlz1Th7A

 

3. Re-imagining Cities:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDVd_hiQxvY

 

4. Building resilience for food and nutrition security.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzXfoIE-IDo

 

5. Africa’s urban moment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgWWK2uietU

 

6. What can be done to save millions facing famine? http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2017/03/save- millions-facing-famine-170308201703318.html

 

7. Participatory Theatre: Advancing public dialogue through performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHGMrDD_-_s