Natural Resources Institute

Staff

Name Details
Dr Diego Naziri
  • Qualifications: Advanced University Degree (BSc/MSc), PhD
  • Biography:

    Dr Diego Naziri joined the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Greenwich in November 2010 as Market and Trade Economist. Before joining NRI he was Postdoc Fellow at the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and at the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA). Between 2006 and 2008 he was Research Fellow at the Agronomic Institute for the Overseas (IAO), the former technical-scientific branch of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for agriculture and rural development cooperation. Diego has more than 15 years of working experience in socio-economic research on transformation, sustainability and resilience of agri-food systems in the tropics. His main research interest lies in analyzing agricultural development problems and solutions with a focus on value chains, postharvest management, participatory methodologies for linking farmers to markets, crop-livestock-fish system integration, trade-related policies, agricultural innovation systems, innovation management and sharing, and management of complex research in development partnerships and multi-agency projects. Apart from his experience in conducting short-term research and consultancy in various low and middle-income countries (LMICs) on a number of different commodities, Diego has long-term overseas experience in Africa (Uganda), Asia (Vietnam) and Latin America (Brazil and Argentina) where he primarily focused on development challenges and opportunities of root and tuber crops. He obtained his Advanced University Degree (BSc/MSc) in “Agricultural Sciences” from the University of Turin (Italy) in 2001 and the PhD in “Cooperation for Sustainable Development” from the University "La Sapienza" of Rome (Italy) in 2006. He has been seconded to the International Potato Center (CIP) since 2014 and currently acting as CGIAR senior scientist based in Vietnam.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:
    • Planning and conduct of applied socio-economic research in the agri-food and rural development sectors of LMIC countries, including market research, value chain analyses and feasibility studies.
    • Postharvest management, value chain upgrading, market and business development.
    • Food loss and waste assessment and reduction, particularly along value chains of perishable crops.
    • Public and private standards in domestic, regional and international trade of agricultural and livestock products and implications for smallholder farmers’ market access.
    • Establishment and management of partnerships between research organizations and government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector and service providers, including multi-stakeholder innovation platforms.
    • Intellectual, technical and management leadership of interdisciplinary teams involving both biophysical and social scientists.
    • Proven experience in strategic planning, project/program management, financial oversight, and M&E to ensure delivery of expected results and outcomes in a cost-effective and timely manner.
    • Member of the NRI Development Studies Research Group.
  • Research Projects:

    Senior Scientist in the “Market Intelligence and Product Profiling”, a One CGIAR Initiative (2022-2030) which aims to provide data, information and insights to inform decisions that will prioritize and align CGIAR investment in breeding pipelines and seed systems. https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/05-market-intelligence-for-more-equitable-and-impactful-genetic-innovation/

    Senior Scientist and Country Focal Point in the “Nature Positive Solutions”, a One CGIAR Initiative (2022-2030) which aims to re-imagine, co-create, and implement nature-positive solutions-based agrifood systems that equitably support local food and livelihoods, while simultaneously ensuring that agriculture is a net positive contributor to nature. https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/12-nature-positive-solutions-enhancing-productivity-and-resilience-safeguarding-the-environment-and-promoting-inclusive-community-growth/

    Principal investigator (P.I.) of FoodSTART+, a USD 2.2mln EU-IFAD funded initiative (2015-2019) to directly support IFAD’s strategic framework 2016-2025. It introduced, validated and scaled root and tuber crop (RTC) innovations for reducing food vulnerability and enhancing resilience in the region, primarily within the framework of large-scale IFAD investment projects in India, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. http://www.rtb.cgiar.org/foodstartplus/

    P.I. of RTB-ENDURE, a USD 3.6mln EU-IFAD funded multi-disciplinary project (2014-2017). It addressed key postharvest challenges of potato, sweetpotato, cassava and banana in Uganda by testing and validating technological and commercial innovations for improved postharvest management, expanded processing and targeting changing needs of emerging urban markets. Implementing team consisted of CIP, IITA, CIAT, Bioversity Int., CIRAD and several national partners, including 5 NARI, 3 Universities, 5 NGOs, local authorities, private firms and farmers’ organizations. Supervised three MSc students conducting relevant socio-economic research. https://www.rtb.cgiar.org/rtb-endure/
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/5898.html
  • Responsibilities:

    Research, consultancy and teaching
  • Awards:
    • Member of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE)
    • Member of the European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE)
    • Teaching Associate Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA)
    • Member of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRC)
    • Invited speaker, moderator and panelist at several international conferences and symposia
    • Reviewer for a number of peer-reviewed journals.
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8078-5033

    LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-naziri-9064524/

    Google Scholar

    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MqEEW0cAAAAJ&hl=it

    Research Gate

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Diego_Naziri

    Scopus

    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55237604600

    CGSpace

    https://cgspace.cgiar.org/discover?rpp=10&etal=0&query=naziri&group_by=none&page=3&filtertype_0=author&filter_relational_operator_0=equals&filter_0=Naziri%2C+D.
  • Selected Publications:

    Peer reviewed articles

    • Wauters, P., Naziri, D., Turinawe, A., Akello, R. & Parker M.L. (2022). Economic analysis of alternative ware potato storage technologies in Uganda. American Journal of Potato Research, Vol. 99, 217-228. DOI: 10.1007/s12230-022-09874-3
    • Akello, R., Turinawe, A., Wauters, P. & Naziri, D. (2022) Factors Influencing the choice of storage technologies by smallholder potato farmers in eastern and southwestern Uganda. Agriculture, 12(2): 240. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture12020240
    • Alam, G.M.M., Sarker, M.N.I., Gatto, M., Bhandari, H. & Naziri, D. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 on fisheries and aquaculture sector in developing countries and way forward. Sustainability, 14(3): 1071. DOI: 10.3390/su14031071
    • Tanimonure, V.A., Naziri, D., Codjoe, S.N. & Ayanwale, A.B. (2021). Underutilised indigenous vegetables for household dietary diversity in the era of climate change in Southwest Nigeria. Agriculture, Vol. 11(11): 1064. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture11111064
    • Gatto, M., Naziri, D., San Pedro, J. & Bené, C. (2021). Crop resistance and household resilience – the case of cassava and sweetpotato during super-typhoon Ompong in the Philippines. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Vol. 62. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102392
    • Tanimonure, V.A. & Naziri, D. (2021). Impact of climate adaptation strategies on the net farm revenue of underutilized indigenous vegetables’ (UIVs) production in Southwest Nigeria. Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Vol. 5. DOI:1016/j.resenv.2021.100029
    • Asindu, M., Ouma, E., Elepu, G. & Naziri, D. (2020). Farmer demand and willingness-to-pay for sweetpotato silage-based diet as pig feed in Uganda. Sustainability, Vol. 12(16): 6452. DOI: 3390/su12166452
    • Prain, G., Wheatley, C., Odsey, C., Verzola, L., Bertuso, A., Roa, J. & Naziri, D. (2020) Research-development partnerships for scaling complex innovation: Lessons from Farmer Business School in IFAD-supported loan-grant collaborations in Asia. Agricultural Systems, Vol. 182. DOI: 1016/j.agsy.2020.102834
    • Bentley, J.W., Naziri, D., Prain, G., Kikulwe, E., Mayanja, S., Devaux, A. & Thiele, G. (2020). Managing complexity and uncertainty in agricultural innovation through adaptive project design and implementation. Development in Practice, Vol. 31(2). DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2020.1832047
    • Atkins, M., Byrd, K., Pincus, L., Naziri, D., Agboola, J.O. & Yossa, R. (2020). Fish, roots, tubers and bananas: opportunities and constraints for agri-food system integration. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. DOI: 10.1080/14735903.2020.1776815
    • Kikulwe, E.M., Okurut, S., Ajambo, S., Nowakunda, K., Stoian, D. & Naziri, D. (2018). Postharvest losses and their determinants: A challenge to creating a sustainable cooking banana value chain in Uganda. Sustainability, 10(7):2381. DOI: 10.3390/su10072381
    • Naziri, D., Mayanja, S., Ssemwanga, J. & Donovan, J. (2017). Approaches and tools for inclusive value chain development: Lessons from Uganda for improved impact. Enterprise Development and Microfinance, Vol. 28(4), 323-341. DOI: 3362/1755-1986.00036
    • Asindu, M. Elepu, G., Ouma, E., Kyalo, G., Lule, P. & Naziri, D. (2017). Sweet potato wastes in major pig producing districts in Uganda: An opportunity for investment in silage technologies. Livestock Research for Rural Development, Vol. 29, Article 216. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd29/11/asim29216.html
    • Tu, V.P., Nguyen, T.T., Chu, K.S., Luong, H.N., Nguyen, T.H.D., Bennett, B., Naziri, D., Tomlins, K. & Anh T.K. (2016). Potential use of by-products for animal feed from cassava in Viet Nam. Journal of Science and Development, Vol. 14(1), 93-100.
    • Naziri, D., Rich, K.M. & Bennett, B. (2015). Would a commodity-based trade approach improve market access for Africa? A case study of the potential of beef exports from communal areas of Namibia. Development Policy Review, 33(2), 195-219. DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12098
    • Naziri, D., Aubert, M., Codron, J.M., Loc, N.T.T. & Moustier, P. (2014). Estimating the impact of small-scale farmers’ collective action on food safety: The case of vegetables in Vietnam. The Journal of Development Studies, 50(5), 715-730. DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2013.874555
    • Naziri, D., Quaye, W., Siwoku, B., Wanlapatit, S., Tu, V.P. & Bennett, B. (2014). The diversity of postharvest losses in cassava value chains in selected developing countries. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, 115(2), 111–123. DOI: urn:nbn:de:hebis:34-2014121946902
    • Kleih, U., Linton, J., Marr, A., Mactaggart, M., Naziri, D. & Orchard, J. (2013). Financial services for small and medium-scale aquaculture and fisheries producers. Marine Policy, Vol. 37, 106-114. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2012.04.006
    • Nguyen, T.T., Tu, V.P., Chu, K.S., Luong, H.N., Nguyen, T.H.D., Bennett, B., Naziri, D. & Anh T.K. (2013). Application of value chain analysis in understanding the losses and wastes of cassava in Vietnam. Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 51(6A), 70-76.
    • Naziri, D. & Bennett, B. (2012). Private voluntary standards in livestock and meat sectors: implications for developing countries. Food Chain, 2, n. 1, 64-85. DOI: 10.3362/2046-1887.2012.006

    Books and book chapters

    • Okike, I., Wigboldus, S., Samireddipalle, A., Naziri, D., Adesehinwa, A.O.K., Adejoh, V.A., Amole, T., Bordoloi, S. & Kulakow, P. (2022). Turning waste to wealth: Harnessing the potential of cassava peels for nutritious animal feed. In G. Thiele, M. Friedmann, H. Campos, V. Polar & J.W. Bentley (Eds.), Root, tuber and banana food system innovations: Value creation for inclusive outcomes. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92022-7_6
    • Devaux, A., Velasco, C., Ordinola, M. & Naziri, D. (2020). Enhancing value chain innovation through collective action: Lessons from the Andes, Africa, and Asia. In H. Campos & O. Ortiz (Eds.), The potato crop: Its agricultural, nutritional and social contribution to Cham, Switzerland: Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28683-5_3
    • International Potato Center (2019). Connecting smallholder root and tuber growers to markets through Farmer Business Schools. Food Resilience Through Root and Tuber Crops in Upland and Coastal Communities of the Asia-Pacific (FoodSTART+). Lima (Peru). 65 pp. (Production coordinators: Naziri & C. Enalbes). DOI: 10.4160/9789290605287
    • International Potato Center (2019). Farmer business school with climate change and gender perspective: Learning and monitoring guide. Food Resilience Through Root and Tuber Crops in Upland and Coastal Communities of the Asia‐Pacific (FoodSTART+) Project. Lima (Peru). 44 p. (Production coordinator: Naziri). DOI: 10.4160/9789290605256
    • Mignon, S., Mazars-Chapelon, A., Chapellier, P., Janicot, C., Antona, M., De Romemont, A., Faure, G., Naziri, D., Moustier, P., Aubert, M., Codron, J.M., Nguyen, T.L. & Siboni, D. (2017). Capital social et action collective. In M. Antona & F. Bousquet (Eds.), Une troisième voie entre l’état et le marché: Echanges avec Elinor Ostrom (pp. 81-89). Versailles Cedex: Quae Editions.
    • Naziri, D. (2009). Can consumer choice foster more diversified farming systems? The experience of direct sale in Toscana. In A. Bocci & T. Chiari (Eds.), The sustainable use of agrobiodiversity in Italy. Report on case studies on article 6 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (pp. 75-86). Firenze: Istituto Agronomico per l’Oltremare.
    • Naziri, D. & Castellani, L. (2005). Impact of the Uruguay Round on the EU market access policy for fisheries and future perspectives. Which consequences of a unilateral trade liberalization?. Torino: Dipartimento di Economia e Ingegneria Agraria, Forestale e Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Torino, 127 pp.
    • Naziri, D. & Castellani, L. (2002). Produzione e commercio internazionale del cacao: situazione e tendenze (Production and international trade of cocoa: situation and relevant issues). Torino: Dipartimento di Economia e Ingegneria Agraria, Forestale e Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Torino, 205 pp.

    Selected working papers and research reports

    • Naziri, D., Belton, B. Alobo Loison, S., Shikuku, K., Reardon, T., Kaguongo, W., Maina, K. Ogello, E. & Obiero, K. (2021). Pivoting in response to Covid-19 disruptions in the midstream of potato and fish value chains in Kenya. Lima, Peru: CIP; Penang, Malaysia: WorldFish.
    • Dentoni, D., Brak, A. & Naziri, D. (2021). Farmer Business Schools (FBS) in local communities: How do FBS stimulate farmers’ learning and social capital? CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). https://hdl.handle.net/10568/116677
    • Tinyiro, E., Mayanja, S., Kisakye, S. & Naziri, D. (2021). Gendered mapping of steamed sweetpotato among urban consumers in Uganda. Lima (Peru). CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB).
    • Tinyiro, E., Mayanja, S., Kisakye, S. & Naziri, D. (2021). Consumer preferences for steamed sweetpotato in urban areas of Uganda. Lima (Peru). CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB).
    • Sartas M., Zervas P., Konstantinidis S., Sarfatti P., Schut M., Bonaiuti E., Naziri, D. & Clarke V. (2021). Descriptors for documenting innovations and their contributions to impact. Lima (Peru). CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB). DOI: 10.4160/9789290606079
    • Kisakye, S., Tinyiro, E., Mayanja, S. & Naziri, D. (2020). Current status of knowledge about end-user preferences for boiled potato in Uganda – A food science, gender and demand perspective. Kampala, Uganda: CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB). DOI: 10.4160/9789290605546
    • Atkins, M., Byrd, K.A., Pincus, L., Naziri, D., Yossa, R. & Thilsted, S.H. (2020). Integrating fish, roots, tubers and bananas in food systems: Opportunities and constraints. Working Paper: FISH-2020-06. Penang, Malaysia: CGIAR Research Program on Fish Agri-Food Systems; Lima, Peru: CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas.
    • Prain, G. & Naziri, D. (2020). The role of root and tuber crops in strengthening agri-food system resilience in Asia: A literature review and selective stakeholder assessment. FoodSTART+ Working Paper. Lima (Peru). International Potato Center. ISBN: 978‐92‐9060‐539‐3. 58pp. DOI: 10.4160/9789290605393
    • Palao, L.K., Naziri, D., Balanza, J.G. & Campilan, D.M. (2019). Transformational adaptation of key root and tuber crops in Asia: Species distribution modelling for assessing crop suitability in response to climate change. FOODSTART+ Project. Lima (Peru). International Potato Center. 34 pp. DOI: 10.4160/9789290605300
    • Even, B., Naziri, D., Le Thi, H. & Palao, L.K. (2019). Is Vietnam in need of supportive policies for promoting roots and tubers development? Insights from Quang Binh province. FOODSTART+, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Nabukeera, C. & Naziri, D. (2017). Economic viability of ware potato storage in ambient stores in eastern Uganda. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Ojakol, J.F., Lule, P., Kyalo, G., Pezo, D., Naziri, D., Lukuyu, B. & Mutetikka D. (2017). Effect of sweetpotato silage diets on performance of growing pigs in Uganda. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Lule, P., Ojakol, J.F., Asindu, M., Naziri, D. & Ouma, E. (2017) Economic analysis of sweetpotato silage-based diets for smallholder pig farmers in Uganda. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Mayanja, S., Mudege, N. & Naziri, D. (2016). Gender situational analysis of the cassava value chain in Western Uganda and strategies for gender equity in postharvest innovations. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Mudege, N., Mayanja, S. & Naziri, D. (2016). Gender situational analysis of the potato value chain in eastern Uganda and strategies for gender equity in postharvest innovations. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Mudege, N., Mayanja, S. & Naziri, D. (2016). Gender situational analysis of the sweetpotato value chain in Central and Eastern Uganda and strategies for gender equity in postharvest innovatiion. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Waigumba, S.P., Nyamutoka, P., Wanda, K., Abass, A., Kwagala, I., Menya, G., Acheng, S., Nuwamanya, E., Matovu, M., Kaliisa, R., Muyinza, H., Nyakaisiki, E. & Naziri, D. (2016). Market opportunities and value chain analysis of fresh cassava roots in Uganda. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Nalunga, A., Kikulwe, E., Nowakunda, K., Ajambo, S. & Naziri, D. (2015). Structure of the cooking banana value chain in Uganda and opportunities for value addition and postharvest losses reduction. RTB-ENDURE report, funded by EU/IFAD.
    • Abayomi, L. A., Sandifolo, V., Naziri, D., Kaitano, V. & Shaw, M. (2013). C:AVA II Investment study - Malawi case study. C:AVA NRI project report, funded by the BMGF.
    • Bennett, B., Naziri, D., Mahende, G., Magadi, J. & Masau, B. (2013). C:AVA II Investment study - Tanzania case study. C:AVA NRI project report, funded by the BMGF.
    • Naziri, D. & Lam, H. (2013). Will exports of cassava from Nigeria to China take off in the coming years? An assessment of the opportunities of targeting the emerging Chinese bio-fuel industry. C:AVA NRI project report, funded by the BMGF.
    • Naziri, D., L., Abayomi, L., Sandifolo, V., Kaitano, V. & Sergeant, A. (2013). Market opportunities for cassava in Malawi. C:AVA NRI project report, funded by the BMGF.
    • Naziri, D. & Bennett, B. (2013). Value chains and levels/causes of post-harvest losses for cassava and yam. Gains from Losses from Roots and Tubers (GRATITUDE), EC, Brussels. FP7 no. 289843.
    • Naziri, D., Sergeant, A., Graffham, A., Sanni, L., Abayomi, L. & Siwoku, B. (2013). Market opportunities for cassava in Nigeria. C:AVA NRI project report, funded by the BMGF.
    • Bennett, B. & Naziri, D. (2013), Market Study for a range of potential cassava and yam waste product solutions in Ghana, Nigeria, Thailand and Vietnam, Gains from Losses from Roots and Tubers (GRATITUDE), EC, Brussels. FP7 no. 289843.
    • Coote, C., Naziri, D., Kuiseu, J., Dembele, D. & Coulibaly, N. (2011). Diagnosis of capacity development needs of the OPV Maize Innovation Platforms for Technology Adoption (IPTAs) in Mali. NRI project report, funded by the DFID.
    • Naziri, D. (2011). Financial services for SME fisheries: Egypt case study. NRI project report, funded by the GIZ.
    • Naziri, D. (2011). The rapid rise of private voluntary standards in the livestock and meat sectors and their implications for developing countries. NRI Working Paper, funded by the DFID.
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3069
Associate Professor of Agri-food Systems Innovation
Dr Gideon Edu Onumah
  • Qualifications: BSc. (Hons.), MSocSc, PhD
  • Biography:

    Dr Gideon Edu Onumah is a Ghanaian national and has been with NRI for over 14 years. He has been working on African agricultural production, marketing and finance systems as well as on rural/micro finance issues. He has undertaken considerable desk and field research in agricultural commodity sectors, using a range of analytical tools, including value chain analysis, transaction cost analysis and the institutional framework to identify opportunities in the agricultural sector as well as institutional innovations which enhance the capacity of producers and other stakeholders to exploit and benefit from such opportunities. His experience in the commodity sectors includes both food crops, especially grains as well as export crops.

    Dr Onumah is that the forefront of the promotion of modern agricultural marketing and finance institutions such as the warehouse receipt system and functional agricultural commodity exchanges. He is currently leading a team of Europe-based experts (under AGRINATURA-EEIG) who are collaborating with African farmers' organisations in promoting market-based farm risk management tools which can benefit smallholder farmers. The project which is called Farm Risk Management for Africa (FARMAF) is funded by the European Union.

    Dr Onumah has also been involved in research and consultations on policy and regulatory issues affecting agricultural commodity trading and finance systems. It was in recognition of his work in these areas that he was asked to contribute at a special international colloquium on Warehouse receipts and securitisation of finance to smallholder farmers in 2012. He was also invited as a chapter contributor for the first issue of Africa Agriculture Status Report.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Main interests include development and promotion of sustainable systems to foster access by smallholder farmers to finance, remunerative output markets and farm risk management. The outcome of research and pilots undertaken by Dr Onumah and his colleagues were incorporated in projects to develop efficient crop marketing systems in especially Africa – with funding from different donors including the Common Fund for Commodities, USAID, FAO and the World Bank. Governments which have benefited from these projects include Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Ghana and Ethiopia.

    The research efforts and pilots undertaken on farm risk management by smallholder farmers has also been utilised in formulating a project being implemented in collaboration with farmers' organisations in Africa to promote access to sustainable, market-based tools which smallholder farmers can use to manage farm risks.
  • Research Projects:

    Farm Risk Management for Africa (FARMAF)

    Location: Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Zambia
    Year: 2012-2015
    Funding Body: European Commission
    Position Held: Project Coordinator

    Description of the Project: The objective of the project is to enhance access to and use of effective pre- and postharvest farm risk management tools (systems, institutions and infrastructure) by smallholder farmers in Tanzania, Zambia and Burkina Faso. This includes access to agricultural insurances linked to improved access to financial services, and enhanced collective action by farmers. It is expected that by using these tools, smallholder farmers will be able to reduce their exposure to downward shocks, improve access to credit and, therefore, their capacity to invest in yield-enhancing technology. Specific contributions are overall project management (shared with project leader); research inputs on innovative financing systems, such as Warehouse Receipt Systems, and commodity marketing; and support of national implementing partners in Tanzania. Research was presented at UK Houses of Parliament in February 2013. The project, led by NRI, is a partnership between AGRINATURA (consortium of European agricultural research institutes and universities) and several national, regional and Pan-African Farmers' Organisations.

    Restructuring warehouse receipt system in Tanzania to support viable agricultural commodity exchange

    Location: Tanzania
    Year: November 2012 – June 2013
    Funding Body: World Bank/Bank of Tanzania
    Position Held: Project Leader

    Review of existing warehouse receipt system (WRS) and advisory inputs on strengthening the WRS to effectively support a viable commodity exchange in Tanzania. The recommendations made have been incorporated in an action plan adopted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to establish a commodity exchange.

    A similar assignment has been undertaken on behalf of the Government of Rwanda. Through the assignment, which was funded by the US-based International Fertiliser Development Centre, NRI advised the Government of Rwanda on regulatory and institutional issues to ensure a robust and trusted warehouse receipt system to assure delivery of commodities traded by the recently-established East Africa Commodity Exchange based in Rwanda. A reliable delivery system has emerged as a cornerstone in assuring the viability of commodity exchanges in developing countries.

    This project was undertaken in July-September 2013 and Dr Onumah was the leader of the team of experts which carried it out.

    Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C:AVA)

    Location: Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda
    Year: 2008-2011
    Funding Body: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
    Position Held: SME Finance Specialist

    Description of the Project: Overall objective of the project is to strengthen value chains for high quality cassava flour (HQCF). Specific objective of inputs: to understand the financing needs of small-medium scale enterprises and recommend innovative financing mechanisms to ease access to credit, thereby promoting investment in cassava processing technologies in the participating countries.

    A similar value chain development approach was used by a team, led by Dr Onumah, in studying the Sweetpotato value chain in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to explore opportunities to promote greater exploitation of the benefits of Sweetpotato in Nigeria. It was undertaken between June 2011 and May 2012 and was funded by the International Potato Centre (CIP)/Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/1922.html
  • Responsibilities:

    Leading in preparation of bids and managing implementation of winning bids for projects to improve agricultural marketing and finance systems as well as farm risk management systems in developing countries.
  • Awards:
    • Member: European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • External Reviewer (of grant applications) for Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
    • Chapter Contributor: Africa Agriculture Status Report (2013) – officially launched in September 2013 in Maputo Mozambique.
    • Key speaker/presenter at international seminars and workshops on agricultural commodity trade and finance organised by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, UNCTAD, IFPRI and COMESA.
    • Expert Advisor on commodity trade – UNCTAD.
    • Expert Advisor on agricultural development in Africa – UNECA.
    • Peer Journal Reviewer (Food Policy Journal).
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3229-1661
  • Selected Publications:
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3263
Principal Agricultural Marketing and Finance Economist
Dr Micael de Andrade Lima
  • Qualifications: BSc, MSc,PhD, FHEA
  • Biography:

    As a Senior Lecturer in Food innovation at the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Greenwich (UK), apart from being Programme Leader for the MSc Food Innovation programmes, Micael teaches across a range of modules also in the MSc Applied Food Safety and Quality Management, and in the BSc in Food Science and Nutrition. He also supervises a number of postgraduate students on their research projects.

    Research-wise, Micael’s expertise spans the production, extraction, and purification (downstream processing) of several molecules and biomolecules via novel and green technologies. These include Supercritical Fluid and Ultrasound-assisted extraction, Liquid-phase Adsorption, and Preparative Chromatography via Ion Exchange and Hydrophobic Interaction, among others. Currently, Micael’s research focus is on the extraction and concentration of plant proteins from underutilised and underexplored food matrices (such as fava beans, brewer’s spent grain, etc.), and the measurement of their functional and rheological properties for the manufacture of plant-based food products.

    As a post-doctoral researcher at the Federal University of Ceara (Brazil), Micael’s projects looked into the purification of R-phycoerythrin from red algae, a valuable fluorescent protein that can be used, among other applications, as a biomarker in cancer diagnosis. In his PhD at the University of Reading, his work involved the development of a novel protocol for the sequential extraction and purification of phenolics and carotenoids from different vegetable wastes via the green technologies mentioned above.

    Micael has previously worked at Aberystwyth University for 2 years as a lecturer of Food Science in the Distance Learning and the Bioinnovation Wales programmes of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). Running modules in joint partnership with Swansea University, he was also responsible for outlining, creating and validating new modules, as well as coordinating, tutoring, moderating and marking in ongoing modules.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Micael has always strongly identified with novel processes and processing that keep environmental sustainability at their core, and whose impact could be directly converted into benefits to the wider society.

    His main research interests are:

    • The simultaneous extraction and concentration of compounds of interest from waste or low-value materials by novel technologies and preparative chromatographic techniques, which would greatly improve the productivity of such processes compared to when they are carried out individually;

    • The further purification and isolation of these compounds by innovative techniques.

    • The optimisation of such processes, so they can be readily used and translated into real-world applications.

    His broader research expertise to date includes process development and optimisation, biotechnological processes for the food, chemical and nutraceutical industries, data modelling, and solutions for waste valorisation. Specific expertise encompasses Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Ultrasound-assisted extraction, Liquid-phase adsorption, preparative chromatography, and design and optimisation of experiments. Other minor/older expertise involve fermentation processes and probiotics, enzyme production and purification, water and effluent quality control, and microbiological and physicochemical analyses of food.
  • Research Projects:
    • Cost analysis of a stabilisation protocol for Beer Spent Grain (BSG), REF UoG (2024).
    • Upcycling Brewer’s Spent Grain for the production of plant-based meat analogues, Starbucks’s Hubbub (2023-2024).
    • UK-Brazil partnership for exploring alternative plant protein sources, REF UoG (2023-2024).
    • Mathematical modelling of cassava roasting, REF UoG (2022-2023).
    • Upcycled plant proteins from brewer’s spent grain, REF UoG (2022-2023).
    • Extraction of alternative protein from fava beans via novel technologies, HEIF UoG, (2021-2022).
    • Extraction and recovery of phytochemicals from vegetable wastes (2014-2018), CAPES, Brazil.
  • Teaching Programmes:

    Programmes:

    • MSc in Food Innovation
    • MSc in Food Innovation with Industrial Placement
    • MSc in Applied Food Safety and Quality Management
    • BSc Food Science and Nutrition

    Modules:

    • FOOD1058 – Fundamentals of Food Science and Nutrition
    • FOOD1036 – Marketing, Innovation and Management
    • FOOD1029 – Food Product and Process Development
    • FOOD1057 – Food Processing and Preservation
    • FOOD1023 – Food Preservation
    • ENVI1096 – Research Methods for Postgraduates
    • FOOD1037 – Research Project (Food Innovation)
    • CHEM1029 – Applied Food Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Selected Publications:
    • de Oliveira, M.C.; de Oliveira, J.K.; Silva, J.B.; Mendes, L.G.; da Silva, F.S.; Alencar, M.D.S.; Nobre, C.D.A.; Costa, M.G.M.; de Andrade-Lima, M.; Milhome, M.A.L.(2024).  Effect of thermal processing on the degradation of pesticides in a banana jam partially formulated with banana peel flour. Applied Food Research, 4(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2024.100445
    • D’Almeida, A.P., Neta, A.A.I., de Andrade-Lima, M. et al. Plant-based probiotic foods: current state and future trends. (2024). Food Science and Biotechnology, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-024-01674-1
    • Kipling, R. P., Stiles, W. A. V., de Andrade-Lima, M., MacKintosh, N., Roberts, M. W., Williams, C. L., Watson-Jones, S. J. (2022). Interaction in online postgraduate learning: what makes a good forum? Distance Education, 44(1), pp. 162–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2022.2150391 
    • de Andrade-Lima, M., Andreou, R., Charalampopoulos, D., Chatzifragkou, A. (2021) Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Peels. Applied Sciences, 11(8), pp. 3410.
    • Harith, Z.T., de Andrade-Lima, M., Andreou, R., Charalampopoulos, D., Chatzifragkou, A. (2020) Optimised Production and Extraction of Astaxanthinfrom the Yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. Microorganisms, 8 (3), pp. 430.
    • da Silveira, T. F. F., de Andrade-Lima, M., Meinhart, A. D., Kuhnle, G., Godoy, H. T. (2020) Effect of Solvent Composition on the Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Bacaba Juice (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.). Food Analytical Methods, 13 (5), pp. 1119-1128.
    • de Sousa, P. L. R., Tavares, P. A. S., Teixeira, E. M. T. S., Dias, N. A., de Andrade-Lima, M., Luna, F. M. T., Gondim, D. R., de Azevedo, D. C. S., Silva Junior, I. J. (2019) Experimental designs for optimizing the purification of immunoglobulin G by mixed-mode chromatography. Journal of Chromatography B, 1125, pp. 121719.
    • de Andrade-Lima, M., Charalampopoulos, D., Chatzifragkou, A. (2019) Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Carotenoids from Vegetable Waste Matrices. Molecules, 24(3), pp. 466.
    • de Andrade-Lima, M., Charalampopoulos, D., Chatzifragkou, A. (2018) Purification of supercritical-fluid carotenoid-rich extracts by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Separation and Purification Technology, 203, pp. 1-10.
    • de Andrade-Lima, M., Charalampopoulos, D., Chatzifragkou, A. (2018) Optimisation and modelling of supercritical a CO2 extraction process of carotenoids from carrot peels. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 133, pp. 94-102.
    • de Andrade-Lima, M., de Freitas, M. F. M., Gonçalves, L. R. B., Silva-Junior, I. J. (2016) Recovery and purification of a Kluyveromyces lactis β -galactosidase by Mixed Mode Chromatography. Journal of Chromatography B, 1015, pp. 181-191.
    • Pereira, A. L. F., Almeida, F. D. L., de Andrade-Lima, M., da Costa, J. M. C., Rodrigues, S. (2014) Spray-Drying of Probiotic Cashew Apple Juice. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 7(9), pp. 2492-2499.
Senior Lecturer in Food Innovation
Dr Richard Fuchs
  • Qualifications: PhD
  • Biography:

    Richard is a food safety and quality management specialist with 35 years of work experience. He first started at NRI after obtaining a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Leeds. His work moved into the field of food microbiology at NRI, and his areas of research were the development of rapid diagnostic methods, the study of Listeria monocytogenes in foods, particularly fish and fishery products and the study of traditional fermentation methods. Much of the work was carried out overseas, where he also was also involved in training and capacity building.

    From 1994 to 2003, Richard was seconded by the UK Department of International Development to the international Foundation of Science, in Stockholm, Sweden where he was Head of Programme. This organisation awards grants to young researchers in developing countries and also provides a package of other support. His work took him to many countries and he was instrumental in organising workshops and training courses, as well as setting up and supporting networks.

    On Richard’s return to NRI, he took on a more active role in teaching and became  Programme Leader for the MSc Applied Food Safety and Quality Management. He also played a key role in the development of an e-learning version of the programme. He delivers a number of modules on the programmes.

    Richard’s consultancy work has continued parallel to his teaching. He has managed the NRI contribution to a number of large projects including the ACP/OCT funded Strengthening Fisheries Product Health Conditions programme, and the COLEACP run EDES programme, which aimed to strengthen food security systems in developing countries. Some of this work focused on strengthening the capacity of official testing laboratories and supporting them in the attainment of ISO 17025. More recently, Richard has been working with both the International Potato Centre and the World Health Programme in delivering training.

    In his work, Richard has worked with all sectors from Government to small businesses both in the UK and overseas. He has supported small start up companies in the UK through a number of initiatives. He has a proven track record of management and leadership and has managed many successful projects in developing countries.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:
    • Food microbiology Listeria monocytogenes in foods
    • Traditional food fermentations
    • Improved use of food waste
    • Food authenticity and traceability
  • Research Students:

    2008-2014 Studies on the Production of Amala from Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato  (Ipomoeabatatas ) using Traditional and Modified Fermentation Processes (A.Yusuf) (J Crenn)
  • Teaching Programmes:

    MSc Applied Food Safety and Quality Management (Programme Leader)

    • (FOOD 1025) Food Safety (Module Leader/Lecturer)
    • (FOOD 1005) Research Project (Module Leader/Project Supervisor)
    • (MICR 1005) Food Microbiology (Module Leader/Lecturer)
    • (FOOD 1052) Food Authenticity and Traceability (Module Leader/Lecturer)
    • (FOOD 1018) Food Chemistry (Module Leader/Lecturer)
    • (FOOD 1016) Laboratory Quality Assurance (Module Leader/Lecturer)
    • (FOOD 1051) Managing Pre-requisite Programmes (Module Leader)
    • (AGRI 1281) Sustainable Pesticide Management (Module Leader)
    • (FOOD 1024) Food Safety and Quality Management (Lecturer)
    • (FOOD 1023) Food Preservation (Lecturer)
    • (ENVI 1096) Research Methods (Lecturer)

    MSc Food Safety and Quality Management (e-learning)

    • (FOOD 1042) Food Safety e-learning (Module Leader/Lecturer
    • (FOOD 1044) Research Methods (Module Leader/Lecturer
    • (FOOD 1045) Applied Food Safety Project (Module Leader/Supervisor)
    • (FOOD 1043) Food Safety and Quality Management e-learning (Lecturer)

    MSc Food Innovation

    • (FOOD 1040) Applied Food Microbiology (Lecturer)
    • (FOOD 1050) Food Management (Lecturer)

    Undergraduate Programmes (Module taught on a number of programmes)

    • (MICR 1009) Microbiology and the Environment (Module Leader/Lecturer)
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/1906.html
  • Responsibilities:
    • NRI representative on Faculty of Engineering and Science Research Ethics Committee
    • Member of the University Research Ethics Committee
    • Member of various University validation and review panels
  • Awards:
    • Approved Royal Society of Public Health Food Hygiene and HACCP Trainer
    • Qualified Lead Auditor for BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 8
    • External Examiner University of Chester
    • External Examiner Northumbria University
    • Member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology
    • Member of Food Hygiene Expert Group
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3830-1274
  • Selected Publications:
    • Musyoka, J., Abong', G., Mbogo, D., Fuchs, R. Low, J., Heck, S. and Muzhinga, T. (2018) ‘Effects of acidification and preservatives on microbial growth during storage of orange fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) puree’. International Journal of Food Science (Open Access Journal)
    • Yusuf, A. B., Fuchs, R. S. and Nicolaides, L. (2017) ‘Consumer acceptability of modified and traditionally produced amala from fermented orange-fleshed sweet potato’. African Journal of Food Science 11, pp 183-188
    • Yusuf, A. B., Fuchs, R. S. and Nicolaides, L. (2016) ‘Effect of traditional processing methods on the vitamin (A and C) and trypsin inhibitor contents of orange-fleshed sweet potato for production of amala in Nigeria’. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 96, pp 2472-2477
    • Cox, J. and Fuchs, R. (2010) ‘Guide to the Development and Maintenance of Fishery Product Testing Laboratories’.
    • Fuchs, R, S. (1999) ‘Listeria monocytogenes – a new microbiological hazard in seafood?’ in Karunasagar, I., Karunasagar, I., and Reilly, A. (eds) Aquaculture and Biotechnology. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co, New Delhi, Calcutta, pp 13-32
    • Fuchs, R. S. and Reilly, P. J. A. (1992) ‘The incidence and significance of Listeria monocytogenes in seafoods’, in Huss, H. et al. (eds) Quality Assurance in the Fish Industry. Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, pp 217-229
    • Fuchs, R.S. and Sirvas, S (1991) ‘incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in an acidified fish product, ceviche’. Letters in Applied Microbiology 12, pp 88-90
    • Fuchs, R. S. and Surendran, P.K. (1989) ‘Incidence of Listeria in tropical fish and fishery products’. Letters in Applied Microbiology 9, pp 49-51
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3480
Principal Scientist: Food Safety Specialist, Programme Leader - MSc Food Safety and Quality Management
Dr Richard J. Colgan
  • Qualifications: BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD
  • Biography:

    Richard studied for an MSc in Crop Protection at the Institute of Arable Crops- Long Ashton/ University of Bristol, before starting a short-term assignment at INIA in Spain researching the control of post-harvest diseases in protected crops. Richard moved to the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency in 1993, before relocating to East-Malling Research (HRI-East Malling) in 1994 joining the post-harvest team as a storage physiologist and pathologist working with the UK fruit industry to reduce losses of stored apples and pears.

    He studied the control of ethylene biosynthesis and identified genes orchestrating ripening in apple for his PhD based at HRI-East Malling and characterised a number of novel inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis. An extension to this work resulted in developing a number of genetic markers for use in marker assisted selection of new apple varieties with improved texture and eating quality. Richard joined NRI in 2010 working with colleagues to set up the Produce Quality Centre a collaboration between NRI and NIAB-EMR. More recently he has concentrated on more applied approaches to reducing losses and wastage in the supply chain funded by AHDB/WRAP. Reducing disease incidence in stored cabbage was one notable success through the use of the biological control agent SerenadeTM to reduce the spread of Botrytis cinerea. Richard’s interest in ethylene biology led to a Defra-funded SA-Link project to increase the use of ethylene as a sprout suppressant in potatoes with collaborators from James Hutton and Sutton Bridge Crop Storage with a follow-on involvement in a BBSRC-HAPI project understanding mechanisms controlling dormancy in potato and onion. NRI’s involvement in phenotyping dormancy and sprouting helped collaborators at JH to identify QTL’s associated with dormancy break in diploid and tetraploid potato lines. More recently Richard has been working alongside colleagues to develop real-time gas sensing technology for fresh produce subject to prolonged storage: SafePod technology (SCS Ltd) allows for real-time analysis of respiration behaviour of fruit allowing produced to be stored under low-oxygen storage regimes and in another Innovate UK project he has been working with Collaborators (University of Manchester) on isolating volatile signatures of diseased apple for training novel sensing detection technology as a means of real-time monitoring of disease development in stored apples.

    Richard works closely with the UK- fresh produce industry to develop solutions to current problems a recent example is the development of a new Innovate UK project to design novel in-field cooling rigs to cool soft-fruit immediately after harvest allowing greater flexibility in cool-chain management.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:
    • Control of fruit ripening and ethylene biology
    • Reduction in nutritional-related disorders in fresh produce
    • Disease detection and reduction
    • Minimising water loss and maintenance of produce quality in the supply chain
  • Research Projects:

    BBSRC-Agritech

    • 2019-2022 ICSF WAVE CoolBerry (R.Colgan/D.Rees-NRI, J.Dye JD Cooling, R.Harnden BerryGardens, P.Wilson Scorpion)
    • 2018-2019 ISCF WAVE Agri-tech low cost sensors (M.Turner-UoM, R.Colgan-NRI, Saville-NIAB-EMR, N.Dartnell- Cambridge Display Technology)
    • 2015-2018 SafePod: New technology for intelligent control of fresh produce storage (D.Rees & R.Colgan NRI)

    BBSRC-HAPI

    • 2013-2017 Control of dormancy in onion and potato (G Bryan (JHI), M.Taylor (JHI), Turnbull (IC) LTerry(Cranfield), R.Colgan/D.Rees (NRI)

    Defra

    • 2009-2012 SA-Link Reducing energy usage and wastage by improving ethylene control of potato sprouting (D. Rees (NRI), R.Colgan (NRI), M,Taylor (JHI), G.Bryan (JHI), A.Cunnington (SBCSR)
    • 2004-2008 To optimise texture and flavour in stored apples using a genomic approach (M.Else, R.Colgan, K.Tobut, K.Evans) EMR
    • 2002-2004 Identification of the mechanism for reduced ethylene production in apple fruit (M.Else, J.Stow, R.Colgan, K.Tobut, K.Evans) EMR

    EU

    • 2016-2018 Horizon 2020 Thematic network-EUFRUIT
    • 1998-2003 FPIV: Novel Inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis (E.Woltering (WUR), T. De Virje (WUR), J.Stow (EMR), R.Colgan (EMR))

    Levy Body

    • 2016-2020 Improving tree fruit quality (AHDB-Hort)
    • 2015-2018 Role of mineral nutrition in maintaining post-harvest quality of stored potato ( AHDB-Potato)
    • 2014-2017 Chlorophyll fluorescence sensors for prediction of harvest maturity of broccoli (HDC)
    • 2014-2017 Reducing wastage in stored cabbage and Swedes (HDC)
    • 2012-2014 Developing Controlled atmosphere protocols for the extension of the storage life of Braeburn apples and new varieties of apples (HDC).
    • 2013-2014 Development of volatile capture and GC-MS/MS analysis of flavour compounds from Gala apples (HDC)
    • 2011-2014 Extending the storage and shelf-life of broccoli (HDC)
    • 2011- Review of senescent sweetening of potato- (PCL)
    • 2011-2013 Optimising the rate of CA establishment of Bramley’s Seedling Stores (HDC)
    • 2011-2013 Improving quality and reducing costs of Conference pear storage using SmartFresh (AHDB-Hort/AgroFresh)
  • Research Students:
    • 2017-2020 Unravelling the mechanisms controlling texture in stored blueberries (M.Carcamo)
    • 2016-2019 Structural and biochemical factors affecting apple response to long term low-oxygen storage (R.Fisher)
    • 2013-2017 The mechanism of senescent sweetening in potato (C.Carvalho)
    • 2010-2014 The role of calcium conjugation and regulation in the development of physiological disorders of apple (M.Mirzaee)
  • Teaching Programmes:
    • Lecture on Post-harvest Biology Technology module (MSc in FSQM)
    • Plant Science and Molecular Biology aspects of the MBiol
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/161.html
  • Responsibilities:
    • Co-founder of the Produce Quality Centre
  • Awards:
    • Member of the Post-harvest convening group -Association of Applied Biologists (1998-2004)
    • Scientific Advisor to the CIPC- Stewardship Group- (2017-present)
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0653-5845
  • Selected Publications:
    • Buti M, Sargent DJ, Velasco R, Colgan RJ (2018).A study of gene expression changes at the Bp-2 locus associated with bitter pit symptom expression in apple (Malus pumila)- Molecular Breeding (38):85 .
    • Buti M, Poles L, Caset D, Magnago P, Fernandez Fernandez F, Colgan RJ, Velasco R, Sargent DJ (2014) Identification and validation of a QTL influencing bitter pit symptoms in apple (Malus x domestica). Molecular Breeding 35 (1):29.
    • Colgan.R.J. and Fernandez. F. (2013) Extending the storage season of apples through selection of low ethylene breeding lines. Aspects of Applied Biology 119, 119-126
    • Cheema, M.U.A, D.Rees, R.J.Colgan, M.Taylor, A.Westby (2013) The effects of ethylene, 1-MCP and AVG on sprouting in sweetpotato roots . Postharvest Biology and Technology, 85:89-96
    • Hassan, S., Colgan R.J., Paul, M.J., Drake, P., Atkinson, C.J., Sexton, A., van Dolleweerd, C.Keshavarz-Moore E.and Ma, J.K-C.(2012) Recombinant monoclonal antibody yield in transgenic tobacco plants is affected by the wounding response via an ethylene dependent mechanism. Transgenic Research 21:1221–1232.
    • Colgan R.J., Atkinson, C.J., Paul, M.J., Drake, P., Sexton, A., Santa-Cruz, S., James, D.J. and Ma, J.K-C. (2010). Optimisation of contained Nicotiana tabacum cultivation for the production of recombinant protein pharmaceuticals. Transgenic Res 19(2):241–256
    • Richard Colgan, John Stow , Annalisa Marchese, Sladjana Nidzovic and Mark Else (2006). Storage quality of low ethylene producing apples (Malus pumila Mill.). Journal of Fruit and Ornamental Research, 14(2): 77-85.
    • Dandekar AM, Teo G, Defilippi BG, Uratsu SL, Passey AJ, Kader AA, Stow JR, Colgan RJ, James DJ. (2004). Effect of down-regulation of ethylene biosynthesis on fruit flavor complex in apple fruit. Transgenic Research 13 (4): 373-384
    • D.S. Johnson, R.J. Colgan (2003) Low ethylene controlled atmosphere induces adverse effects on the quality of ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ apples treated with aminoethoxyvinylglycine during fruit development. Postharvest Biology and Technology 27, 59-68.
    • Colgan R.J, Dover C.J, Johnson D.S and Pearson K. (1999) Delayed CA and Oxygen at 1 kPa or less control superficial scald without carbon dioxide injury on Bramley’s Seedling apples. Postharvest Biology and Technology 16, 223-231.
    • Colgan R.J and Johnson D.S (1998). The effects of post-harvest application of surface sterilising agents on the incidence of fungal rots in stored apples and pears. Journal of Horticultural Science. 73(3) 361-366.
    • Johnson D.S, Dover C.J, Colgan R.J. (1996). Effect of rate of establishment of CA conditions on the development of CO2-injury in Bramley's Seedling Apples. Postharvest 1996, Taupo, New Zealand Acta Horticulturae.464, 351-356
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3760
Reader in Postharvest Physiology
Professor Tanya E Stathers
  • Qualifications: BSc (Hons), PGCE, MSc, PhD
  • Biography:

    Tanya has worked as an agriculture for development researcher across sub-Saharan Africa and other geographies for > 25 years. Using interdisciplinary and participatory approaches, her work focuses on deepening understanding of and supporting sustainability of various dimensions of smallholder agri-food systems, with a particular interest in postharvest and collective-learning aspects.

    Tanya has worked for the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) since 1998, mainly in Tanzania and Kenya (2004-2015). Prior to joining NRI she worked as a researcher at the Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute in Papua New Guinea (1997-98), and on the Cashew Research Programme at Naliendele Agricultural Research Institute in Mtwara, southern Tanzania (1993-95).

    Tanya’s research has encompassed an unusually broad range of agricultural development issues including: agricultural adaptation to climate change, urbanising food systems, rural-urban interdependencies, drivers of food choice, reduction and quantification of postharvest food losses, seed systems, use of agricultural innovation systems approach, the role of experiential and multi-stakeholder social-learning processes and tools for increasing sustainability of food systems, poverty impacts of market certification standards, gender and diversity aspects of agri-food systems, as well as field and laboratory research trials into a range of pre and postharvest constraints across a variety of tropical crops. She recently led the Ceres2030 systematic review and evidence synthesis on effective interventions to reduce postharvest losses in 22 different food crops for 57 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.

    Her interest in the use of creative adult education approaches for strengthening agricultural skills and knowledge has seen her develop several agricultural for development continued professional development training courses. She also delivers seminars on climate change adaptation and postharvest systems and supervises several international postgraduate research students.

    She has long-term experience in Tanzania, Kenya and Papua New Guinea, and significant field work experience in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa and Zambia. She speaks Swahili and slightly rusty French.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Every year after harvest, USD$ 4 billion worth of cereal grains alone are lost across Sub-Saharan Africa, this is valuable food that could have fed millions of people and driven economic activity in the region. Much of Tanya’s >25 years of research within agricultural innovation systems across sub-Saharan Africa has focused on the participatory development and promotion of knowledge and effective and acceptable technologies that can help in reducing these postharvest food losses, and particularly those during food storage. She is also involved in quantifying what and why losses are happening at each postharvest stage in different crops, and the financial and nutritional impacts of these losses for countries helping them shape more targeted loss reduction investments.

    Realising the importance of experiential learning approaches in building capacity, she has co-developed a number of practical training courses, manuals and other supporting materials for trainers and farmers. Amongst these are the WFP ‘Training Manual for Improving Grain Postharvest Handling and Storage’, the Moyo Nuts/ New Rotations Zambia ‘Improving Groundnut Production and Postharvest Handling and Storage’ and the Reaching Agents of Change ‘Everything you ever wanted to know about sweetpotato’.

    Tanya’s main research interests and areas of expertise include:

    • Participatory multi-stakeholder collective-learning around:
      • transforming food systems and urban-rural interdependency
      • reducing food loss and waste
      • agricultural adaptation to climatic and other drivers of change
  • Research Projects:

    Expanding the African Postharvest Losses Information System – APHLIS+

    Dates: 2016-2022
    Partners: EC Joint Research Council, Agricultural Knowledge Management Services, University of Zimbabwe, network members in 37 Sub-Saharan African countries
    Donor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

    www.aphlis.net

    The 2008 food crisis caused development agencies involved in improving food security across sub-Saharan Africa to realise they needed a more detailed and accurate understanding of the level of postharvest loss of staple food crops occurring

    The African Postharvest Losses Information System (APHLIS) was developed and launched in 2009, to bring a rigorous knowledge management approach to cereal postharvest losses (PHL). Tanya leads two work packages: i) development of nutritional and financial dimensions of postharvest loss (PHL) estimates, and ii) expansion of APHLIS to include other key staple food crops (i.e. cowpeas, common beans, groundnuts, cassava), this is being done through combining meta-analysis of loss data from the scientific literature with contextual postharvest data. Since February 2021, she has also become the APHLIS project coordinator.

     

    Ceres2030 Sustainable Solutions to End Hunger

    Dates: 2019-2020

    www.ceres2030.org

    As donors mobilise to meet the targets set by Sustainable Development Goal 2, one of the most pervasive challenges they will face involves information: they need to know how much it costs to fix the problem, what interventions are most effective in solving it, and how they affect the rest of the economy. Ceres2030 brought together economic modelling, machine learning, and evidence-based synthesis into one initiative, helping fill a major knowledge gap in the field of agricultural and food policy. Ceres2030 connected this knowledge back to the donor community, making sure decision makers have the cost figures and evidence they need when deciding where and how to make their investments.

    Over 70 researchers volunteered to be part of the Ceres2030 team to generate evidence on where to prioritise spending on interventions to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. Tanya led the Reducing Food Loss team for Ceres2030 systematically reviewing and synthesising the evidence on interventions for reducing postharvest losses in 22 key food crops in smallholder agri-food systems in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.

     

    Addressing postharvest bottlenecks: what role for solar powered storage of fresh sweetpotato roots in sub-Saharan Africa? – an integral part of the Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa (SASHA II) project

    Dates: 2015-2019
    Partners: International Potato Centre (CIP), Organi Ltd.
    Donor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

    Africa is rapidly urbanising. Fresh sweetpotato roots are already an important part of urban diets in many countries. Exciting new initiatives include the use of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) puree in bread recipes by major supermarket chains in Kenya, helping to provide vital Vitamin A in the diets of the rapidly growing urban population. However, a year-round supply of fresh sweetpotato roots and sweetpotato products is required to meet these urban consumers’ demands; this can be achieved either through constant year-round production and supply of fresh roots or through a combination of staggered production and the storage of fresh OFSP roots to cover periods of low supply.

    One of the objectives of the Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa (SASHA II) project is to investigate whether commercial-scale storage of fresh OFSP roots is feasible.

    To better understand whether fresh root storage might offer opportunities within this OFSP supply chain, in 2015 Tanya undertook a detailed value chain study involving 59 stakeholder and focus group interviews across eight focal counties in Kenya to understand existing sweetpotato value chains, their seasonality, farmers’ production trends and constraints, traders’ root sourcing and trading patterns, price dynamics, retailing behaviours, and consumers’ preferences. This found that large quantities of yellow-fleshed sweetpotato roots are traded from Kabondo and Migori to the large urban markets in Kisumu, Nakuru and Nairobi, with traders sequentially purchasing roots from different areas during the year in order to smooth the supply. Prices vary between the peak and low supply seasons by up to 70%, suggesting that storage has the potential to reduce cost to the consumer. Only very limited amounts of OFSP are currently grown in these counties. The findings of this study were combined with different OFSP puree and fresh root requirement scenarios to calculate the storage capacity needed for a puree processor to hold at least one month’s stock of OFSP roots to control and smooth their supply chain, and reduce the impact of price rises during the low season. Based on this, a medium scale (10 - 30 tonnes) fresh root storage facility was constructed at the processor’s site in Homa Bay (see summary brief).

    Tanya has then designed and together with the Organi Ltd and CIP team run a series of fresh OFSP root storage trials in three different storage facilities (2016-2019) at the Organi Ltd in western Kenya. These trials have compared the storage characteristics of different OFSP varieties, and different pre-postharvest handling and curing practices on stored root quality during 4 months storage (see summary briefs 2016, 2017, 2018).

    To better understand demand for OFSP fresh roots amongst urban consumers, Tanya has worked with the CIP team in designing and leading a study of consumer awareness of, demand for and packaging of vitamin A rich OFSP roots in informal markets and high-end grocery stores in Nairobi (2018).

     

    Supporting smallholder farmers in southern Africa to better manage climate-related risks to crop production and postharvest handling

    Dates: 2013-2016
    Partners: University of Zimbabwe, Chitedze Agricultural Research Services Malawi, Food and Agriculture Organisation, University of Pretoria, FANRPAN, SOFESCA, University of Wageningen
    Donor: European Union

    Southern Africa is prone to extreme weather events, such as drought, floods and tropical cyclones, which have devastating impacts on human health, agriculture, infrastructure and other key socio-economic sectors. These climate-related shocks severely affect the livelihoods of the region’s population; 75% of who depend on predominantly rain-fed agriculture. Climate change, with projected increases in the incidence and intensity of extreme climatic events, is likely to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

    This project aimed to i) develop and promote innovative techniques, methods and approaches for smallholder farmers to manage risks to crop production and postharvest handling associated with drought, floods and cyclones, and ii) strengthen regional knowledge and institutional arrangements on risk management for crop production and postharvest handling in areas prone to climatic hazards.

    Tanya was involved in the design and implementation of community-profiling surveys in southern Malawi and Hwedza and Mbire districts of Zimbabwe in 2013 and 2014, which sought to understand farmers and key stakeholders’ experiences and perspectives on the impacts of and coping strategies for climate-related risks and longer-term adaptation options.

    This shaped the development of the activities for building postharvest capacity of key agricultural service providers and actors; and learning alliances for community testing of different stored grain (sorghum, maize, cowpeas) treatment options which Tanya has been involved in.

     

    Exploring rural-urban interdependence and the impact of climate change on interdependent food and agricultural systems in Tanzania and Malawi

    Dates: 2009-2012
    Partners: Institute of Resource Assessment University of Dar es Salaam, Chancellor College University of Malawi, ARI Hombolo Tanzania, ARI Uyole Tanzania, INADES Formation Tanzania, Bvumbwe ARI Malawi
    Donor: FCDO (previously DFID) and IDRC

    Background: Africa is rapidly urbanizing. By 2030 there are projected to be over 759 million African urban dwellers. This poses major challenges for the further provision of infrastructure and services. Alongside this, Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change and climate variability (CC&CV). As urbanisation and inequality increase, more sophisticated analyses of the linkages and interdependencies between rural and urban areas are emerging. Flows of products, people, knowledge and information, natural resources and money provide strong and dynamic linkages.

    Objectives: This research project funded by IDRC and FCDO aimed to strengthen the capacity of individuals, organizations and systems within the agriculture and food innovation systems connecting rural and urban communities in Tanzania and Malawi to adapt to the challenges and opportunities arising from CC&CV.

    Results: The project used a multi-stakeholder participatory action research process to explore Rural-Urban interdependencies and climate change (CC). This helped raise awareness amongst local government and other stakeholders regarding urban-rural linkages, urban food systems and their vulnerability to climate change, highlighting important knowledge gaps surrounding urban food security. An experiential learning approach supported peri-urban horticultural producers to work together with other key agricultural stakeholders (e.g. researchers, extension, micro-credit, stockists, and NGOs) and develop horticultural learning plots on which they experimented with soil water conservation techniques (including admixture of manure, reduced width and levelling of seed beds), new varieties, tower gardening techniques (important for situations where land and water are scarce, and for women and disabled persons), different pesticide application methods and crop diversification opportunities (such as sunflower production fields). The process strengthened farmers’ ability to analyse and test ways of improving their situation, to link with other stakeholders and led to a fast uptake of sustainable technologies. The participating farmers managed to significantly increase their profits from horticultural production through increased yields and quality (and therefore prices) and reduced water and land requirements. Neighbouring farmers requested training from the learning group members and copied new practices. In Malawi, urban agriculture was incorporated into national and local government policy and will build on the project’s activities recognising that horticultural systems can be adapted to both improve capacity of vulnerable people and strengthen resilience of food systems.

    NRI’s Dr Tanya Stathers and Richard Lamboll participated in the project design, urban food systems situation analysis, and the multi-stakeholder learning processes.

     

    Development of a post-harvest handling and storage handbook and training approach for the World Food Programme’s (WFP), Purchase for Progress (P4P) programme

    Dates: 2011-2013
    Donor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

    Background: WFP aims to purchase food from areas close to where relief food is needed. Over 950 Farmers’ Organisations (FOs) in 20 developing countries are registered to supply grain to WFP through the P4P programme for local food aid procurement. Many of these FOs struggle to supply WFP with cereals and beans that meet quality and safety standards. To help them meet quality standards, FOs are trained in postharvest handling and storage (PHHS).

    Objectives: To develop a comprehensive set of Postharvest Handling and Storage training materials and to help ensure a common basis based on best practice for PHHS training efforts within WFP’s Purchase for Progress (P4P) programme. This will enable FOs to collect, store and supply better quality grain to WFP.

    Results: The ‘Training Manual for Improving Grain Postharvest Handling and Storage’ can be viewed online. 4,000 copies have been printed in English for distribution to the trainers in the Anglophone P4P focal countries, and 2,000 copies in French. The manual includes technical PHHS information for improving household, primary aggregation point and warehouse level PHHS, it includes ~200 cartoons and 6 posters for farmer training which are designed so the text can be added in the relevant vernacular language, it also includes a detailed section on ‘How to deliver training on PHHS’ using an experiential learning approach.

    NRI’s Dr Stathers and Prof Hodges analysed the existing training materials, conducted a detailed needs assessment with key players in 3 focal P4P countries, designed, wrote and developed the manual and approach. They along with colleagues also created the text underlying the World Bank’s 2011 ‘Missing Food’ report which proposes an approach to reducing cereal postharvest losses in Sub-Saharan Africa – this builds on their long and detailed field experiences of smallholder postharvest systems.

     

    Assessing the poverty impact of social and environmental voluntary standard systems in the Kenyan tea sector

    Dates: 2010-2013
    Partners: Matrix Kenya
    Donor: FCDO (previously DFID)

    Background: Social and environmental voluntary standards, such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certification, are becoming increasingly common in global value chains. However, there is limited systematic evidence available on the impact and development potential of such standards. Donors, the media, NGOs, academics and development practitioners, as well as the voluntary standard bodies themselves are all keen to understand better what difference these standards make to disadvantaged workers and smallholders.

    Objective: to systematically examine the impact of voluntary social and environmental standards on poverty and livelihoods, particularly for the most disadvantaged workers and producers in developing countries.

    Results: The impact of social and environmental voluntary standards systems was studied in tea (in Kenya and India) and cocoa (in Ghana and Ecuador) amongst smallholder, outgrowers and estate producers. The study used large scale quantitative surveys and numerous sequential qualitative interviews with various stakeholders (e.g. producer organisation managers, smallholder and outgrowers famers (men and women), estate workers (men and women), key informants (e.g. local leaders, academics, trade unions), standard bodies).

    Amongst smallholder growers tea farming is their main source of income. The strict quality criteria, increased plucking frequency and crop husbandry trainings associated with the Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications have led to improved green leaf quality and higher yields which translates to higher tea incomes particularly when the tea prices are high. They have been able to invest more in their children’s education, and the Fairtrade premium has been used for a wide range of community investments. These farmers incur long-term and short-term costs associated with being certified but generally feel the benefits outweigh the costs. The detailed findings of certification impacts for smallholders, outgrowers and estate workers are presented in the final report (Stathers, Gathuthi et al., 2013. Poverty impact of social and environmental voluntary systems in Kenyan tea).

    NRI’s Dr Stathers led the Kenyan study involving design and implementation of the field work, and analysis and reporting of all the information collected.
  • Research Students:
    • Daniel Mbogo – Reducing acrylamide risk in processed sweetpotato
    • Shaw Mlambo – Grain postharvest pest management in maize smallholder systems in a changing climate – University of Zimbabwe
    • Macdonald Mubayiwa – Smallholder postharvest technologies to manage climate-related risks in selected sorghum production systems - University of Zimbabwe
    • Charles Singano – Investigation of grain postharvest technologies and systems for managing climate-related risks in smallholder farms of Shire Valley, southern Malawi – University of Zimbabwe
    • Tinashe Nyabako – Development of a smart-phone based decision-support system for grain postharvest management in Zimbabwe – University of Zimbabwe
    • Onika Stellingburg – An investigation into the factors that influence food choice among Gillingham North Residents – University of Greenwich
  • Teaching Programmes:

    Tanya has developed and written several research-based training manuals, and created accompanying experiential-learning training courses and appropriate tools including sets of visual flip-charts to facilitate field-based agriculture training and cartoon handouts. These continued-professional development tools combine technical elements of agricultural topics with a hands-on-learning approach. Examples include:

    The ‘Everything you ever wanted to know about sweetpotato’ training-of-trainers’ manual and course she developed for the Reaching Agents of Change programme, and updated for use by the Building Nutritious Food Baskets project. The manual has been translated into French, Portuguese, Kiswahili and Amharic and is used in >11 countries, and as a run-for-profit course by training institutes in Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

    The ‘Training Manual and Course on Improving Grain Postharvest Handling and Storage’ she co-developed for the World Food Programme (WFP) with Rick Hodges, is widely-used in >21 countries for training groups of smallholder-farmers to improve the quality of their produce through better postharvest management enabling them to gain access to higher value quality-sensitive markets.

    The ‘Improving Groundnut Production and Postharvest Handling and Storage’ manual, course, field charts and farmer handouts developed to assist two private-companies in Malawi and Zambia in building farmers’ capacity to access higher quality aflatoxin-free groundnut markets.

    In 2017, as part of a scaling initiative she worked with a CIP team and developed trainers’ guides, farmer handouts and field charts on sweetpotato planting material conservation ‘Triple S (sand, storage, sprouting)’ enabling farmers to produce sweetpotato planting materials prior to the rain season; thus providing food during the hungry season, climate-resilience and extra income. These tools have been used to train service providers in nine African countries, who have used them to train >10,000 farmers.

    She also co-supervises postgraduate students registered at the University of Zimbabwe and University of Greenwich. She lectures and provides practical training on Climate Change and Postharvest Systems, and Postharvest Entomology in two MSc programmes. She led the creation and delivery of a short training course on ‘Agricultural adaptation to climate change’ for >40 university lecturers and postgraduate students from Ethiopia and Uganda during the Biofarming initiative. She also acts as a personal tutor to overseas MSc students studying at the University of Greenwich.

    She was also involved in developing one of UoG’s earliest e-distance learning MSc programmes on Grain Storage Management in 2000.
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/472.html
  • Awards:
    • Technical committee member of the International Working Conference on Store Product Protection (IWCSPP)
    • Technical committee member of the All Africa Postharvest Congress and Exhibition
    • Reviewer for various research journals including Food Policy, Food Security, Global Food Security, Journal of Stored Products Research, Crop Protection, Scientific Reports, Agricultural Education and Extension amongst others
    • Proposal reviewer for various donors and organisations
    • Award: De Montfort prize as one of Britain’s Top Younger Researchers at the House of Commons in March 2001
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7767-6186

    Google Scholar

    https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&user=hgfGxSYAAAAJ

    ResearcherID (WoS)

    AAV-7154-2020

    Research Gate

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tanya_Stathers

    Academia

    http://independent.academia.edu/TanyaStathers
  • Selected Publications:
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3626
Professor of Sustainable Agri-Food and Postharvest Systems and Practice
J.W.M. (Hanneke) Lam
  • Qualifications: BSc, MSc
  • Biography:

    Hanneke Lam joined the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) at the University of Greenwich in 2010 as agricultural economist.

    She is currently on secondment as Director – Business Manager of Agrinatura EEIG, the European Alliance of universities and research centres working on agricultural and nutritional knowledge for development (https://agrinatura-eu.eu/).  Agrinatura represents 35 EU institutes across 17 countries (including NRI/UoG), with a common interest in supporting agricultural development in a sustainable manner to improve people’s lives, health and well-being.

    Hanneke holds an MSc and BSc in development economics from Wageningen University. Her research and consultancy interests are related to socio-economic and institutional aspects of food systems and agricultural development.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Agricultural research and education are underpinning the innovations needed to increase production and productivity to provide nutritious food for rapidly expanding populations and help protect the natural resource base for future generations.

    Agrinatura’s member organisations are contributing to the development and dissemination of new knowledge that drives innovation. Agrinatura works through strategic partnerships with agricultural research and development organisations and is especially active in sub-Saharan Africa. Agrinatura however recognises the global nature of emerging agricultural issues, which affect Europe as well as other continents. Many of these issues are complex and require multi-sectoral solutions and inter-continental cooperation.

    Agrinatura supports the European Green Deal and embraces the Farm to Fork strategy promoting the global transformations in food systems, and building strong knowledge for more resilience and sustainable agriculture.

    For further information on Agrinatura, please see http://agrinatura-eu.eu
  • Research Projects:

    Some of Agrinatura EEIG’s current projects include:

    • VCA4D I and II: social, environmental, economic and structural analyses of 50 agri-food value chains informing EU Delegations and partner countries’ policies and investments to support inclusive development, job creation, and sustainable growth. Contributing ultimately to food/nutrition security and sustainable agriculture.
    • Nutrition Research Facility (NRF), providing on-demand nutrition related research, knowledge and evidence to the EC and partners to improve programmes and investments. It contributes to enhancing maternal and child nutrition, reducing the number of stunted children under five by at least 7 million by 2025, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.2: To end all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
    • EC Food Fortification Advisory Services – Research component (2FAS), a project producing knowledge and evidence to support effective food fortification programmes contributing to global micronutrient deficiency reduction.
    • DeSIRA-LIFT: supporting the EC and other stakeholders in the implementation of the DeSIRA programme, fostering innovation through research to contribute to the transformation of agriculture and food systems and SDGs ‘No poverty’, ‘zero hunger’, ‘gender equality’ ‘work and economic growth’ & ‘climate action’.
  • Responsibilities:

    Hanneke is currently on secondment as Director – Business Manager of Agrinatura EEIG (agrinatura-eu.eu)
  • Awards:
    • Member of the Development Studies Association (DSA)
  • External Profiles:

    LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannekelam/

    Research Gate

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hanneke_Lam
  • Selected Publications:
    • Agrinatura, The European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge for Development (2020). Agrinatura’s position on the future of global food systems in relation to the EC’s Farm to Fork Strategy.
    • Agrinatura, The European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge for Development (2020). Response to European Green Deal Farm-to-Fork Strategy Consultation.
    • Lam, H. (2020) DeSIRA-LIFT. Leveraging the DeSIRA initiative for agri-food systems transformations. Proposed support to the EC DG DEVCO and partners in the implementation of the DeSIRA initiative. Presentation given at the European Commission webinar “Launch of the DeSIRA initiative: Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture”, 8 September 2020.
    • Lam, H. (2020) Evidence and knowledge sharing for supporting policy processes in the Agrinatura DeSIRA-LIFT project. Presentation given at webinar organised by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Agrinatura: “Strengthening agricultural innovation systems in the context of sustainable agricultural development and food security”, 1 December 2020
    • Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM). Ethiopia Agricultural Risk Assessment Study, full report (2016). Study conducted for the Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM) by the Natural Resources Institute led by Dr G. Onumah.
    • Lam, H. (2016) Business Development Training. Robusta Coffee Development Project, Sierra Leone.
    • Lam, H., Onumah, G., Asseldonk, M., and Maître d’Hôtel, E., (2015) FARMAF: Lessons on the importance of integrated farm risk management for smallholder agriculture. FARMAF project policy brief no 1.
    • Graffham, A., Fabusoro, E., Lam, H., and Adegoke, A. (2015). Increasing Performance of the Cassava Industry in West and Central Africa Region. Mission Report for visit to Ogun State Nigeria. 21 September – 1 October 2015
    • Onumah, G., Coote, C., Forsythe, L., Lam, H., Naziri, D., Orchard, Rees, J., Tran, B., Stathers, T., (2014). Investigation of the role of innovative finance in creating conditions to scale up waste and spoilage reducing technologies in Africa.
    • Lam, H. (2014) Support mission rice value chains for BRACE II in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, March 2014. Report for the “Building Resilience and Community Engagement” project. Natural Resources Institute, UoG, UK.
    • Lam, H. (2013), A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Devil’s Claw Certification, MCA-N Indigenous Natural Products Producer and Processor Organisations Sub-Activity, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK.
    • Lam, H. (2013). Technical support on value chain interventions for BRACE II in the Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone. Project Report, Building Resilience and Community Engagement (BRACE) II. Natural Resources Institute, UK.
    • Onumah, G.E., Baine, C., Mashauri, S, Lam, H. (2013) Review of current Warehouse Receipts System (WRS) in Tanzania towards proposing recommendations on linkages between the WRS and proposed Tanzania Commodity Exchange.
    • Lam, H. and Onumah, G. (2013) Promoting Farm Risk Management to Enhance Financial Inclusion for Smallholder Farmers in Africa. Presentation given at UK Government All Party Parliamentary Group on Agriculture & Food for Development Seminar “Joining the dots: financial inclusion for smallholder farmers”. UK Parliament, London, 27 February 2013
    • Lam, H., and Onumah, G. (2013). Farm Risk Management for Africa (FARMAF): Project overview. Presentation at the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) Board Meeting. Caserta, Italy, 28 September 2013
    • Lam, H., and Onumah, G. (2013) Innovative market-friendly systems to manage strategic grain reserves. Presentation at UK Department for International Development (DFID) Livelihood Advisers Conference ‘Understanding the Global Food System’, 9 October 2013
    • Lam, H., Edewa, A., Kleih, U., (2012) Impact of SPS standards on agri-food trade: a case study of the invasive fruit fly (Bactrocera invadens) in Kenya. Food Chain 2 (1), pp 86-103
    • Kleih, U., and Lam, H. (2012). Toolkit to strengthen SPS coordination, assess the impact of SPS notifications and analyse the costs and benefits of control measures.
    • Kleih, U,  Lam, H. and Edewa, A. (2011). Toolkit for institutional analysis of regional sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems. Presentation given at Standard and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Working Group Meeting, World Trade Organisation, Geneva, Switserland. 21 October 2011
    • Lam, H. and Vellema, S. (2011) The Eudafano Women’s Cooperative in Namibia: International Value Chain Integration. IChA Working Paper, No. 5 / Partnerships Resource Centre working paper, The Hague, Netherlands.
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3291
Director – Business Manager, Agrinatura EEIG. Associate Professor in Food & Agricultural Systems Development
Julie Crenn
  • Qualifications: MSc, PGCert
  • Biography:

    Julie Crenn holds an MSc (with distinction) in Food Safety and Quality Management from the University of Greenwich. During her study she received a HACCP Level 3 certificate and has since become a registered trainer for HACCP by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH). She has worked in the food industry as a New Product Development Manager for 10 years mainly working in SMEs.

    Julie joined NRI in 2016 as a Food Safety Specialist. In the same year, she completed a PGCert in Higher Education from the University of Greenwich and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is a module leader of the Food Product and Process Development and Food Preservation modules and lectures on several modules on the MSc Applied Food Safety and Quality Management, the IFST-accredited MSc Food Innovation, and MSc Food Safety and Quality Management (e-learning). Since 2020, Julie is programme Leader of the MSc Food Safety and Quality Management (e-learning).

    Julie has been involved in several consultancy projects overseas. In 2016, she developed and delivered a training programme for the NICHE project. The training supported the Faculty team in designing and developing new short courses, including a ‘taster day’, using practical and interactive learning methods and materials. In 2018, together with NRI colleagues. In 2018, together with NRI colleagues, she has worked for/with the World Food Programme (WFP) on the development of training programmes, capacity development material, and delivery of HACCP level 2 to a wide range of staff and practitioners from WFP from across Africa and from their headquarters. She provided training both in French and English in a range of locations across Africa.

    Julie is currently studying for a part-time PhD on biofortified cassava supervised by Professor Andrew Westby and Dr Richard Fuchs. The research is looking at whether high-quality cassava flour (HQCF) made using traditional west African processing methods could be transformed into a product similar to sour starch, a Brazilian dual modified starch with expanding properties when baked. The finished product could be used to create similar indirectly extruded products and create opportunities for the development of novel biofortified snack products tailored to the African market.

    Her other interests are in consumer science, food choice, EU Food law. She is bilingual French–English.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Interested in food safety and quality management, post-harvest technology and new product and process development.
  • Teaching Programmes:

    Co-programme Leader for the Food Safety and Quality Management e-learning as well module leader for a cross-programme module: Food Product and Process Development (FOOD1029) and Food Preservation (FOOD1023).

    Teaches on 3 MScs (Level 7): Applied Food Safety and Quality Management, Food Innovation and Food Safety and Quality Management e-learning.

    Teaches on the following Level 7 modules:

    • ENVI1096 – Research method for Post-graduates
    • FOOD1029 – Food Product and Process Development. 
    • FOOD1024 – Food Safety and Quality Management
    • FOOD1025 – Food Safety
    • FOOD1030 – Food Inspection for Government Officials
    • FOOD1038 – Innovation in Food Packaging
    • FOOD1042 – Food Safety (e-learning)
    • FOOD1043 – Food Safety and Quality Management (e-learning)
    • FOOD1046 – Food Law and Enforcement (e-learning)
    • FOOD1047 – Consumer Preference
    • FOOD1049 – Management of Foodborne hazards
    • FOOD1052 – Food authenticity and traceability
    • NUTR1024 – Food legislation, safety and public health

    Supervises students during their research project.
  • Responsibilities:

    Module Leader Food Product and Process Development and Food Preservation. Programme Leader of the MSc Food Safety and Quality Management (e-learning).
  • Awards:
    • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
    • HACCP Trainer with the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH)
  • External Profiles:

    ORCID

    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9559-6200
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3284
Senior Lecturer in Food Safety
Karen Thurston
  • Qualifications: BSc (Hons)
  • Biography:

    Karen Thurston obtained her BSc (Hons) First Class Natural Sciences from the Open University (1999-2003).

    Karen has previously worked in new product development for both Trebor UK Ltd and St Ivel UK Ltd where she held the role of Development Laboratory Manager.

    She joined the East Malling campus of the Natural Resources Institute in January 2017 following eight and a half years working in horticultural research at the East Malling Research Station.

    Karen works at The Produce Quality Centre as the centre’s facility manager, providing essential management and technical support for the execution of successful project delivery. Karen is a specialist in controlled atmosphere and low temperature storage of fresh produce. She is experienced in both internal, external and sensory produce assessments and has been an established member of the tasting board at The National Fruit Show.

    Karen has provided training and support to both students and colleagues, and worked on a range of projects, providing technical support, small-scale commercial consultancy work and key assistance in larger collaborative projects.

    Controlled Atmosphere Storage, Postharvest Quality, Plant Physiology and Crop Storage Management
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:

    Karen is interested in how fresh produce quality is effected by postharvest storage techniques with the ultimate aim of contributing to food security and waste reduction strategies.

    More recently Karen has focused on the application of new technologies to the storage of fresh fruit and vegetables. She has worked with engineers and commercial sponsors to aid development of laboratory pods which control and measure the respiration of commodities stored under low temperatures and controlled atmospheres.
  • Research Projects:

    Karen has been involved in many research projects within NRI’s storage research facilities at East Malling (www.pqc.org.uk)

    The Produce Quality Centre facilities are the most extensive research facilities in the UK for trials on controlled atmosphere storage (reduced oxygen and increased CO2 to slow down metabolism and increase storage life). The facilities are used to carry out trials for commercial companies to optimise storage protocols for new varieties of apples and pears and to test sea freight conditions for imported fruit such as avocado. In addition over the past few years they have been used to investigate novel storage strategies for produce for which controlled atmosphere storage has not traditionally been used. In recent years NRI has carried out trials on a wide range of produce including leeks, asparagus, cabbage and daffodils.

    Examples of research projects in which Karen has been extensively involved include the following:

    CoolBerry: Innovations for in-field cooling of soft fruit

    2019-2022. NRI project lead: Richard Colgan. Funded through Innovate UK. Partners: JDCooling Ltd, Berry Gardens Ltd, Scorpion Ltd.

    Removal of field heat from perishable produce is critical for quality and storability. In order to extend storage life, this project is developing a mobile field based cooling-rig, initially for soft fruit, that will enable growers to rapidly remove the field-heat from produce immediately after harvest to below 5°C.

    Protoype cooling-cells constructed at the PQC will be used to optimise the cooling process in terms of rate of cooling, and control of humidity to minimise moisture loss, which can be a major problem during cooling. The design and composition of packaging will be optimised to improve the rate and efficiency of cooling, thereby reducing energy usage. A close partnership with growers during the development of the cooling rig will ensure that the design is optimal to fit with the logistics of complex field harvesting logistics.

    Developing Practical Strategies to Improve Quality and Storage Potential of UK Apples

    2016 – 2021 NRI project lead: Richard Colgan. Funded through AHDB – Horticulture. Partners: NIAB EMR, FAST, Landseer Ltd

    There is evidence that apple fruit with high dry matter content at harvest have better eating quality and also store better. The underlying basis of this relationship needs to be better understood so that it can be manipulated to deliver premium fruit quality. This will be achieved through a combination of a meta-analysis of existing data sets to obtain a greater understanding of the factors controlling both fruit dry matter content and quality, and the development of practical strategies in terms of novel pruning strategies, reflective covers and manipulation of crop load through bud and fruit thinning to help growers to improve the quality of stored apples.

    SafePod: New technology for intelligent control of fresh produce storage

    2015 – 2018 NRI project lead: Debbie Rees. Funded through Innovate (Agritech Catalyst) Partners: Storage Control Systems Ltd, AC Goathams and Son, Avalon Produce Ltd, Sainsbury’s Ltd

    After harvest, apples may be stored for up to 12 months in large controlled atmosphere stores (low temperature, low oxygen and high CO2). The SafePod technology was initially conceived as an environmentally controlled chamber to be placed within commercial apple stores to monitor fruit respiration as an indicator of low oxygen stress (the ratio of CO2 evolution to O2 consumption increases when fruit start to respire anaerobically). However, with its highly sensitive monitoring of respiratory characteristics it has turned out to be a valuable tool for following produce status during storage and predicting physiological deterioration, as well as for evaluating new storage protocols. It has potential for a wider range of produce than apple alone, both commercially and also as a tool for crop research centres and universities

    The SafePod system was built by Storage Control Systems with scientific support from the NRI. and in collaboration with Sainsbury's PLC, AC Goatham & Son, Avalon Produce Ltd. The system is now being trialled by apple growers in the UK and North America, with more than 200 units sold or leased in 2019. This project has been highlighted by BBSRC in an impact case study.

    https://bbsrc.ukri.org/documents/bbsrc-safepod-impact-case-study/
Phone: +44 (0)1732 523 738
Postharvest Research Assistant and Facility Manager
Linda Nicolaides
  • Qualifications: MPhil, Hon D Sc, FRSPH
  • Biography:

    Food safety and quality management systems specialist with over 49 years working in the food supply chain in developing and developed countries. Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health and a member of RSPH's the Food Sector Advisory Panel.  Recognised trainer and co-ordinator in RSPH Hygiene and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems- established NRI as a training and examination centre for the RSPH in 1996. Trained third party auditor to ISO 9001:2015, the British Retail Consortium Global Standard (Food - version 8) and Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA).

    Specialist knowledge of safety and quality attributes of agricultural and horticultural produce, fish and fishery products, meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, cereals and pulses, roots and tubers, tree nuts, herbs and spices. Knowledge of EU and global food law and skills in strengthening National Food Control Systems (NFCS). Experienced in the development of new food products, novel ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging.

    Extensive skills in the design, implementation and management of appropriate safety and quality management systems for the food and feed sectors based upon Codex Food Hygiene Basic Texts, HACCP.  Skills in laboratory based research and routine conformance inspection and testing for food and feed. Familiarity with the establishment of systems to comply with ISO 17025. NRI quality assurance manager, led the NRI team in the design and development of the NRI quality management system to the requirements of ISO 9001 in 1997, maintained and upgraded in line with revised standards over the years and the system is now compliant with the ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

    Research interests include lactic acid fermentation as a low cost preservation method; understanding the effects of climate change on food systems and associated hazards; novel antimicrobial agents for use in food preservation, the effect of food on the microbiome and human susceptibility to rare neurological conditions.

    Developed and managed three MSc food programmes offered by NRI of the University of Greenwich since 2001: MSc Food Safety and Quality Management (2001 - 2013); (MSc Food Innovation 2013 - present) and MSc Food Safety and Quality Management e-learning (2017 - present). Designed and taught many short courses for continuing professional development (CPD) and specific client requirements, e.g. food safety management systems for food aid systems; strengthening NFCS, safety and quality management systems for a range of food commodities and products; RSPH recognised HACCP and hygiene courses.

    Extensive overseas experience in Latin America (Mexico, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Brazil,Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay Ecuador, Colombia), Africa (Egypt, Tunisia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Togo, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda), Asia (Japan, Thailand) and Europe. Fluent Spanish and Greek.
  • Research / Scholarly Interests:
    • Main areas of interest include the effect of climate change on foodborne hazards. Linda developed and teaches on a module entitled “Environmental foot printing and climate change” and has supported students with their coursework over the years investigating the effects of climate change on issues associated with the food supply chain.
    • Linda has provided consultancy and support to local food businesses and leads a successful research project with a local confectionary business to extend the shelf-life of their main product.
    • Linda has worked on the antimicrobial activities of plant extracts over her years at NRI. This work continues in MSc student research projects.
    • Linda also has extensive knowledge on the lactic acid bacteria and their use in the low-cost preservation of food, as well as beneficial effects to man through probiotic properties.
    • Linda is interested in research into constraints which prevent the uptake of appropriate safety and quality assurance systems by stakeholders in SMEs in the developed and developing world.
    • Linda is a member of the Food and Markets food research group.
    • Linda’s research experience is used to provide case studies and anecdotes for her teaching activities on NRI’s Food programmes, as well as in the development of training courses.
  • Research Projects:

    Over the past 5/6 years Linda has focussed her research activities on the support of MSc students studying on the MSc Food Innovation.

    Linda has been involved in NRI’s and the Faculties outreach work and met a range of food business owners with the intent to develop collaboration and to access funding for knowledge transfer partnerships.

    Linda’s main areas of research are reflected in the following publications and development of legislation on behalf of the St Helenian government:

    • Import standards: fresh meat, meat products, fishery products, dairy products and feed certification.  Draft legislation for POAO. (2016)  Black, R., Groothius, R and Nicolaides, L.
    • Design of re-usable biomaterial packaging systems for the chilled fish/seafood and meat industry sectors (TSB ref 131380) (2013). Coles, R., Thorpe, C., Song, J., Nicolaides, L., Collins M. and Hart, A.  Technical report funded by the TSB.
    • Compliance of imports of fishery and aquaculture products with EU legislation (2013).  Palin, C., Gaudin, J., Espejo-Hermes, J. and Nicolaides, L.  Directorate General for Internal Policies. Fisheries.  European Commission. 
  • Teaching Programmes:

    Developed, lead the validation and managed three MSc food programmes offered by NRI of the University of Greenwich: MSc Food Safety and Quality Management (2001 - 2013); (MSc Food Innovation 2013 - present) and MSc Food Safety and Quality Management e-learning (2017 - present). Designed and taught many short courses for continuing professional development (CPD) for governments and institutions globally to meet specific client requirements, e.g. food safety management systems for food aid systems; strengthening NFCS, safety and quality management systems for a range of food commodities and products; RSPH recognised HACCP and hygiene courses.
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (GALA) link: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/view/authors/1651.html
  • Responsibilities:
    • External examiner for the University of Lincoln.  MSc Food Science and Technology and BSc Food Science and Technology (Apprenticeship degree), both by blended learning.
    • Member of the Faculty of Engineering and Science Learning and Quality Committee
    • Member of the Faculty of Engineering and Science Partnerships Committee
    • Member of the RSPH Food Sector Advisory Panel
  • Selected Publications:
    • Import standards: fresh meat, meat products, fishery products, dairy products and feed certification.  Draft legislation for POAO. (2016)  Black, R., Groothius, R and Nicolaides, L.
    • Design of re-usable biomaterial packaging systems for the chilled fish/seafood and meat industry sectors (TSB ref 131380) (2013). Coles, R., Thorpe, C., Song, J., Nicolaides, L., Collins M. and Hart, A.  Technical report funded by the TSB.
    • Compliance of imports of fishery and aquaculture products with EU legislation (2013).  Palin, C., Gaudin, J., Espejo-Hermes, J. and Nicolaides, L.  Directorate General for Internal Policies. Fisheries.  European Commission. 
Phone: +44 (0)1634 88 3476
Programme Leader MSc Food Innovation and Food Safety and Quality Management e-learning. Principal Scientist, NRI Quality Assurance Manager

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