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Dr. Ibrahim Macharia Ndegwa

Senior Lecturer —, Department of Agricultural Economics

Home School of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics Dr. Ibrahim Macharia Ndegwa

Dr. Ibrahim Macharia Ndegwa

Senior Lecturer —, Department of Agricultural Economics

Administrative Position
2017 to 2020: Chairperson department of agricultural economics; 2014 to 2016: exam coordinator department of agribusiness management and Trade.; 2011: Acting Chairperson, Agribusiness and trade; 2019: Acting dean, school of agriculture and enterprise development

Research Interests

Social-economic and environmental impact of agricultural technologies
Development and management of circular agrifood value chains
Environment and Natural Resource Economics.
Externalities of agricultural production and development projects
Agricultural value chain analysis and market systems development
Gender-responsive agricultural innovations and technology adoption
Food security, agribusiness innovation, and rural transformation

Academic Qualifications

2023 – Certificate in Impact Evaluation (Partial and General Equilibrium Models), IFPRI – USA
2023 – Certificate in Driving Financial Inclusion through Food Systems Policy, KOICA – South Korea
2022 – Certificate in Climate Change and Sustainable Development, EPTRI – India
2021 – Certificate in Doctoral Supervision and Management, Stellenbosch University – South Africa
2019 – Certificate in Innovation and Incubation Management, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences – Germany
2018 – Certificate in HEInnovate Assessment Tools, Kenyatta University – Kenya
2013 – Certificate in Teaching Methodology, Kenyatta University – Kenya
2012 – Certified Trainer in Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP), Kenyatta University – Kenya
2006 – Certificate in Standards and Trade for Agro-Food, World Bank Institute – USA

Refereed Journal Articles

  1. Mulungu, K., Macharia, I ., Abro, Z., Kassie, M., and Tanga, C. (2023). Entomophagy in western Kenya: consumption patterns and the role of psychological and socio-cultural factors. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed(published online ahead of print 2023). https://doi.org/10.1163/23524588-20220143 .
  2. Awuor, F.J., Macharia, I., and Mulwa, R. (2023) Adoption and intensity of integrated agriculture aquaculture among smallholder fish farmers in Kenya. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 7:1181502. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1181502
  3. Eze, A.V., Macharia, I. and Ngare, L. (2023). Economic viability of value-added cashew products processed in Southeast zone, Nigeria. Heliyon 9(4):e12791. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12791.
  4. Ajer, B., Ngare, L. and Macharia, I. (2023), "Drivers of innovation in the agro-food micro, small and medium enterprises of Uganda", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-09-2022-0206
  5. Midingoyi, S G and Kassie, M B and Affognon, H D and Macharia, I and LeRu, B (2023) Estimating the impact of biological control of maize stemborers on productivity and poverty in Kenya: a continuous treatment approach. Environment, Development and Sustainability. 01-22. ISSN 1573-2975.
  6. Abro Z, Macharia I , Mulungu K, Subramanian S, Tanga CM and Kassie M (2022) The potential economic benefits of insect-based feed in Uganda. Front. Insect Sci. 2:968042. doi: 10.3389/finsc.2022.968042
  7. Eze, A.V., Macharia, I., Ngare, L., 2022. Factors Influencing Value Addition to Cashew Products Processed in the South-East Zone, Nigeria: A Multinomial Logistic Regression Approach. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 4(1):61-71.DOI: 10.24018/ejfood.2022.4.1.448.
  8. Willy, D.K., Macharia, I., Marechera, G., Muinga, G., Mugo, S., Rotich, R., Oniang'o, R. K., Karanja, J., Obunyali, Caleb O., Oikeh, S. O., 2021. Economic impact of DroughtTEGO hybrid maize in Kenya. Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics, 13(3), 215-226. https://doi.org/10.5897/JDAE2021.1274.
  9. Taremwa NK. Macharia, I ., Bett, E., 2021. Characterization of smallholder farmers and agricultural credit institutions in Rwanda, Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev. 2021; 21(1): 17343-17364 https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.96.19585
  10. Taremwa NK. Macharia, I ., Bett, E., 2021. Impact of agricultural credit access on agricultural productivity among maize and rice smallholder farmers in Rwanda, Journal of Agribusiness, and Rural Development, 59(1), pp. 39-58. doi: 10.17306/J.JARD.2021.01341.
  11. Mwangi, B., Macharia, I., Bett, E., 2021. Expost Impact Evaluation of Improved Sorghum Varieties on Poverty Reduction in Kenya: A Counterfactual Analysis. Social Indicators Research, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02577-4
  12. Mwangi, B., Macharia, I., Bett, E., 2020. Analysis of economic efficiency among smallholder sorghum producers in Kenya. Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics, 12(2), 95-103. https://doi.org/10.5897/JDAE2020.1162 .
  13. Mwangi, B., Macharia, I., Bett, E., 2020. A multi-dimensional adoption approach for improved sorghum varieties in eastern Kenya: a climate change adaptation perspective, Climate and Development, DOI: 1080/17565529.2020.1763237
  14. Macharia, I., 2020. Dangerous pesticide use: what must be done to protect the health of Kenyans. Theconversation.com/africa/health. https://theconversation.com/dangerous-pesticide-use-what-must-be-done-to-protect-the-health-of-kenyans-142114
  15. Muinga, G., Marechera, G., Macharia, I., Mugo, S., Rotich, R., Oniang', R., Karanja, J., Obunyali, C., Oikeh S.O., 2019. Adoption of climate-smart DroughtTEGO varieties in Kenya. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 19 (4): 15090-15108
  16. Marechera, G., Macharia, I., Muinga, G., Mugo, S., Rotich, R., Oniang', R., Karanja, J., Obunyali, C., Oikeh S.O., 2019. Impact of DroughtTEGO hybrid maize variety on agricultural productivity and poverty alleviation in Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 14(34) 1833-1844.
  17. Marechera, G., Macharia, I., Muinga, G., Mugo, S., Rotich, R., Oniang', R., Karanja, J., Obunyali, C., Oikeh S.O., 2019. Duration analysis of DroughtTEGO hybrid maize adoption in Kenya. Agricultural Science Research Journal, 9 (5), 47 – 60.
  18. Ruth, C., Macharia, I., Alice W. Charles, A. O. M and Zeyaur R. K. 2018 Ex-post economic analysis of push-pull technology in Eastern Uganda Crop Protection 112 (2018) 356–362
  19. Luvanda A.M., Macharia I.N., Chikamai B. N and Wambugu S.K 2017 Socio-economic factors influencing collection of gum myrrh and opoponax from the wild in wajir county, Kenya. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research. 8(5): 17165-17172.
  20. Ruth, C., Macharia, I., Alice W. Charles, A. O. M and Zeyaur R. K. 2017 Impact assessment of push-pull pest management on incomes, productivity and poverty among smallholder households in Eastern Uganda Food Security 9 (6): 1359–1372 Sustainability, 15, (4): 887-902
  21. Midingoyi G.S-K., Macharia, I., Ong’amo, G., Abonyo, E., Ogola, G., De Groote, H. and LeRu, B.,2016 Assessing the long-term welfare effects of the biological control of cereal stemborer pests in East and Southern Africa: Evidence from Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 230, pp.10-23
  22. Macharia, I 2015 Pesticides and Health in Vegetable Production in Kenya BioMed Research International Volume 2015 (2015)
  23. Ndungu, S., Macharia, I., Kahuthia-Gathu, R. and Githaiga, W.R 2013 Impact of Organic Vegetable Production System in Kiambu and Kajiado Counties of Kenya. Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering A2, (4). 256-266.
  24. Ouma, E., Macharia, I., Birachi, E., Garming, H., Nyagaya, M., Pypers, P., Ochieng, J., Blomme, G., van Asten, P., Vanlauwe, B
  25. 2013 Agricultural technology diffusion and adoption in banana and legume based systems of Central Africa.
  26. Karani-Gichimu, C., Macharia, I. and Mwangi, M 2013 Assessment of passion fruit orchard management and farmers’ technical efficiency in Central-Eastern and North-Rift Highlands, Kenya Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 5(2): 183-190
  27. Karani-Gichimu, C., Macharia, I. and Mwangi, M 2013 Assessment of Input-Output Transformation in Purple Passion Fruit Production in Central-Eastern and North-Rift, Kenya. Current Research Journal of Economic Theory 5(2): 32-37
  28. Macharia, I., Mithöfer, D. and Waibel, H 2012 Pesticide handling practices by vegetable farmer in Kenya Environment, Development and Sustainability, 15, (4): 887-902
  29. Macharia, I. 2010 Indirect Costs of Pesticide Use in the Vegetable Production in Kenya.
  30. Macharia, I., Mithöfer, D. and Waibel, H 2009 Potential Environmental Impacts of Pesticides Use in the Vegetable Sub-sector in Kenya. African Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 2: 138-151.
  31. Macharia, I., Mithöfer, D. and Löhr, B 2006 Update of the Ex-ante Socio-economic Impact Assessment of the Biological Control of Plutella xylostella (Diamondback moth) in Kenya.
  32. Macharia, I., Löhr, B. and De Groote, H 2005 Assessing the Potential Impact of Biological Control of Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) in Cabbage Production in Kenya. Crop Protection, 24: 981-989
  33. KBT 309: Agribusiness Strategy and Marketing Plans- Dr. Ibrahim Macharia & Dr. Erick Bett.
  34. KBT 419: Agricultural land economics- Dr. Ibrahim Macharia & Dr. Erick Bett.
  35. KBT 433: Financial management for Agribusiness- Dr. Ibrahim Macharia & Dr. Gabriel Mwenjeri.
  36. KBT 803: Strategic Agribusiness- Dr. Ibrahim Macharia & Dr. Erick Bett.

Book Chapters

  1. Ouma , E., Macharia , I., Birachi , E., Garming , H., Nyagaya , M., Pypers , P. , Ochieng , J., Blomme , G., van Asten , P., Vanlauwe , B., 2013. Agricultural technology diffusion and adoption in banana and legume based systems of Central Africa. Routledge Group, ISBN: 9780415532730.
  2. Macharia, I ., 2012. Indirect Costs of Pesticide Use in the Vegetable Production in Kenya. In: Mithöfer, D. and H. Waibel (eds.) African Vegetable Production and Marketing: Socio-Economic. CAB International, UK. ISBN: 9781845936495 .

Conference Papers

  1. Macharia, I., Orr, A., 2012. Potential economic and poverty impact of improved chickpea technologies in Ethiopia. Presentation at International Conference of Agricultural Economists, August, 2012 Iguaçu, Brazil.
  2. Macharia, I., 2024. Cost-Efficient Aquaponic Technologies for Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Kenyan Cities. Paper accepted for presentation at the Water Security and Climate Change Conference (WSCC24) held on 09–11 October 2024 in Giessen, Germany.
  3. Macharia, I., 2023. Enhancing Doctoral Supervision: A Multiplication Project. Presentation at CREST Networking event held on 19–22 September 2023 at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
  4. Macharia, I ., 2021. Social-Economic Impacts of sand dam in Semi-Arid Agricultural Areas of Kenya. Paper accepted for online presentation at International Water Security and Climate Change Conference 01-04, March 2021 Vietnam Academy for Water Resources (VAWR) in Hanoi, Vietnam.
  5. Macharia, I., 2019. Social economic Impact assessment of solar powered- micro irrigation system in Kenya Paper accepted for oral presentation at International Water Security and Climate Change Conference 28-30 October 2019, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
  6. Macharia, I., 2019. Digital agribusiness empowers small scale farmers in Kenya. Contributed Paper accepted for oral presentation at International WHZ-Zwickau and DAAD/BMZ Alumni Seminar 2019, “Digitalization plus Industry 4.0” 29th April - 5th May 2019 in Zwickau, Germany.
  7. Macharia, I., 2018. Postharvest losses (PHLs) in Kenya. Contributed Paper accepted for oral presentation at International DAAD Alumni Seminar 2018, “Sustainable Food Production and Food Security in Developing Countries – Quality Management and Resource Use Efficiency along Agri-Value Chains” 11–19 March 2018 in Witzenhausen, Germany.
  8. Macharia, I ., Mithöfer, D. and Waibel, H., 2013, Health Effects of Pesticide Use among Vegetable farmer in Kenya. Invited paper presented at the 4th International Conference of the African Association of Agricultural Economists, September, 22-25, 2013, Hammamet, Tunisia.
  9. Macharia, I., 2013. Post-Harvest losses in Kenya. Paper presented at the Post-Harvest losses in Africa- Analytical review and synthesis workshop, February, 2013, ICIPE/ Kenya
  10. Macharia, I., 2013. Postharvest losses and postharvest innovations on key horticultural crops – Kenya. Contributed Paper accepted for oral presentation at AGRA Expert and Stakeholder Workshop on Waste and Spoilage Issues, Challenges Facing Smallholder Farmers and Potential Intervention Points, April, 2013, Machakos, Kenya.
  11. Macharia, I., 2013. Planning and Implementing Plans. Presentation at Transformational Leadership in Agribusiness workshop, December 2013, Ethiopia.
  12. Macharia, I., 2012. Planning and Implementing Plans. Presentation at STEP training workshop, March, 2012. Kenyatta University, Kenya.
  13. Macharia, I ., 2010. External Costs of Pesticide Use in the Vegetable Production in Kenya. In: J.M., Wesonga et al. (ed.) Proceedings of the Horticulture Seminar on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics, Dec 2008. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
  14. Macharia, I., Mithöfer, D. and Waibel, H., 2009. Determinants of Pesticide Handling Practices in Vegetable Production in Kenya. Paper presented at Tropentag, October, 2009, Hamburg/ Germany.
  15. Macharia, I., 2008. External Costs of Pesticide Use in the Vegetable Production in Kenya. Contributed Paper presented at the Horticulture Seminar on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics, December 2008.
  16. Macharia, I ., 2005. Economic Impact Assessment of Training French beans Smallholders on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) through farmer field school. In: J.M., Wesonga et al . (ed.) Proceeding of fourth Workshop on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics, Nov 2004. Moi University, Kenya.
  17. Macharia, I., Mithöfer, D. and Löhr, B 2004. Update of the Ex-ante Socio-economic Impact Assessment of the Biological Control of Plutella xylostella (Diamondback moth) in Kenya. Paper presented at Organic Agriculture in Development, the fifth International Workshop on Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer Insect Pests. Beijing, China.
  18. Macharia, I ., Löhr,B., De Groote, H., 2004. Ex-ante Economic Impact Assessment of the Introduction of the Diamondback Moth Parasitoid, Diadegma semiclausum , in Kenya. XV International Plant Protection Congress, May 2004. Beijing, China.
  19. Macharia, I., Löhr, B. 2004. Economic Impact Assessment of Training French beans Smallholders on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) through farmer field school. Contributed Paper accepted for oral presentation at fourth Workshop on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics, November 2004, Nairobi, Kenya.
  20. Macharia, I ., 2004. Economic Impact assessment of training French beans smallholders on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and good agricultural practices (GAP) through farmer field school. Paper presented at the fourth Workshop on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics, Nov 2004, Moi University, Kenya.
  21. Macharia, I ., Eckert, M., 2001. Comparative study of tissue culture and conventional sucker propagation methods of banana ( musa spp .) at farm levels in Kenya. Paper presented at Horticulture Seminar on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics, held on, Oct 2001, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.

Awards & Honours

  • 2025 – Best Stand in Research and Development, INCiTiS-FOOD Project at Nairobi agricultural show. Showcased a circular economy model using: Kitchen waste to feed Black Soldier Fly (BSF), BSF as fish feed, Fish waste and BSF frass for crop farming, BSF liquid fertilizer in hydroponic systems.
  • 2022 & 2024 – Reviewer for RUFORUM and KIPPRA publications
  • Presented research at international conferences in Germany, Brazil, China, South Africa, Vietnam, and Mexico

Professional Affiliations

  • 2013- to date: International Association of Agricultural Economists
  • 2011- to date: African Association of Agricultural Economists
  • 2007- to date: Young Professionals’ Platform for Agricultural Research for Development (YPARD)
  • 2007- to date: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) alumni
  • 2006- to date: World Bank Institute alumni
  • 2003- to date: Horticultural Association of Kenya
  • 2022: Steering Committee Member-