I am a Research Scientist working at the interface of insect science, animal nutrition, and circular bioeconomy solutions with a primary focus on insect-based feeds for sustainable livestock and food production systems within the Insects for Food, Feed and Other Uses (INSEFF) Programme at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya. My research addresses how insects and their derived products can be integrated into animal feed systems to improve productivity, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. 

My Research Focus
My research studies the nutritional, physiological, and functional roles of insect-based feed ingredients in animal production systems, including whole insects (dried and live), insect meals, extracted insect oils, and associated residual streams. The primary focus is on understanding how these components influence animal growth, health, feed efficiency, and product quality across different animal species, while also contributing to broader circular bioeconomy research that encompasses insects as food and the agronomic use of residual streams (frass) as organic fertilisers for soil health enhancement and improved crop production. 

A central theme of our work is understanding how insect production and utilisation can connects livestock and crop systems. By examining the transformation of low-grade residual organic streams into high-value feed ingredients and soil amendments, our research contributes to the development of resource-efficient feed systems that reduce dependence on conventional protein and lipid sources, lower environmental footprints, and support climate-smart agriculture.

Motivation and Vision
Global food systems are under increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, declining natural resources, and rising demand for animal-source foods. My long-term research vision is to bridge livestock and crop production through insect-based innovations, contributing to resilient, climate-smart, and resource-efficient food systems, particularly in regions facing feed resource constraints and climate variability. I envisage insect-based feeds and associated circular technologies as playing a critical role in the future of sustainable livestock systems, enabling responsible production while supporting environmental integrity and livelihoods. This vision is captured in my guiding principle: Responsible production for sustainable livelihoods.

My current and recent projects combine controlled feeding trials, field-based production studies, socio-economic analyses, and capacity-building activities, addressing:
i) insect-based feed formulation and evaluation,
ii) functional properties of insect oils,
iii) valorisation of residual organic streams for frass fertiliser production for soil and crop health,
iv)  Insect welfare and sustainable mass-rearing,
v) pathways for scaling insect-based feed innovations. 

Through my research, supervision of graduate students, and collaboration with academic, private-sector, and development partners, I aim to generate evidence that supports policy formulation, responsible production and contributes to resilient, circular food systems and improved livelihoods.

About this website

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I invite you to explore my work and connect if you are interested in insect-based feeds, circular bioeconomy, research collaboration, or capacity building.