Jane Mutheu Mutune is a lecturer at University of Nairobi at the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies but is now taking a break to come to Sweden for a few months.
In fact, I have completed all my studies at the University of Nairobi. I have a Doctorate Degree in Environmental Governance and Management and a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics and Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. My areas of research interest include rural livelihoods, forest governance, food security and policies, climate change and agriculture. Importantly I am passionate about environmental issues because our environment is the base of all agricultural, economic and social undertakings.
Jane Mutheu and a farmer during data collection in Mau forest Complex, Eburu forest.
My key mandate in AgriFoSe2030 is to reproduce syntheses in a format that can be used to support policy and improve practices. I will be doing literature reviews, in the area of gender- and generational aspects of sustainable intensification in Kenya.
Today the ongoing climate challenge, political instability, deforestation, poor governance and large-scale land acquisition in Africa are all contributing to long-term food insecurity that affects millions across the continent. Thus my expectation is to link theory with practice i.e. undertake research that will result in operationalization of food security-based policies. I expect to conduct research that will ultimately contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1 (no poverty) and 2 (zero hunger). I wish to identify some of the social, economic and environmental factors contributing to the never-ending issue of food insecurity particularly among women and youth.
The AgriFoSe2030 programme is important because research informs policies that in return inform laws. We will struggle to achieve food security without supportive legislative frameworks for instance on issues of land tenure for women and youth. Supportive policies and laws improve confidence and security for agricultural producers. To this end, I think AgriFoSe2030 is very timely particularly since we so recently signed Agenda2030.
Jane Mutheu with community members during rehabilitation of the Sururu Forest in Eastern au Forest Reserve, Kenya.
I’m really passionate about the socio-ecological production landscapes (SEPL). The SEPL refer to areas with dynamic mosaics of habitat and land use where harmonious interaction between people and nature maintains biodiversity while providing human beings with goods and services needed for their livelihood and well being. The SEPL systems in Africa constitute of agroforestry practices, which sustainably improves land productivity leading to improved livelihoods and environmental benefits.
This visit is part of Theme 1 - Social and economic dimensions of smallholder based agriculture and food security. The aim of this theme is to raise smallholder productivity, combat hunger and improve rural livelihoods with improved technology use, enhance women’s participation and stimulate inclusive and efficient markets.
Agnes Andersson Djurfeldt, ProfessorDepartment of Human Geography, Lund University
Telephone: +46 46 222 84 23
E-mail: agnes.andersson_djurfeldt@keg.lu.se