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DR MIRIAM KARWITHA CHARIMBU

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Staff Information
PERSONAL DETAILS
Designation
LECTURER
Corporate Email
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Job Category
Teaching
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Agriculture
Directorate / Dept
DEPT OF CROPS, HORT AND SOILS
Section
Agronomy
Address
536-20115 Egerton
SUMMARY

Miriam Charimbu is a crop pathologist with research interests in crop disease diagnostics, biotechnology, impact of climate change on the diversity of plant pathogens prospecting for biological agents for management of crop pests and diseases. Miriam works on evaluation of various crop germplasm for resistance to diseases and pests and climate smart crop protection technologies to develop resilience to climate change. She works with farmers, farmer groups and extension service providers to manage crop pests in order to reduce losses, increase food availability and improve the livelihoods. I aspire to be leader passionate in climate change issues related to crop protection.

ORCID
http://0000-0001-9034-3303
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-karwitha-a6706a3b/
Researchgate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Miriam-Charimbu
Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ui-KKNUAAAAJ
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
  1. 2021-2022; Postdoctoral fellow at Alliance for African Partnership fellowship program; Utilizing human computer interactions by Evaluating New Tools for Farmers: A Health and Economic Analysis of Redesigned Garden Hoes State University, USA
  2. 2011-2014: PhD. Plant Pathology: Thesis title- Determination of Complete Genome Organization, Rt-Lamp Detection And Hsp70 Gene Functional Analysis Of Tomato Chlorosis Virus Chinese Isolate Nanjing Agricultural University, China
  3. 2005-2009: MSc Plant pathology: Thesis title-Efficacy of Host Resistance, Seed sorting and Antifungal Plant Extracts in Management of Angular Leaf Spot of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Egerton University, Kenya
  4. 1999-2005 BSc General (Botany, Zoology and Chemistry) Egerton University, Kenya
FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION
  • Crop production and protection
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  1. August 2023, Building institutional capacities on genetic enegineering and biotechnology research in African universities and research institutionsEegrton university
  2. June 2023 Training and sensitization of Egerton university staff on gender mainstreaming and workplace gender-based violence, Egerton University 
  3. August 2021Diversity: Inclusion in the Modern Workplace training Michigan State University
  4. August 2021 Bridging Communities: Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) Prevention trainingMichigan State University
  5. August 2021 Developing gender-sensitive value chains Food and Agriculture Organization e-learning Academy
  6. July 2021 Overview of Human Research Protection training; Michigan State University
  7. 4th    November, 2020 Nakuru, Nyandarua and Baringo Counties stakeholder consultative meeting on the plant protection bill and regulations; Nakuru-Kenya
  8. 28th October 2020 Public participation on crop protection bill and draft plant protection regulations; Nakuru-Kenya
  9. 29th September to 18th November 2020: Leadership Program For Agricultural Research And Development (LEPARD) African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) (online)

  10.  25th November-1st December 2019: Science week; African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) in Casablanca, Morocco

  11. September 16-21, 2019: One planet Fellowship and Mentoring Orientation Workshop;African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) in Nairobi, Kenya
  12. 26th-27th September 2018: Multidisciplinary proposal development and project management workshop; Confucius institute Egerton University
  13. 19th June 2018: Capacity building training in consultancy services; Research and extension division Egerton University
  14. 7th-9th March 2018: Staff retooling workshop on the use of case studies in teaching; TAGDev program Egerton university 
  15. 18th–29th August 2014: Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics; Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa Hub at ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute) in Nairobi, Kenya.
  16. 16th-17th September 2011: Research proposal writing training workshop; Kenya DAAD scholars association

  17. October 2003: Certificate training in conflict resolution in the generation gap; Women and Gender Institute Egerton University

WORK EXPERIENCE
  1.  Feb 2015 to present: Lecturer Dept. of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, 
  2. November 2022 to date: Enlisted as a Biosafety Expert in the National Biosafety Authority
  3. July 2011- Jan 2015: Assistant Lecturer Dept. of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University
  4. July 2015 to 2021: Member of Faculty of Agriculture postgraduate committee
  5. Sept 2017 to 2021: Academic advisor for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 2016 class
  6. Dec 2018 to date: Chair, department of crops, horticulture and soils postgraduate committee
  7. 2016-2018: Program leader for Msc crop protection (pathology option)
  8. 2014: ISO 1400:2004 Environmental management system (EMS) liason officer
  9. 2016: Patron Meru County Egerton University Students Association

 

KEY PROJECTS

KEY PROJECTS 

  1. Prevalence, Economic Importance and Management of Yellow Witchweed (Alectra vogelii B.) in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in East Africa | Weedy Peanut-EA, Project No. KoEF185 funded by Kooperation Entwicklungsforschung (KoEF) Research Cooperation (Total grant Amount in Euros 50,000).
  2. Building Capacity in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Education and Research through partnership program in Africa, Middle East and Europe for Agricultural transformation (BREEDTECH). Project number: 101128862, Granting authority: European Education and Culture Executive Agency 2024-2027 (Total grant in Euros 787,575.
  3. ‘Bamboo Living’: Feasibility study and pilot plantation cultivation, training and awareness raising on the economic, social and environmental benefits of bamboo for refugees in camps and the host communities in Turkana County. Seed grant fromUniversidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain 2024 (Total grant Euros 7,500)
  4. Improving the Genetic Resistance of regionally adapted wheat germplasm for resistance to Fusarium Head Blight and relevant fungal diseases in Ethiopia, Kenya and Zimbabwe (Healthy Crops EKZ), project numberP002funded by Cooperation Development Research (KoEF) 2023-2026
  5. Inclusion Partnership: Peanut Production Improvements and Aflatoxin Mitigation for Food Security and Nutrition in East Africa (GenParPAflm) with the project No. P083_Ethiopia_Kenya Funded by Africa Uninet 2023-2025
  6. Gender Based Freedom Through Educational Opportunities: A Documentary funded by Michigan State University College of Arts & Letters (CAL) 2023
  7. Exploring the Potential of Togotia as a Future African Leafy Vegetable for Nutritional Security In Kenya (RIS 13171324 / RIS 9901661) 2022-2023 Funded by Innovate UK KTN Award 2022
  8. Partnership Program in Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems for Food Security and Poverty Reduction in East Africa (P060) 2022-2024. Funded by AfricaUninet
  9. Sustainable scaling of climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices in east west and southern Africa: The case of Kenya Nigeria and Malawi (RC21593) 2021-2022. Funded by African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
  10. Support to Capacity building of Turkana County Extension Systems for strengthening of the Sorghum, Cowpea, Sorghum and Oil crops Value Chains 2020-2022 contracted by Food and Agriculture Organization in support of the [EUTF funded Enhancing self-reliance for refugees and host communities in Kenya Project (UNJP/KEN/085/EC) and the IKEA Foundation funded A value chain approach for economic integration and self-reliance of refugees & host communities in East Africa (MTF/SFE/006/IKF)].
  11. Sustainable Participatory Enhancement of Finger Millet value chain in Bomet, Kericho and West Pokot counties under Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project funded by world bank 2019-2022
  12. Pigeon pea Technologies, Innovations, Management Practices for Enhancing Productivity, Food and Nutrition Security of Smallholder Communities in Kenya under Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project funded by world bank2019-2022
  13. Production of Kenyan Indigenous Mushrooms at Egerton University. Botanic Garden, Funded by mushroom initiative Hong Kong 2009-2011
  14. Use of mycorrhizae to enhance reforestation of Mau water catchment in Kenya funded by mushroom initiative Hong Kong 2009-2011

CONSULTANCIES

  1. Provision of services of setting up crop production centers of excellence (ECC1276698) 2021-2022. Funded by International Finance Corporation (IFC)
  2. Consultant in providing extension service Provider for Bean Value Chain Development in Laikipia Counties in Kenya; 2019-2022
  3. Consultant in providing extension service Provider for Bean Value Chain Development in  Nyeri Counties in Kenya; 2019-2022
  4. Consultant for ICM Solutions LTD  Efficacy test of mycotal on Control of thrips and whiteflies in blueberry; 2020-2021
  5. Efficacy test of Success Bait on control of fruit flies in avocado (Hass variety) funded by Lachlan Kenya Ltd; 2020-2021
RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research interests are in crop disease diagnostics, biotechnology, impact of climate change on the diversity of plant pathogens prospecting for biological agents for management of crop pests and diseases

Developing Human-Centred Designs to solve real problems for small holder women farmers and to participate in provision of extension services to small holder farmers in Kenya.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

 

  1. Stella Jepkosgei, Miriam Karwitha Charimbu, Paul Kimurto, Juliana J. Cheboi, and Nadigatla Ganga Rao. 2024. Management of pigeon pea pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) using biopesticides and yield performance in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural research. Vol. 20(3), pp. 226-234, March, 2024 DOI: 10.5897/AJAR2023.16477 https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJAR
  2. Margaret Nyaboke Nyang'au, Komivi S. Akutse, Khamis Fathiya, Miriam Karwitha Charimbu, Solveig Haukeland. (2023). Biodiversity and efficacy of fungal isolates associated with Kenyan populations of potato cyst nematode (Globodera spp.). Biological Control, 2023, 105328, ISSN 1049-9644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105328.
  3. Austin T. Phiri, Sarah Edore Edewor, Miriam Karwitha Charimbu and Elias Gaveta. 2022. Sustainable Scaling of Climate Smart Agricultural Technologies and Practices in Africa: The Case of Kenya, Nigeria and Malawi. Policy brief by African Economics Research Consortium October 2022 / No. CCEDA-006
  4. Austin Tenthani Phiri, Miriam Charimbu, Sarah Edore Edewor and Elias Gaveta. 2022. Sustainable Scaling of Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies and Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria. Sustainability 2022, 14, 14709. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214709
  5. Gidraf Onduru Okeyo, Miriam Karwitha Charimbu, Jane Nyaanga & Thiago Mendes. 2022. Determination of Bioactive Compounds Against Bacterial Wilt of Potato (Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum sp. nov.) in Psidium guajavaand Pelargonium zonale Leaf Extracts. Journal of Agricultural Science;  Vol. 14, No. 11; 2022 ISSN 1916-9752  E-ISSN 1916-9760. doi:10.5539/jas.v14n11p64 
  6. G. Onduru Okeyo, M.K. Charimbu, J. Nyaanga, T. Mendes. 2022. Antibacterial activity of guava, moringa, camphor bush and pelargonium extracts on bacterial wilt (Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum sp. nov.) of potato. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.103438
  7. Grace W. Wanyoike, James O. Owuoche, Miriam K. Charimbu, Godwin Macharia, Mandeep S. Randhawa. 2022. Evaluation of Kenyan wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars for rust resistance, yield and yield components. Australian Journal of Crop Science.  AJCS 16(05):587-595 (2022). doi: 10.21475/ajcs.22.16.05. p3558.
  8. Justus Anyieni Obara, Richard Mulwa, Maurice Oyoo, Miriam Karwitha. 2022. Somatic embryogenesis and optimization of regeneration system from immature embryos in maize inbred lines. Research in Biotechnology 2022, 13: 1-10.2, 13: 1-10. doi: 10.25081/rib. 2022.v13.749
  9. Kaisha Victor Ambula a, Owuoche James a and Miriam Karwitha Charimbu. 2022. Evaluation of Advanced Kenyan Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes for Resistance to Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis Pers:.Pers. f.sp tritici Eriks. & E. Henn.) Race Ttksk and Its Variants. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International. 44(9): 10-20, 2022; Article no. JEAI.86992. ISSN: 2457-0591.
  10. Kaisha Victor Ambula, Owuoche James and Miriam Karwitha Charimbu. 2022. Evaluation of yield and yield components of advanced Kenyan barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes. African Journal of Biological Science. Afr.J.Bio.Sc. 4(1) (2022) 46-56 doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.4.2.2022.46-56
  11. Norbert Iraboneye, Miriam K. Charimbu, and Nancy W. Mungai. 2021. Effect of Canola and Compound Fertilizer on Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Bacterial Wilt Management. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Scienceswww.ejfood.org. DOI: 10.24018/ejfood.2021.3.1.130
  12. Norbert Iraboneye, Nancy W Mungai, Miriam K Charimbu. 2020 Effects of compound fertilizer and canola green manure on nutrient use efficiency, growth and yield of potato tuber (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Nakuru, Kenya. Fundamental and Applied Agriculture Vol. 5(4), pp. 537–554: 2020 doi: 10.5455/faa.110466
  13. Emmaculate Akinyi Ogutu and Miriam Karwitha Charimbu. 2020 Assessment of Adult Plant Resistance for Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp tritici) in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Mutant Lines. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry. 8(1): 30-39.  doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20200801.15
  14. Emmaculate Akinyi Ogutu, Miriam Karwitha Charimbu and Peter Njoroge Njau. 2017. Evaluation of stem rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp tritici) seedling resistance in kenyan induced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum l.) Mutant lines. World journal of agricultural research.  Vol. 5, No. 5, 279-283. DOI:10.12691/wjar-5-5-5
  15. Miriam Karwitha, Zhi-Ke Feng, Yan Shen, Walter Essendi, Wen-Na Zhang, Jin-Yu Li and Xiao-Rong Tao. 2015. Rapid Detection of Tomato chlorosis virus from Infected Plant and Whitefly by One-step Reverse Transcription Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification. Journal of Phytopathology. doi: 10.1111/jph.12453
  16. Miriam Karwitha, Zhike Feng, Min Yao, Xiaojiao Chen, Wenna Zhang, Xiaofan Liu and Xiarong Tao. 2014. The Complete Nucleotide Sequence of the RNA 1 of a Chinese Isolate of Tomato chlorosis virus. Journal of Phytopathology J Phytopathol 162 (2014) 411–415. DOI: 10.1111/jph.12203.
  17. Yan Shen, Xiaohui Zhao, Min Yao, Chun Li, Karwitha Miriam, Xue Zhang, Xiaorong Tao. 2014. A versatile complementation assay for cell-to-cell and long distance movements by cucumber mosaic virus based agro-infiltration. Virus Research 190 (2014) 25–33  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2014.06.013
  18. Jin-yu Li, Qi-wei Wei, Yong Liu, Xin-qiu Tan, Wen-na Zhang, Jian-yan Wu, Miriam Karwitha Charimbu, Bai-shi Hu, Zhao-bang Cheng, Cui Yue, Xiao-rong Tao. 2013. One-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the rapid detection of Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus. Journal of Virological Methods 193:583– 588. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.07.059
  19. Zhongze Hu, Tianqi Zhang, Min Yao, Zhike Feng, Karwitha Miriam, Jianyan Wu, Xueping Zhou, Xiaorong Tao. (2012). The 2a protein of Cucumber mosaic virus induces a hypersensitive response in cowpea independently of its replicase activity. Virus Research journal http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2012.10.007
  20. 1Qi wei Wei Cui Yu, Shuya Zhang  Cuiyun Yang  Karwitha Miriam  and Wenna Zhang. (2012). One-step detection of Bean pod mottle virus in soybean seeds by the reverse-transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification. Virology Journal 2012, 9:187 doi:10.1186/1743-422X-9-187
CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS
  1.  Phiri, A.T., Charimbu, M.,Edewor, S.E., Gaveta, E. (2022). Socio-economic, Institutional and Environmental Enablers and Barriers to Climate Smart Agriculture Adoption and Scaling in Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria. Balaclava, Mauritius: 9-11 December, 2022. https://aec.afdb.org/en/papers/socio-economic-institutional-and-environmental-enablers-and-barriers-climate-smart-agriculture-adoption-and-scaling-kenya-malawi-and-nigeria-634
  2. Susan W. and Charimbu M. K. 2022. Considering non-digital technologies in ICTD. ICTforAg 2022 virtual conference 9-10th March 2022.
  3. Charimbu M. K. 2021. An Afternoon of storytelling with AWARD fellows and One Planet Laureate Candidates: Inspiring stories of African Agriculture. Virtual storytelling session. 3rd December 2021
  4. Charimbu M.K. 2021. Reimagining the e-market: The role of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) in regulating trade of plant products on the online market in Kenya. 3rd Phytosanitary Conference 13-16thSeptember 2021. 
  5. Nyang’au M, Haukeland S, Charimbu K.M. 2019. Evaluation of fungal isolates in management of Potato Cyst Nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) on potato (Solanum tuberosum) crop in Kenya.19th Workshop on Sustainable Horticultural Production in the Tropics 25th –29th, November 2019 Kenya.
  6. K.Charimbu, Xiaojiao Chen, Yan Shen and Xiaorong Tao 2016. Sub-cellular localization and hypersensitive reaction analyses of the the Hsp70 Gene of tomato chlorosis virus
  7. Kariuki, S. T., Wagara, I. N, Charimbu, M. K., Amwoga P. A and Muchiri S. N(2016). Domestication of indigenous wild mushrooms in Kenya. Chuka University International Research Conference.
  8. K. Charimbu, I. N. Wagara & D.O. Otaye. (2009). Antifungal activity of various crude plant extracts against Phaeoisariopsis griseolapathogenic on common bean. African Crop Science Conference Proceedings, Vol. 9. pp. 683 – 685.
  9. Charimbu M.K., Wagara I.N. and Otaye D.O. (2008). Importance of seed to seedling transmission ofPhaeoisariopsis griseolaand management of angular leafspot of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) through seed sorting. Egerton University Third Annual Research Week and International Conference.
HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS
  1.  Visiting J-1 research scholar: Alliance for African Partnership at Michigan State University, 2021-2022
  2. One Planet candidate Laureate for the One Planet Fellowship: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), 2019 to 2022
  3. Doctorate scholarship: Chinese scholarship council, 2011-2014
  4. 8th Prize Short Put: Nanjing Agricultural University China, 2013
  5. 1st Prize Soft Ball: Nanjing Agricultural University China, 2013
  6. Honor as the ten excellent athletes: 41st University Track and Field sports, Nanjing Agricultural University China, 2013
  7. Honor as Excellent international student: Nanjing Agricultural University China, 2013
  8. Outstanding single event award: Nanjing Agricultural University China, 2012
  9. postgraduate students research funds: Egerton University, 2008

 

TEACHING AREAS
  • Crop protection
  • Crop production
POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION
MASTERS LEVEL :
  1. Emmaculate Akinyi Ogutu (KM12/23515/14):  Evaluation of Kenyan induced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) mutant lines for resistance to stem rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp tritici) Graduated
  2. Norbert Iraboneye KM121/14577/18: Effect of canola green manure and compound fertilizer on potato (Solanum tuberosum) growth, yield and bacterial wilt management. Graduated
  3. Grace Wairimu Wanyoike KM122/14539/18 Evaluation of kenyan wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties and mutant lines for resistance to stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici). Graduated
  4. Victor Ambula Kaisha KM12/13545/14: Evaluation of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.)  genotypes for resistance to stem rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici) and their yield and yield components. completed
  5. Jepkosgei Stellah KM121/13526/19: Efficacy of selected biopesticides and host plant resistance in management of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) in pigeonpeas (Cajanus cajanMillsp.) in semi-arid areas of Kenya.Submitted thesis for examination
  6. Margaret Nyaboke Nyang’au KM122/12163/17: Evaluation of fungal isolates in management of potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop in Kenya. ongoing
  7. George Otieno Adoyo KM122/14761/18 Effect of biocontrol agents and soil amendments on performance of rice (oryza sativa l.) and management of rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae)
  8. Ruiru Grace Nyokabi KM121/14629/18: Evaluation of selected rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for yield, zinc enrichment and resistance to blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) in Kenya. ongoing

  9. Milka Mbithe Kananda KM122/09020/20 Management of potato cyst nematodes (globodera spp) using host plant resistance and selected biocontrol agents

PhD. LEVEL :
  1. Gidraf Onduru Okeyo KD122/15514/19 Management of bacterial wilt (ralstonia solanacearum) of potato (solanum tuberosum) using plant extracts and host plant tolerance. Defended thesis
  2. Obara Justus Anyieni KD125/16519/18: Silencing sugarcane mosaic viruses P1, HC-Pro and VPg genes, on the expression of maize lethal necrosis in two maize (Zea mays) lines in Kenya. Defended thesis
  3. Ivan juma Obare KD125/16558/18: Application of biotechnology tools in cassava breeding for management of cassava brown streak and cassava mosaic diseases.ongoing
  4. Nganga John Ndungu KD121/13033/17 Management of potato cyst nematode using selected trap crops and bio-fumigants. ongoing
  5. Lilian Jeptanui KD121/16514/18: Management of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) blast disease using host plant resistance and plant extracts for enhanced grain yields. ongoing
OTHER SOCIETIES
  1. Member of Pesticidal plants technologies network (PEPTEN)
  2. Member of International Society for Pesticidal Plants
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