Dr. Florence Opondo Profile

   Name of Faculty/Staff: Dr. Florence A. Opondo, PhD.

   Designation: Lecturer

   Laikipia University: School of Business

   Email: fopondo@laikipia.ac.ke

         

 

 

PERSONAL DETAILS

A  Educational Background/Qualification:

  1. Postdoctoral in Agribusiness Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa (2022)
  2. PhD in Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Kenya (2018)
  3. MBA in Strategic Management, Egerton University, Kenya (2012)
  4. Bachelor of Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Kenya (2005)

B  Brief Auto-biography

Dr. Florence Opondo is an agribusiness management and food security expert with extensive experience in value chain analysis, particularly for underutilized crops. Her work focuses on transforming food systems and accelerating agripreneurship and enterprise development across Africa. She is especially passionate about promoting agricultural entrepreneurship among youth as a strategy to address unemployment and food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Opondo has led and participated in numerous research projects, widely published in ISI-indexed journals, and presented at local and international conferences. She has also attended various seminars and workshops on sustainable agri-value chains, innovation-driven job creation in rural areas, and agricultural technologies. She has contributed significantly to panel discussions on youth entrepreneurship, social networks and agricultural technology, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and hunger eradication. At Laikipia University, she managed a project focused on accelerating youth entrepreneurship in agribusiness.

As a consultant and trainer for various institutions, Dr. Opondo has delivered programmes on entrepreneurship, agriculture, and rural development. She is highly skilled in developing high-quality proposals, grants, academic papers, and reports for both scientific and general audiences. Her research interests span a wide range of areas, including food and nutrition security, food sovereignty, small-scale fisheries, climate change, business innovations for low-income populations, economic development, social enterprise, poverty eradication, health and nutrition economics, gender issues, and sustainable rural development. Dr. Opondo is an outstanding leader and collaborative team player who values ethics and integrity in all her work.

C  Areas of Specialization

  1. Agri-business Management
  2. Strategic Management
  3. Gender in Agriculture

D   Research Interest

  1. Food and Nutrition Security
  2. Agricultural Value Chain Analysis
  3. Food Systems and Climate Change
  4. Entrepreneurship in Agriculture

E   Publications

  1. Loriono, H., Mwaura, P., & Opondo, F. (2024). Influence of Employee Skills and Competencies on Effective Implementation of Learning Agility Strategy at Ken-Gen, Kenya. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, Vol.12 Issue 10, Pg 83- 98. https://ijecm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/12106.pdf
  2. Lesorogol, N., Achimba, C., & Opondo, F. (2024). Budget Control on Capital Project Delivery in Samburu County Government. International Journal of Finance and Accounting, Vol. 9 Issue 4, Pg. 1-16. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijfa.2841
  3. Opondo, F., Chagwiza, C,. Ouko, K., & Mkandawire, E. (2023).  Diversification of Small-Scale Fishing Activities in Exploring Entrepreneurial Opportunities along the Tourism Value Chain in South Africa, Cogent Social Sciences, Vol. 10 Issue 1, Pg 1-16. DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2023.2286751
  4. Opondo, F., Owili, A., & Ouko, K. (2023). Group Formation as A Mechanism for Integrating Smallholder Farmers and Development Organisations into the Cassava Value Chain: Evidence from Siaya County, Kenya. Cogent Business & Management, Vol. 10 Issue 3, Pg 1-16. DOI: 10.1080/23311975.2023.2287787
  5. Uma, A., Okello, D., & Opondo, F. (2023). Effect of Paddy Sourcing Methods on the Volume of Rice Milled by rice millers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. Heliyon, Vol.9 Issue 2, Pg 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22901
  6. Uma, A., Okello, D., & Opondo, F. (2023). Intensity of Usage of Paddy Sourcing Methods by Small and Medium-Scale Rice Millers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences (IJRSAS) Vol. 9, Issue 5, Pg 1-12.http://dx.doi.org/10.20432/2454-6224.0905001
  7. Kokown, W., Bett, K., Opondo, F., & Okello, D. (2023). Effect of Entrepreneurial Motivation on Psychological and Social Capital of Youth Fruit Agrienterprises in Nakuru County. Open Access Library Journal, Vol 10 Issue7, Pg1-17.DOI:10.4236/oalib.1110418
  8. Ndiritu, D., Opondo, F., & Mwebi, R. (2023). Influence of Corporate Planning on Implementation of Tactical Decisions in the County Government of Nakuru, Kenya. The International Journal of Business & Management, Vol. 11 Issue 11, Pg 33-39. DOI: 10.24940/theijbm/2023
  9. Mutuku, S., Opondo, F., & Lagat, J. (2023). Determinants of Farmer’s Choice of Fodder Market Outlets in Laikipia County, Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol.19 Issue 5, Pg 501-507. DOI: 10.5897/AJAR2023.16368
  10. Opondo, F., Mshenga, P., & Louw, A. (2023). Analysis of Marketing Margins for Cassava Farmers and Traders in Siaya County, Kenya. Laikipia University Journal of Social Sciences, Education and Humanities (JSSEH), Vol. 1, Issue 2 Pg 16-32.  http://journals.laikipia.ac.ke/index.php/jsseh/article/view/1
  11. Odhiambo, B.O., Gathungu, E., & Opondo, F. (2023) Determinants of Credit Access and Amount of Credit by Youth in Rachuonyo North Sub-County. Open Access Library Journal, Vol.10: e10323. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1110323
  12. Mungai, K., Okello., D., & Opondo, F. (2023). Assessing the Changes in Consumption Patterns of HouseholdsDue to COVID-19 Measures in Kenya. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, Vol 41 Issue 10, Pg 92-101. DOI:10.9734/AJAEES/2023/v41i102146
  13. Ouko, K., Mukhebi, A., Obiero, K., Ng’onga, C., Opondo, F., & Ongor, D. (2022).  Stakeholders’ perspectives on the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an Alternative Sustainable Feed Ingredient in Aquaculture, Kenya.  African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Vol. 17 Issue 1, Pg 64–79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53936/afjare.2022
  14. Ouko, K., Mukhebi, A., Obiero, K., Ng’onga, C., & Opondo, F. (2022). Using Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Fish Farmers’ Intention to use Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Nile Tilapia Production in Kenya. All Life, Vol. 15, Issue1 Pg. 884-900, DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2112765
  15. Opondo, F., Owuor, G., Mshenga, P., Louw, Andre, & Jordan, D. (2020). Estimation of the Effect of Cassava Commercialization on Different Household Income Measurements in Kilifi County, Kenya. Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol 13 Issue1, Pg 44-58. https://doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v13n1p44
  16. Opondo, F.A., Dannenberg, P., & Willkomm, M. (2017). Characterization of the Levels of Cassava Commercialization among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya: A Multinomial Regression Approach. African Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol 12 Issue 4, Pg.3024-3036. DOI: 10.5897/AJAR2017.12634
  17. Opondo, F.A., Owuor. G., & Mshenga, P. (2017). Is Cassava Commercialization a Strategy for Improving Household Income of Smallholder Farmers in Kenya? Endogenous Switching Model Approach. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, Vol 8 Issue 20, Pg 107-117
  18. Rotich, K. J., Ochieng. I, Bett. C., & Achieng, F, O. (2014). The Effect of Performance Contract Implementation on Service Delivery in Provincial Administration. European Journal of Business and Management, Vol.6 Issue 15, Pg. 6-12.
  19. Opondo, F. A., Ochieng’, I., & Jerop, R. (2014). Effect of Talent Development Strategies on Competitive Advantage. Canadian Open Agricultural Economics and Finance Journal, Vol 1 Issue 1, Pg.1-11.
  20. Opondo, F. A., Odida’, A., & Njanja, c. (2014). The Effect of Strategic Talent Identification and Acquisition on Competitive Advantage in Commercial Banks. Asian Journal of Business and Management, Vol 02 Issue 03, Pg. 176-183.
  21. Jerop, R., Kosgey, I.S., Ogola, T.O., & Opondo, F.A. (2014). Consumers’ Perceptions towards Goat’s Milk: Exploring the Attitude Amongst Consumers and Its Implication for a Dairy Goat Breeding Programme in Siaya County, Kenya. European Journal of Business and Management, Vol 06 Issue 28, Pg.221-229

F    Project/Dissertation/Thesis Supervision

  1. Effect of Budgetary Control on Delivery of Capital Projects in Samburu County Government, Kenya - Nelson Joseph Lesorogol-MB24/4039/15 (2024) (Laikipia University)
  2. Determinants Effective Implementation of Learning Agility Strategy in Kenya Electricity Generating Company (Olkaria) Kenya -Henry Krop Loriono-MB24/4100/15 (2024) (Laikipia University)
  3. Effect of Intrinsic Agripreneural Drivers on Performance of Youth-Based Fruit Businesses in Nakuru County - KOKWON, Winnie Jematia -KM23/14603/18 (2024) (Egerton University)
  4. Analysis of Factors Affecting Youth Access to Credit Support For Indigenous Chicken Farming in Homabay County, Kenya-ODHIAMBO, Bernard Otieno-M23/14601/18 (2024) (Egerton University)
  5. Analysis of Factors Influencing Farmer Participation in Hay Fodder Marketing for Improved Performance of Market Outlets in Laikipia County, Kenya- MUTUKU, Stephen Muema- M23/14602/18 (2024) (Egerton University)
  6. Effect of Paddy Sourcing Methods on The Volume of Rice Milled By Small And Medium-Scale Rice Millers in Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, Kenya- UMA, Apollo- M23/143034/1821 (2024) (Egerton University)
  7. Effect of Covid-19 Measures on Food Consumption Patterns For Urban Low-Income Households in Nakuru County Kenya- MWORIA, Kelvin Mungai- M23/09012/20 (2024) (Egerton University)
  8. Influence of Corporate Leadership on Implementation of Tactical Decision in County Government of Nakuru- Daniel Mbogo Ndiritu -  CM11/0045/10 (2023) (Laikipia University)

G  Scholarly Presentations at Conferences/Workshops/Seminars

        Presentations at Conferences

  1. September, 2023: Presented a paper at the BioGARD Conference on Social Networks and Usage of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies by Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart Germany. Topic: Research for Diversity and Sustainable Development in the Face of Climate Change
  2. September, 2023: Presented a paper on Analysis of Adaption Strategies for Minimizing the Effects of Climate Change by Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya" at Tropentag 2023, Berlin, Germany. Topic: Competing pathways for Equitable Food Systems Transformation: Trade-offs and Synergies
  3. May, 2023: Presented a paper on the Effect of Entrepreneurial Motivation on Psychological and Social Capital of youth climate smart fruit agrienterprises in Nakuru County at the 5th Biennial International Conference, Laikipia University Kenya.
  4. October, 2021: Presented a Paper at a Conference on Forecasting Topic: Models for the Performance of Selected Orphan Crops in Kenya at Kabarak University, Kenya. Topic: The Role of Basic Sciences on National Policies and Global Trends
  5. July, 2021: Presented a paper at the first International Conference on Time Series Intervention Modelling for Analyzing and Forecasting Beans and Potato Yield in Kenya at Bomet University, Kenya. Topic: Towards a Sustainable Green Economy
  6. October, 2019: Presented a Paper at the 2nd Conference on Drivers of Cassava Value Chain for commercialization of cassava: Systematic review of the Kenya and Nigeria cases at Michigan University, USA. Topic: Sustainability and Development
  7. September, 2019: Presented a poster paper at the Tropentag 2019 Conference, University of Kassel, Germany on Status of Cassava Value Chains and Commercialization in Africa: A systematic Review of Nigeria and Kenya. Topic: Filling the gaps and removing traps for sustainable resources management
  8. July, 2018: Presented a paper at the Fifth Global Conference on Does Value Addition or Market Participation significantly affect Cassava Commercialization in ASAL areas? A case of Siaya County, Kenya at Cologne Germany.  Topic: Economic Geography  
  9. July, 2018: Presented a paper at the 30th International Conference of Agricultural Economists on the Effect of Cassava Commercialization on Household Income of Smallholder Farmers in Arid and Semi-arid land (ASAL). A Case of Kilifi County, Kenya at Vancouver, Canada. Topic:
  10. September, 2018: Presented a paper at the 1st Cologne Conference on can commercialization of orphan crops be a solution to the perennial food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa? A case of Cassava Crop at the University Of Cologne, Germany. Topic: Food for Future:

      Presentations at Workshops/Seminars

  1. May , 2024: Attended a Mid-review Workshop funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) under the Policy Analysis for Sustainable and Healthy Foods in African Retail Markets (PASHFARM) project, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  2. October, 2023: Participated in the Gender Mainstreaming and Market Modelling Workshop funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) under the Policy Analysis for Sustainable and Healthy Foods in African Retail Markets (PASHFARM) project, Johannesburg, South Africa
  3. September, 2023: Participated at the DAAD Agriculture-Alumni Network – Workshop ‘Paradigm shifts in tropical Agriculture – synthesis and way forward’ Hohenheim – Berlin, Germany
  4. May, 2023: Participated in Project Planning & Storytelling online Workshop organized by Action Network Worldwide, sponsored by DAAD
  5. March, 2023: Participated at the DAAD Agriculture-Alumni Net Travelling Workshop ‘Tradition meets digitalisation – a new dream team for sustainable land use in Nairobi, Kenya.
  6. November, 2021: Participated in virtual DAAD Alumni training event entitled “Climate change research: theory and practice of getting the numbers right on greenhouse gas emissions from livestock in sub-Saharan Africa – case of East Africa.”
  7. September, 2019: Participated in DAAD Alumni-Seminar 2019 on Technical and Social Innovations for Sustainable Agri-Value Chains and Job Creation in Rural Areas in Witzenhausen, Germany.
  8. June, 2018: Participated in the 5th Humboldt Kolleg in Kenya 2018 on ‘The Role of Alumni Networks in Mentorship and Collaboration in Multidisciplinary Research
  9. March, 2018: Participated in the Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Training the Trainer Programme organized by Agripreneurship Alliance in Nairobi, Kenya.

H   Consultancies

  1. September 2023-October 2025:  Funded by African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) under the Policy Analysis for Sustainable and Healthy Foods in Retail Markets Research Project. Amount: USD 30,000
  2. December 2019 – March 2020: Consulted for Enterprises-University of Pretoria on Integration of Small Scale fisheries into the Tourism Value Chain Amount: R106260  https://cdn.lgseta.co.za/resources/research_and_reports/2019%20%E2%80%93%202020%20RESEARCH%20PROJECTS/RESEARCH%20REPORT%20- %20THE%20INTEGRATION%20OF%20SMALL- SCALE%20FISHERIES%20INTO%20TOURISM%20VALUE-CHAIN.pdf

       Grants

  1. March 2021-2023: Received grants from Agripreneurship Alliance to Facilitate Trainings on Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for Laikipia University Students
  2. July 2021: Funded the Early Career Research Leader Fellowship (ECRLF) Blended Conference / Workshop at Laikipia University on Promoting Multidisciplinary Research Approaches for Sustainable Agricultural Development Amount: USD 27000
  3. April 2021: Received research grant from Laikipia University to undertaken research on Enhancing Resilient Food Systems among Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia County through Inclusive Social Networks. Amount: KES 400,000
  4. February 2019-December 2020: Received grants under the Early Career Research Leader Fellowship (ECRLF) programme by Future Africa, University of Pretoria  Amount: R123,537.33 https://media.carnegie.org/filer_public/e5/5d/e55d1086-5f79-4260-8977-06522b70f92d/future_africa_ecrlf_final_30_april_2022.pdf

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