Dr. Irene Bayiyana is a distinguished Agricultural Economist from Uganda with over 15 years of experience in agricultural research. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam and an MSc. in Agricultural & Applied Economics from Makerere University and the University of Pretoria.
Education 🎓📚
PhD in Economics: University of Dar es Salaam (2014-2019) MSc. Agricultural & Applied Economics: Makerere University & University of Pretoria (2009-2013) BSc in Agriculture (Economics option): Makerere University (2003-2007)
Work Experience 💼📈
Senior Research Officer / Agricultural Economist (NARO)
May 2019 to Present
- Implementing socio-economic research.
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning for crop research.
- Ensuring data accuracy and collaborating with international research organizations.
Graduate Fellow with ILRI – Monitoring and Evaluation Unit
2014 to 2018
- Evaluated project performance and made improvement recommendations.
- Created quarterly reports and assisted in board presentations.
Assistant Research Fellow – Makerere University and Moshi Co-operative University
2008
- Assisted in teaching and research activities.
Skills 🛠️✨
- Multi-tasking & Organization: Efficiently handles various tasks in a timely manner.
- Detail-oriented: Keen observational skills and attention to detail.
- Communication: Strong oral, written, professional, and interpersonal communication.
- Leadership: Experienced in team management and leadership roles.
- Tech-savvy: Enthusiastic about learning and using new technologies.
Fellowships, Trainings, and Awards 🏆🎖️
- Science and Leadership for Transforming Institutions: SLA, March 2017
- Project Development for Knowledge Transfer: Leipzig University, Sept 2017
- Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: University of Dar es Salaam, April 2018
- DAAD Scientific Communication and Publishing Training: TCC, Nairobi, Oct 2017
- ILRI CapDev Grand Challenge: Dec 2019, Nairobi, Kenya
- Project Impact Pathways Training: ILRI campus, Dec 2019
- Innovation and Scaling: Online, May 2022
- Project Grant Award by TWAS: Jan 2023
Research Focus in Agricultural Economics 🌱📈
1. Socioeconomic Research in Agriculture: Irene Bayiyana specializes in designing and implementing both quantitative and qualitative socioeconomic research. Her work focuses on understanding the economic behaviors and decisions of farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector. She is skilled in conducting impact assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural interventions and policies.
2. Agricultural Commodity Value Chains: Irene has extensive experience in characterizing and assessing the impacts of agricultural commodity value chains. Her research includes studying the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of these value chains, from production to market.
3. Invasive Species Management: As part of her current role at NARO, Irene is involved in research on managing invasive species. Her work aims to develop sustainable natural resource management strategies that minimize the negative impacts of invasive species on agriculture and the environment.
4. Socioeconomic and Gender Inclusion: Irene’s research includes a strong focus on socioeconomic and gender inclusion within agricultural systems. She collaborates with international research organizations like the International Potato Centre (CIP), CIMMYT, AfricaRice, and ILRI to ensure that gender-related studies are integral to agricultural research and development interventions.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL): Irene contributes to the monitoring, evaluation, and learning components of various agricultural research projects. She ensures that projects are on track to achieve their goals and helps in articulating clear impact pathways. Her MEL activities involve data cleaning, synthesis, and accuracy checks to ensure high-quality research outputs.
6. Use of Statistical and Data Collection Tools: Irene is proficient in using statistical analysis software such as Stata, SPSS, and has basic knowledge of R and Atlas.Ti. She also has experience in creating and utilizing mobile data collection tools like KOBO, ODK, and SurveyCTO, which are essential for conducting field surveys and collecting reliable data.
7. Collaboration and Capacity Building: Through her research, Irene collaborates with various international organizations and is actively involved in supervising and mentoring university students. She contributes to building the capacity of the next generation of agricultural economists and researchers.
8. Sustainable Agricultural Development: Irene’s overarching research goal is to contribute to sustainable agricultural development. She aims to develop and promote practices that enhance productivity, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of farmers and rural communities.
1. African Cassava Whitefly and Viral Disease Management through Timed Application of Imidacloprid
Authors: CA Omongo, SM Opio, I Bayiyana, MH Otim, T Omara, S Wamani, P Ocitti, …
Journal: Crop Protection 158, 106015
Year: 2022
This study investigates the efficacy of timed imidacloprid applications in managing African cassava whitefly and associated viral diseases. The research aims to improve cassava yield and reduce losses due to pests and diseases.
2. Do Dairy Market Hubs Improve Smallholder Farmers’ Income? The Case of Dairy Farmers in the Tanga and Morogoro Regions of Tanzania
Authors: I Bayiyana, A Hepelwa, EJO Rao, K Mdadila
Journal: Agrekon 57 (2), 121-136
Year: 2018
This paper examines the impact of dairy market hubs on the income of smallholder farmers in Tanzania, focusing on the Tanga and Morogoro regions. The findings highlight the economic benefits and challenges faced by farmers participating in these hubs.
3. Gendered Sweetpotato Trait Preferences and Implications for Improved Variety Acceptance in Uganda
Authors: CK Mulwa, H Campos, I Bayiyana, S Rajendran, R Ssali, M McEwan, …
Journal: Crop Science
Year: 2023
This research explores the gender-specific preferences for sweetpotato traits among farmers in Uganda. The study provides insights into how these preferences influence the acceptance and adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties.
4. Economic Efficiency of Dairy Farmers Participating in Dairy Market Hubs in Tanga and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania
Authors: IA Bayiyana, H Hepelwa, EJO Rao
Journal: Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences 18 (1)
Year: 2019
This article analyzes the economic efficiency of dairy farmers involved in market hubs in Tanzania. The study assesses the productivity and profitability of these farmers, offering recommendations for enhancing their economic outcomes.
5. Economic Analysis of Transboundary Animal Disease Control in Ntungamo and Rakai Districts in Uganda
Authors: I Bayiyana, W Ekere, J Mugisha
Conference: Third RUFORUM Biennial Meeting, 24-28
Year: 2012
This paper presents an economic analysis of controlling transboundary animal diseases in Uganda, focusing on the Ntungamo and Rakai districts. The research evaluates the cost-effectiveness of different control strategies.
6. Gender Mainstreaming in Sweetpotato Breeding in Uganda: A Case Study
Authors: RT Ssali, S Mayanja, M Nakitto, J Mwende, SE Tinyiro, I Bayiyana, …
Journal: Frontiers in Sociology 8
Year: 2023
This case study addresses the integration of gender considerations in sweetpotato breeding programs in Uganda. The study highlights the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in agricultural research and development.
7. Assessment of Climate Change Scenarios and Variability in Uganda
Authors: C Nandozi, E Komutunga, JGM Majaliwa, L Aribo, P Omondi
Year: 2010
This assessment evaluates various climate change scenarios and their impact on Uganda’s agriculture. The research aims to inform strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate variability and change.