Dr. Henlay Magara | Food Security Awards | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Henlay Magara, Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Madagascar

Dr. Henlay Juma Otieno Magara is a Kenyan agricultural entomologist and food security expert currently affiliated with the Madagascar Biodiversity Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Security from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, where his research focused on edible cricket species, their feed substrates, and nutritional content. He earned his M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology from Kenyatta University and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Education and Extension from Egerton University. Dr. Magara has extensive experience in academic and research institutions, including serving as a university lecturer, high school teacher, and research fellow. He has also held leadership roles such as Head of Science Departments and Chairperson of a School Board of Management. Beyond academia, he is deeply committed to community service, volunteering as an agricultural extension worker and working to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. His broad skill set spans scientific research, quality control, education, community outreach, and project management, making him a dedicated contributor to both scientific advancement and societal development.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability for the Innovative Research Award:

Dr. Henlay Juma Otieno Magara is a highly suitable candidate for the Innovative Research Award owing to his unique and impactful contributions to the field of food security and agricultural entomology. His research on the nutritional profiling and environmental optimization of edible crickets—specifically Scapsipedus icipe—marks a novel approach to alternative protein sources, addressing both food security and sustainable agriculture.

🎓 Education

🥇 Ph.D. in Food Security (2022)
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Thesis: Cricket species composition, feed substrates, optimal temperature & nutritional content of edible cricket Scapsipedus icipe
🌾 M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology (2013)
Kenyatta University
Thesis: Effect of Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles on maize pest Chilo partellus
🌱 B.Sc. in Agricultural Education and Extension (2004)
Egerton University – Second Class Honours Upper Division
🧠 Diploma in Human Resource Management (2007)
Kenya Institute of Management – Upper Credit
💻 Certificate in Computer Systems & Applications (1998)
Skynet Computer College
🐄 Certificate in Animal Nutrition

💼 Work Experience

🧑‍🏫 University Lecturer – Lecturing and mentoring students
🧬 Research Fellow – Madagascar Biodiversity Center & icipe
🏫 High School Teacher – Moteiribe and Tala High Schools
🌾 Agricultural Extension Officer (Volunteer) – Gucha South Sub-County
🧑‍🔬 Head of Feed Development Department – Madagascar Biodiversity Center
🧑‍🔧 Science Department Head – Multiple high schools
🎓 Board Chairperson – Monianku High School

🏆 Achievements

🧑‍🔬 Mentored students to national & international science fairs
📊 Led quality audits and performance improvements in science departments
🤝 Organized a regional scientific conference for 69+ participants
🌍 Active in community health and agriculture through jigger treatment and farm support
📖 Weekly reading tutor for children with difficulties
🧑‍🏫 Inducted and trained new science teachers
🧠 Led collaborative teams of over 20 professionals

🎖️ Awards & Honors

🏅 Recognized for community service and mentorship in education and agriculture
🏫 Honored leadership roles in school boards and departments
🧑‍🔬 Earned respect as a key researcher in edible insect studies and food security innovation

Publication Top Notes:

Growth Performance and Nutritional Content of Tropical House Cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus (Walker, 1969)) Reared on Diets Formulated from Weeds and Agro By-Products

Weeds and agro by-products for sustainable farming of edible field cricket, Gryllus madagascarensis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Effect of Feed on the Growth Performance, Nutrition Content and Cost of Raising the Field Cricket (Gryllus madagascarensis) as a Sustainable Nutrient Source in Madagascar

Impact of temperature on the bionomics and geographical range margins of the two-spotted field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus in the world: Implications for its mass farming

Dr. Yujie Liu, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Liu Yujie is a Professor and Vice Director at the Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Geography from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGSNRR, CAS) and an M.S. in Agricultural Water and Soil Engineering from Northwest A&F University, China. His research focuses on global change and land systems modeling, the impacts of global change and human activities on food security, agricultural phenology, and future risks and adaptation strategies. Dr. Liu has received several prestigious accolades, including the “Kezhen Outstanding Talents” Award from IGSNRR, CAS (2017), the “Excellent Membership of Youth Innovation Promotion Association” from CAS (2020), and the “National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund” (2021). In addition to his academic achievements, he actively contributes to professional societies, serving as the President of the CAS YAF Chapter of Geography Resources and holding memberships in the Geography Society and Natural Resources Society since 2010. His work plays a critical role in understanding and mitigating the effects of global change on land systems and food security.

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liu Yujie is an exceptional researcher in the field of Physical Geography, Land Systems Modeling, and Global Change. With an extensive research portfolio, high citation impact, and notable contributions to food security, climate change adaptation, and agricultural sustainability, he is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes: