Staying connected to local realities

"The findings from my doctoral research have been instrumental in informing policies and strategies to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve livelihoods".

Oliver Kiptoo Kirui (Kenya) graduated in 2016 with a PhD on "Economics of Land Degradation, Sustainable Land Management and Poverty" (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn). His research was supported by the Economics of Land Degradation Initiative (via the German Federal Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation BMZ) and the Hermann Eiselen Ph.D. Research Support Program. He is working as a Research Fellow and Interim Country Program Leader for IFPRI Nigeria Country Program & Area of Work Co-Lead (Enabling Environment Lab), Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (as of May 1, 2025).

Q&A with Dr. Kirui

How has your doctoral training at ZEF impacted your career, and from which aspect(s) have you benefited the most?

My doctoral training at ZEF provided a solid foundation for my career in development economics. The program's interdisciplinary approach equipped me with the analytical skills needed to tackle complex development challenges, particularly in the areas of agriculture, natural resource management, and rural livelihoods. Working with a diverse community of scholars at ZEF enhanced my ability to collaborate across disciplines and cultures. The emphasis on applying research to real-world problems has been invaluable in my role at IFPRI and CGIAR, where I focus on developing research-based policy solutions and building coalitions for policy change.

Is your doctoral research on the “Economics of Land Degradation” still relevant today?

Since completing my PhD, I have continued to work on sustainable land management, environmental degradation, poverty, and food security. At IFPRI, I have led and supported projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa that apply evidence-based research to inform policy and improve rural livelihoods. Currently, I lead work under the CGIAR Initiative on Scaling Proven Innovations for Impact (S4I), which focuses on adapting and scaling up science-based solutions that address land degradation, increase productivity, and build climate resilience. This has allowed me to apply and extend my PhD work in real-world contexts and at a larger scale. The findings from my doctoral research have been instrumental in informing policies and strategies to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve livelihoods.

What would be your main message/advice to young and upcoming researchers from the “Global South”?

To young scholars from the Global South, I offer the following advice:

Embrace interdisciplinary approaches: Addressing development challenges requires integrating knowledge from different fields. Be open to learning and collaborating across disciplines.
Stay connected to local realities: Ground your research in the contexts and needs of your communities. Engaging with local stakeholders ensures that your work remains relevant and impactful.
Seek mentorship and network: Build relationships with experienced researchers and peers. A strong professional network can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for collaboration.
Commit to continuous learning: The development field is dynamic. Stay informed of new methodologies, technologies, and policy debates to improve the quality and applicability of your research.
Focus on policy impact: Strive to translate your research into actionable policy recommendations. Bridging the gap between research and policy can lead to meaningful improvements in people's lives.