Ms Jacinta Andrew Nyaika

Contact Details

Email: jnyaika@bunda.luanar.mw
Extension:
Phone: +265 888 634 515 / 998 304 898

Ms Jacinta Nyaika is a lecturer in postharvest physiology and handling of horticultural crops in the Department of Horticulture. She is a holder of MSc and BSc in Horticulture obtained from the University of Malawi. She also holds a certificate in Postharvest Handling of Horticultural crops, offered by the Postharvest Education Foundation (PEF) in Oregon, USA. Jacinta also does research in postharvest handling technologies and food waste and loss management which also relate to their impact on climate change. She is also involved in development programmes by working with rural communities in Malawi. Jacinta has done several consultancies in the agriculture, natural resources and evaluation areas.

Publications

1.	Mwase W, Sefasi A, Njoloma J, Nyoka B.I, Manduwa D. and Nyaika J. (2015). Factors Affecting Adoption of Agroforestry and Evergreen Agriculture in Southern Africa. Environment and Natural Resources Research; Environment and Natural Resources Research 5(2).
2.	Nyaika J.A., Njoloma J.P., Zimba S., Mwase W.F., Maliro M.F., Bokosi J, Kwapata M.B. (2014). Effectiveness of repeated shoot tip culture on pathogen load reduction in potato genotypes in Malawi. International Journal of Biotechnology. 3(7): 91-103.
3.	Zimba, S, Njoloma J, Nyaika J, Mwase W, Maliro M, Bokosi J and Kwapata M.B. (2014). Minituber Production potential of selected potato (Solanum tuberosum L) genotypes in different propagation media. African Journal of Biotechnology. 13(48)4430-4437.

Conference Proceedings

1.	Nyaika, J.A. (2015). Assessment of different storage methods in extending shelf life of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) Fruits. Presented as a poster at the First International Congress on Postharvest Loss Prevention. ADMI institute of the University of Illinois, Rome, Italy.
2.	Nyaika J.A., Njoloma J.P., Zimba S., Mwase W.F., Maliro M.F., Bokosi J, Kwapata M.B. (2013). Potential of an improvised thermotherapy treatment in enhancing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seed system in Malawi. Presented as a poster at the African Potato Association (APA). Naivasha, Kenya.
3.	Nyaika J.A. (2012). Potential impact of waste disposal sites to climate change and social-economic status of livelihoods surrounding them. (A case of Sadiki and Msogoja villages in Blantyre district). A paper submitted at the Social Economic Consequences of Climate Change (SoCoCA). Lilongwe, Malawi.
4.	Nyaika J.A. (2012). Role of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in promoting agriculture, energy and environment. A paper presented at the 12th International Students summit. Michigan State University.
5.	Nyaika J.A., Njoloma, J.P., Kwapata, M.B., Bokosi, J., Maliro, M., Mwase, W.F. and Zimba, S. (2011). Effects of storage methods and pre-treatments on sprout induction of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seed tubers. 2(1): 26-29.
6.	Zimba, S., Njoloma, J.P., Kwapata, M.B., Bokosi, J.M., Mwase, W.F., Maliro, M.F. and Nyaika, J.A. (2011). Effects of curing period and drying surfaces on storage of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) seed tubers. Agricultural Research and Development Programme (ARDEP). 2(1)32- 35

Study Reports

1.	Mkwambisi D.D., Ngoma P., Nyaika J., and Zimba S. (2015). Baseline Study for Scaling up Seeds and Technologies Programme by Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), funding from USAID. (2014). Role: Co-team leader.
2.	Mwase W.F, Jumbe C.B. L., Gasc F, Owiyo T., Nyaika J., Kwapata K., Manduwa D. and B. Maonga. (2013). Assessment of agricultural sector policies and climate change in Malawi – the nexus between climate change related policies, research and practice. African Climate Policy Centre-UN Economic Commission for Africa
3.	Nyaika, J.A. (2013). In Vitro Development of Pathogen Free Malawian Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes. (Thesis Research project in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a Master of Science Degree in Horticulture (Biotechnology).
4.	Response of Musa sp. to Macro propagation Technique on Plantlet Initiation under Different Environmental Conditions (Research project in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture).

Research projects and consultancies

1.	Co-Investigator: Reducing Post-harvest losses for increased food security among smallholder farmers in Malawi (Salima District); 2013-2015. Funded by Self Help Africa.
2.	Assistant consultant: Mid-term evaluation of the Gender and Agriculture Programme for UN Women (2015) with funding from Royal Norwegian Embassy.
3.	Conducted Baseline Survey for Scaling up Seeds and Technologies Programme by Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), funding from USAID. (2014). Role: Co-team leader.
4.	Author of the International and National policies in Climate change for short courses organized by the Programmes Coordinating Office, Capacity Building and Management in Climate Change. Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) 2014.
5.	Development of potato value chain in Malawi for Rural Livelihoods and Economic Enhancement Programme (RLEEP), with funding from IFAD. (2013-2015). Role: team member
6.	Pathogen elimination and rapid propagation of seed potatoes in Malawi for improved yields and increased food security among smallholder farmers. Funded by USAID. (2009-2012). Role: Research Assistant