Beverly is a crop and soil scientist with over 10 years’ experience researching plant and soil nutrient management. She holds a doctorate in crop and soil science from Bangor University, UK, an MSc in sustainable soil resource management (SSRM) from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a BSc in environmental science from Egerton University, Kenya. Her research interests focus on sustainable plant and soil nutrient management through plant breeding of nutrient efficient cultivars, integrated soil fertility management practices, cropping systems and the use of decision support tools to help inform decisions on crop and soil management as well as the environment.
Dr. Agesa, a Kenyan native, is passionate about improving human livelihoods having worked closely with farmers, crop input producers/suppliers and agricultural stakeholders across Africa. She has made significant contributions towards optimizing fertilizer recommendations through field trials and crop modelling, promoting the collation and dissemination of scientific research outputs on sustainable soil fertility management to relevant stakeholders and providing expert advice on sustainable environmental and agricultural practices to farmers in various capacities for organizations/institutions including the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), the Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP), Oklahoma State University and the National Irrigation Board, Kenya. Her current research focuses on sustainable management of plant and soil nutrient resources through breeding of nutrient efficient crop cultivars for enhanced human/animal nutrition and reduced environmental degradation.
Beverly is a recipient of various awards including the Norman E. Borlaug LEAP fellowship, authored several scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and a mentor to young children and professionals. She seeks to integrate crop and soil scientific research with human health and nutrition as well as environmental management for future global food security and improved human livelihoods.