Researcher, Laboratory of Biomathematics and Forestry Estimations, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin, Burkina Faso
🌍 Kisito Gandji is a dedicated scientist and project manager with extensive experience in sustainable land management, nature-based solutions, and climate change. Based in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, he plays a crucial role at WASCAL, leading several projects that address environmental challenges across the region. His work emphasizes capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and research that supports the resilience of land and climate systems in West Africa.
Profile
Scopus
Strengths for the Award
Extensive Research Experience: Kisito Gandji has a solid track record of research in sustainable land management, nature-based solutions, and climate change. His involvement in various projects across West Africa demonstrates his expertise and dedication to addressing pressing environmental issues.
Leadership and Project Management: As a Scientist and Project Manager, Gandji has successfully led multiple projects, including budget management, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. His ability to manage complex projects and teams adds significant value to his candidacy for the award.
Publications: Gandji has an impressive list of publications in reputable journals, covering diverse topics such as socio-economic factors in environmental management, agricultural practices, and climate resilience. His work is well-cited and contributes to the global body of knowledge in these fields.
Recognition and Awards: He has received several prestigious awards and fellowships, such as the ClimapAfrica Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Early Career Fellowship Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. These accolades highlight his recognition within the scientific community.
International Collaboration: Gandji’s work spans multiple countries in West Africa, indicating his ability to collaborate internationally. This is a crucial factor for impactful research, especially in global challenges like climate change.
Areas for Improvement
Focused Specialization: While Gandji’s work covers a broad range of topics, there may be a need for deeper specialization in one particular area. Focusing on a niche topic could further enhance his impact and make his research contributions even more distinctive.
Industry Engagement: While he has strong academic and project management credentials, there is less emphasis on how his research has translated into policy changes or practical applications in industry. Increased engagement with policymakers or industry stakeholders could enhance the real-world impact of his work.
Broader Dissemination of Research: Although Gandji has published extensively, expanding his outreach through public speaking, conferences, or popular science communication could broaden the impact of his research beyond academic circles.
Education
🎓 Kisito Gandji has a strong educational background with advanced degrees supported by several prestigious scholarships. He was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship by the Benin government in 2014 and has participated in numerous international academic programs. His academic journey has been further enriched by fellowships and grants that allowed him to study and collaborate with global institutions, enhancing his expertise in environmental and climate sciences.
Experience
💼 Kisito Gandji has a rich professional history, with over a decade of experience in environmental research and project management. Since November 2022, he has been a key figure at WASCAL, managing projects like the DecLaRe, iGST West African Regional Hub, and CICLES, which focus on climate resilience and sustainable development. His role involves not only project management but also research, systematic reviews, and the supervision of Ph.D. fellows. Additionally, he has worked as an associate consultant for ACED Africa, contributing to stakeholder mapping and policy analysis.
Research Interests
🔬 Kisito Gandji is deeply interested in the intersection of sustainable land management, climate change, and nature-based solutions. His research aims to develop practical tools and strategies that enhance environmental resilience in West Africa. He is particularly focused on how socio-economic factors influence environmental practices and the application of big data in precision pest and disease management.
Awards
🏆 Kisito Gandji has received several prestigious awards and fellowships in recognition of his contributions to environmental science. In 2020, he was awarded the ClimapAfrica Postdoctoral Fellowship by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He also received the Early Career Fellowship Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2017, showcasing his potential as a leading researcher in Africa. His earlier achievements include grants from the Beijing Forum and the African Forest Forum, which supported his participation in international scientific conferences.
Publications
📚 Kisito Gandji has authored numerous articles in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the fields of environmental science and climate resilience. Below is a list of selected publications:
- 2024: Socio-economic and cultural drivers of local perceptions and willingness to consume edible insects in Benin, Future Foods. Read here.
- 2024: Tree size partially mediates the influence of climate on fruit and seed production in Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel, African Journal of Ecology. Read here.
- 2024: Small-scale marine fishing in Benin, West Africa: A comprehensive assessment of the processed fish value chain, Marine Policy. Read here.
- 2023: Impact of mentoring on the likelihood of getting jobs in the agricultural sector in Benin, Development in Practice. Read here.
Conclusion
Kisito Gandji is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” given his extensive experience, leadership in significant projects, and solid publication record. His work is recognized by his peers, and his contributions to sustainable land management and climate change are particularly noteworthy. However, focusing on deeper specialization, enhancing industry engagement, and broader dissemination of his research could further strengthen his candidacy.