PROJECT TEAM

Mark has over 40 years of international management experience in information technology and natural resource industries. He has held senior executive positions with IBM and Unisys Corporation. In the last 15 years, he has been a management consultant in Agriculture, Pulp and Paper and supply Chain Management. His expertise is in economic business models and project management that focus on replacing old polluting industry technologies with new green technologies that mitigate climate change and reduce environmental impacts. His projects have taken him to China, Korea, Indonesia, the Caribbean, and Africa.

Kevin is an Agronomist and farmer in the Trelawny Parish. Kevin has over 450 acres and manages the Jamaican Corrections Food Supply Garden. Kevin has been a lecturer at the local agriculture college and has been growing yams and Hot Peppers on his farm and plans to convert his crops from using synthetic fertilizers to organic with biochar in an ECO Park.

Lenworth Fulton is an agriculturalist extraordinaire who has been serving Jamaican farmers for over 30 years in various capacities, including CEO of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) for the Ministry of Agriculture; Executive Director of Jamaica 4-H Clubs; Programme Specialist for USAID and Managing Director for COA Jamaica Foundation and Spring Garden Farms.

Dr. Morgan joined the ECO Bounty Park Project as a Scientific Advisor after a distinguished career with over 25 years of experience as the former Principal Research Director of Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. Lisa holds a Master of Botany/Plant Virology from the University of the West Indies and a Doctor of Plant Medicine from the University of Florida. She is certified in Agricultural Policy for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Mitchell has over 32 years of experience in plant cloning and Biotechnology commercialization. In the last few years she has become Jamaica’s resident specialist on bamboo and biochar. She is a board member of the Bamboo Industry Association of Jamaica and Chair of the Jamaican Bamboo Standards Committee, She has over seven years at the Scientific Research Council. Dr. Mitchell supervises PhD research students in biotechnologies related to plant propagation, medicine, and nutraceuticals. Her research includes the development of medicinal plant monographs, in vitro physiology, on-farm research, plant tissue culture (somatic embryogenesis and micropropagation) protocol development, soil ameliorants (biochar) and product commercialization.

Mario received his MSc from the University of Munich, Germany. He specializes in Land Management for Urban and Rural Development, neighbouring nature reserves and natural growing areas that will be used for wild plant harvesting and eco-tourism. He is General Manager of his family’s Bamboo Plantation where they grow five species of Bamboo.

Preben has over 40 years of experience in large-scale project management, as an author, auditor and management consultant with KPMG, KPMG Consulting, Bearing Point, and PwC. Preben has experience in natural resource management and cooperatives in Canada, Mexico, and Norway.

Phoebe has undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Human Physiology, and a diploma and Masters in Aquaculture. She taught basic adult education for 15 years and designed and taught a 10 month Aquaculture program at a BC college. She was Fish Health Biologist for a BC fish food company and later managed a salmon farm. Phoebe will direct aquaculture, water quality and testing, rleated training programs and the development of the nature trails in the nature reserves.

Bernard is the Industrial Liaisons Officer and a Senior Lecturer at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic teaching Business Management Strategy and Management Accounting.

Kathleen Musungu, Principal Technical Trainer and Researcher in Kenya, has her Masters of science (Biotechnology) and Masters of Education (Science). She has over fifteen years experience in Environmental Biotechnology, Ecology, Renewable Energy, and Soil Organisms study. Kathleen’s current focus in on Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics sciences, and Educational Technology.

Prof. John Mwinanda Wesonga currently works at the Department of Horticulture and Food Security, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. John does research in Food Science, Horticulture and Agricultural Plant Science.

Prof. Florence Indede was appointed the Chairperson of TVETA Board on 8th October 2021. She is the Chairperson Department of Kiswahili and Other African Languages – Maseno University, Associate Professor of Kiswahili Studies – Maseno University. 

Margaret Wangari has a B.Sc. in Dryland Agriculture and Enterprise Development. Margaret has passion for sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development as well as Agriculture Extension. Margaret is a senior Trainer in Taita Taveta National Polytechnic in the department of Agriculture and Environmental studies.

Mary Wanjiru is Head of Department for Applied Science at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic and also Senior Lecturer. Mary Doubles as the Head of Agriculture and Environmental studies. She has over 30 years of experience in teaching and management. She practices poultry and horticulture farming.

Monica Akinyi’s professional experience is in Agriculture and Rural Development, with a strong background in teaching, farm management, and agricultural extension services. Monica has developed expertise in crop production, animal husbandry, and communitybased agricultural training.  

Nathan Kibet is an Applied Biology graduate with B.SC Biological sciences (Biological Laboratory option), a Higher National Diploma specializing in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology & Toxicology and Animal Physiology. Proficient in laboratory research, microbial analysis, Biotechnology and drug interactions in biological systems, with a commitment to contributing to advancements in health sciences, Plant breeding and biotechnology and Genetic engineering. Seeking to apply technical expertise and a deep understanding of biological processes in a research or science setting.

James Gacheru Wanjiku is a Senior Lecturer at Taita Taveta University. James Holds a PhD and MSc from Leibniz University, Germany; BSc from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. James is result oriented toward finding lasting solution on challenges facing agriculturalhorticulturalfarmers related to climate change and abiotic stress. James has a vast experience in the field of horticulture having worked in horticulture firms and export of horticulture commodities for close to six years in various capacities. In addition, he serves several Horticulture firms as technical advisor and serves as a reviewer for African journal of Horticultural Science.