Specialisation: Development Studies (Rural Livelihoods)
Dr. Mary Omosa is an accomplished researcher. She runs several research programmes and projects and has published widely on rural livelihoods focusing mainly on food security; rural poverty; information communication technology, and popular participation. She is engaged in the graduate teaching and training programme at the IDS and she holds a number of departmental and university-wide administrative responsibilities, including the UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair. She is widely travelled and has served as a resource person and consulted for several national and international organisations in the field of development studies. She is married with two children.
Research Projects
Deputy Coordinator (2005-2010) Chronic Poverty in Kenya. A collaborative research programme between Institute for Development Studies (IDS), Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and CPRC partners worldwide. Funded by the Department for International Development (DFID-Kenya) and TROCAIRE
Country Coordinator (2006-2009) Communication Technology and Poverty Reduction in East Africa. Collaborative research between Institute for Development Studies (IDS) and the Kenya Institute of Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA). Funded by the International Development Research Agency (IDRC)
Country Coordinator (2005-2008) Governance and Social Action in South Sudan. A collaborative project between Khartoum University; Juba University; Afhad University of Women; Addis Ababa University; University of Nairobi; and Bremen University. Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, Germany.
Team Member (1999-2004) African Business Systems. A Collaborative Project between the Institute for Development Studies and the Centre for Development Research (CDR), Copenhagen. Funded by the Danish Development Agency (DANIDA)
Co-Researcher (2001-2002) Globalisation and Poverty. A collaborative study between the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) and the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. Funded by the Department for International Development (DFID, London)
National Team Leader (2000–2002) Evaluation of the Impact of Agro-Forestry Based Soil Fertility Replenishment Interventions on the Poor in Western Kenya. Collaborative research between the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), International Centre for Research on Agro-Forestry (ICRAF), Wageningen University and Research Centre and Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nairobi. Funded by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Team Member (1999-2004) African Business Systems. A Collaborative Project between the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) and the Centre for Development Research (CDR), Copenhagen. Funded by the Danish Development Agency (DANIDA)
Principal Researcher (1994-1998) Re-Conceptualising Food Security in Kenya. Doctoral research funded by the African Studies Centre, Leiden in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development Sociology, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands.
Principal Researcher (1993-1995) Population Growth, Land Use and Development in Kenya: A Focus on Food Self-Sufficiency. Funded by the Union for African Population Studies (UAPS), Dakar, Senegal
Principal Researcher (1993-1994) Socio-Economic Assessment of the Sweet Potato Market Potential in Nairobi, Kenya. Funded by the International Potato Centre (CIP), Nairobi, Kenya
Principal Researcher (1993-1994) Disaster Management and Preparedness: An Evaluation of Irrigation Farming and Food Self-Sufficiency - The Case of Perkerra Irrigation Settlement Scheme, Baringo District. Funded by the Sixth Social Science Research Competition - OSSREA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Team Member (1990-1991) Households, Ecology and History in the study of Technological Change in Kenya’s Farming Systems: A Case Study of Mbeere. Funded by the Rockefeller Foundation.
Team Member (1988-1987) Impact Evaluation Study on USAID Sponsored Participants Training Programme for Development in Kenya. Institute for Development Studies. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Team Member (1987-1990) Impact Evaluation Study on USAID Sponsored Participants Training Programme for Development in Kenya. Institute for Development Studies. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Principal Researcher (1985-1987) The Fuel wood Crisis in Rural Kenya. A Socio-Economic Analysis of the Fuel wood Scarcity in Bura Irrigation Settlement Scheme, Tana River District. Collaborative research between the Department of Sociology and Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nairobi. Student research funded by the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi
Principal Researcher (1984–1985) People’s Perception of Development in West Kitutu Location of Kisii District. 3:1:1 Honours Dissertation. Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi. Student research funded by the Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi
Commissioned Studies
Team Leader (2002–2004) Universal Access to Communications in Rural Kenya: A Baseline Survey. Institute for Development Studies (IDS) and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Commissioned by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) and the International Centre for Research and Development (IDRC)
Team Member (2003) Ethnicity and Pro-Poor Change in Kenya. Drivers of Change Research Group. Commissioned by DFID, Kenya
Principal Investigator (2003) Combating Child Labour in the Domestic Sector in East Africa: A Baseline Survey on the Situation of Child Domestic Workers in Kenya. Commissioned by ILO/IPEC, Kenya
Principal Investigator (2003) Universal Justice for Children at Risk: An Evaluation of the Children's Legal Action Network (CLAN) programme. Commissioned by CLAN, Kenya
Principal Investigator (2002) Baseline Survey and Gender Action Plan. Murambi Integrated Community Development Program, Umutara Prefecture, Rwanda. Commissioned by the Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA), Rwanda
Co-Investigator (2002) Impact of HIV/AIDS on Rural Livelihoods: A Desk Review. Commissioned by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD) and the Department for International Development (DFID, Kenya)
Team Leader (2002) A Mid-Term Review of the Child Rights and Child Protection Project in Kenya. Commissioned by the African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN Regional Office)
Team Leader (2001) Baseline Survey: The Youth Driven Initiatives Project, Lugari District. Commissioned by the Family Planning Association of Kenya (FPAK)
Team Member (2001) Mid-Term Evaluation. Ikutha Food Security Project, Kitui District. Commissioned by the Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA-Kenya)
National Team Leader (2001) State of the Nation Baseline Survey. National Civic Engagement Programme. Commissioned by Price-Water-House Coopers, Kenya
Team Leader (2001) Improving Rural Livelihood Security: An Evaluation of the Role of Agricultural Policy Reform in Extension and Soil Fertility Improvement. Commissioned by Resource Projects-Kenya
Appraisal Mission (2000) Central Kenya Dry Area Smallholder and Community Services Development Project (CKDAP). An Appraisal of the Group Development Approach to Rural Development in Kenya. Commissioned by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Co-Investigator (2000) Regional Resources Directories. Commissioned by the National Council of Churches (NCCK)
Principal Investigator (2000) Poverty and the Kenyan Family: A Rapid Assessment of the Situation of the Family in Nairobi. Commissioned by the Association of African Women for Research and Development (AAWORD-Kenya)
Research Team (1995) The Kenyan Woman Today: An Overview Assessment of the Nairobi Forward Looking Strategies. Preparations for the 4th World Conference on Women. Beijing, China. Commissioned by the Government of Kenya Delegation
Research Team (1992) Participation in Environmentally Sustainable Development. Preparations for the Earth Summit, Brazil. Commissioned by the Government of KenyaDelegation
Co-Investigator (1999) The Impact of the Sara Communication Initiative on People’s Lives and the Rights of the Girl-Child in Particular. Institute for Development Studies and UNICEF-ESARO. Commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Principal Investigator (1999) Food Security in Ikutha Division, Kitui District. A Baseline Survey. Commissioned by the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA-Kenya)
Team Member (1996) Kenya Women Finance Trust Borrower Profile. Institute for Development Studies. Commissioned by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Principal Investigator (1996) Evaluation of the VI Agro-Forestry Activities in Trans Nzoia District. Commissioned by the VI Project, Sweden
Co-Investigator (1996) Stakeholder Ownership in Finnish Development Cooperation: An Evaluation of the Women Group Cow-from-Cow Rotation Scheme. Commissioned by FTP International, Finland
Team Leader (1996) An Evaluation of ASAL Projects in Lamuria Division, Laikipia District. Commissioned by the Arid and Semi-arid Programme, Ministry of Planning and National Development (MOPND), Government of Kenya
Co-Investigator (1995) Impact Study: Rural Stoves West Kenya Project. Commissioned by the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG), Nairobi
Co-Investigator (1994) Baseline Survey: Environmental Impact Assessment, Uasin District. Commissioned bythe Kenya Wood Fuel and Agro-Forestry Programme (KWAP). ETC, Nairobi
Principal Investigator (1994) An Annotated Bibliography on Child Labour in Kenya. Commissioned by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development, Government of Kenya
Team Member (1993) The Impact of the Direct Charge on the Enrolment of Women and the Economically Disadvantaged in Kenyan Public Universities. Commissioned by the Policy and Planning Task Group(PPTG), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Government of Kenya
Team Member (1992)Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Soil Conservation Activities in Muranga District. Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Kenya and the Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA)
Team Member (1992)An Evaluation of the Tanzania Traditional Energy Development Organisation. Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. Commissioned by HIVOS, Netherlands
Team Member (1992) A Socio-Economic Assessment of the Impact of the Minor Roads Project on Women, Household Characteristics, Income Distribution and Agricultural Activities in Nyeri District. Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in collaboration with the Regional Soil Conservation Unit, Swedish International Development Agency
Task Force (1990) Review of the AAWORD Constitution and Drafting of By-Laws. Commissioned by the Association of African Women for Research and Development. Kenya Chapter
UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair
Team Leader (2003-2006) Governance and Transition in Kenya and Related Countries in Africa. UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair, University of Nairobi. Action-Research funded by the Ford Foundation, Nairobi
Principal Researcher (2003-2006) Re-hydrating the Earth in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (REAL): A Focus on Mobilisation for Action towards Community Based Water Management. UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair, University of Nairobi and Technical University, Delft. Action-Research funded by the European Union
Team Leader (2003–2005) Social Codes of Practice in the Cut Flower Industry (CFI) UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair, University of Nairobi in collaboration with the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich. Action-Research funded by the Department for International Development (DFID, London)
Coordinator (2004–2005) Social Mentoring and Livelihood Opportunities for Adolescents. UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair. Action-Research funded by UNESCO, Paris
Team Leader (2003–2004) Child Growth and Development. UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair, University of Nairobi in collaboration with the Universities in Solidarity with Disadvantages Groups (UNISOL) program. Action-Research funded by UNESCO, Paris
Coordinator (2003–2004) Capacity Needs and Water Retention Structures in the ASALS. UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. Action-Research funded by UNESCO, Paris
Team Leader (2003–2004) Indigenous Technical Knowledge Systems in Africa. UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. Action-Research funded by UNESCO, Paris
Journal Articles
Omosa, M. (Forthcoming) Incorporation into the Market Economy and Food Security among the Gusii: Paradise Lost or Paradise Gained. African Journal of Sociology. Volume VI, No. 1.
Omosa, M. (2006) Towards Food Security in Africa: Theories, Images and Realities. The East African Journal of Development Studies. Volume 1, No. 1. pp. 43-61
Suda C.; M. Omosa & P. Onyango (1999) Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Development in Nyanza Province. Kenya Journal of Social Sciences Series C: Vol.5 No.1. The Kenya National Academy of Sciences, pp.66-75
Omosa, M. (1993) Rural-Rural Development Disparities in Kenya. Wajibu Vol.8. No.3
Omosa, M. (1992) The Future of Food in Africa: A Historical Analysis of the Food Situation in Kenya. World Resources Review Vol.4. No.2. Pp.175-187
Omosa, M. (1992) Sustainable Management of Trees and Tree Resources: The Significance of Practices and Technologies. World Resources Review Vol.4. No. 4. Pp.480-490
Discussion Papers
Omosa, M. (2006) Food Security Trends: A Situational Analysis of Food Supply Differentials in Rural Kenya. Discussion Paper No. 300. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi.
Place, F.; M. Adato; P. Hebinck & M. Omosa (2003) The Impact of Agro-forestry-Based Soil Fertility Replenishment Practices on the Poor in Western Kenya. Food Consumption and Nutrition Division. IFPRI Discussion Paper No. 160. Washington, D.C.: International Food Policy Research Institute
Omosa, M. (2003) Assessment of the Impact of Agro-Forestry Based Soil Fertility Replenishment Interventions on the Poor in Western Kenya. In: IPGRI [eds] Agriculture and Development Strand Workshop Proceedings [http://www.cgiar.org/ipgri/pubs/2003]
Omosa, M. (2002) Export Horticulture and Livelihood Strategies: A Focus on the Opportunities and Constraints Facing Smallholder Farmers in Kenya. Norwich: The Overseas Development Group and Sussex: Institute for Development Studies
Omosa, M. (1998) Population Growth, Land Use and Food Self-Sufficiency in Kenya: A Comparative Analysis of Small and Medium-Large Scale Land Holdings in Kisii and Nyamira Districts. Dakar: Union for African Population Studies (UAPS). Paper No. 31
Books and Edited Volumes
McCormick; D.; P. Alila & M. Omosa (Forthcoming) [Eds] AfricanBusiness Systems in Kenya: Institutions and Interactions. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press
Wanyande, P.; M. Omosa & L. Chweya (Forthcoming) [Eds] Governance and Transition Politics in Kenya. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press.
Omosa, M.; G.R.N. Njeru; E. Ontita & O. Nyarwath (2006) The Theory and Practice of Governance in Kenya: Towards Civic Engagement. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press.
Place, F.; M. Adato, P. Hebinck & M. Omosa (2005) The Impact of Agro-Forestry-Based Soil Fertility Replenishment Practices on the poor in Western Kenya. Research Report No. 142. Washington DC: International Food Policy Research Institute. pp. 61-80
Book Chapters
Place, F.; M. Adato; P. Hebinck & M. Omosa (Forthcoming) Agro-forestry-Based Soil Fertility Replenishment Practices and Poverty in Western Kenya. In: M. Adato & R. Meinzen-Dick [Eds.] Agricultural Research and Poverty: Economic and Social Impacts in Six Countries. New York: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Omosa, M. (Forthcoming) The Smallholder Tea Industry in Kenya: Networks, Markets and Livelihoods. In: D. McCormick, P. Alila & M. Omosa [Eds] AfricanBusiness Systems in Kenya: Institutions and Interactions. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press
Omosa, M. & J. Onjala (Forthcoming) Kenya’s Socio-Economic Environment: An Overview. In: D. McCormick, P. Alila & M. Omosa [Eds] AfricanBusiness Systems in Kenya: Institutions and Interactions. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press
M. Omosa, D. McCormick & P. Alila (Forthcoming) Business in Kenya: Institutions, Interactions and Strategies. In: D. McCormick, P. Alila & M. Omosa [Eds] AfricanBusiness Systems in Kenya: Institutions and Interactions. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press
P. Alila, D. McCormick & M. Omosa (Forthcoming) Introduction. In: D. McCormick, P. Alila & M. Omosa [Eds] AfricanBusiness Systems in Kenya: Institutions and Interactions. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press
Katumanga, M. & M. Omosa (Forthcoming) Leadership and the Politics of Nation State: Searching for a Vision, Balancing Interests and Navigating Realities. In: P. Wanyande; M. Omosa & L. Chweya [Eds] Governance and Transition Politics in Kenya. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press.
Omosa, M. (2004) Researching Poverty in Rural Kenya: A Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Approach to Measuring the Impact of Agricultural Technologies on Poverty. In: KIPPRA [eds] Proceedings of the workshop on Qualitative and Quantitative Techniques to Poverty Analysis. Nairobi: KIPPRA.
Omosa, M. (2000) Reaching Out to Stakeholders: The Impact of Agricultural Reforms on Poverty Alleviation in rural Kenya. In: K.K. Prah & A.G.M. Ahmed [eds] Africa in Transformation: Political and Economic Issues. Addis Ababa: OSSREA. Pp. 139-144
Alila, P.O. & M. Omosa (1999) Rural Development Policies in Kenya. In: N. Ng’ethe & W. Owino [Eds] From Sessional Paper No. 10 to Structural Adjustment: Towards Indigenising the Policy Debate. Nairobi: Institute of Policy Analysis & Research. pp.93-115
Omosa, M. (1998) Sustainability of Forests in Kenya: Emerging Issues. In: A.G.M. Ahmed & W. Mlay [eds] Environment and Sustainable Development in Eastern and Southern Africa. Some Critical Issues. London & New York: Macmillan Press and St. Martin’s Press. Pp.161-175
Omosa, M. (1995) Persistent Cultural Practices: A review of the Status of Women in Kenya. In: Association of African Women for Research and Development [eds] From Strategies to Action: A Research Perspective. Nairobi: AAWORD. Pp.61-85
Omosa, M. (1995) Women, Environment and Sustainable Development: An Environmental Policy Analysis. In: Association of African Women for Research and Development [eds] From Strategies to Action: A Research Perspective. Nairobi: AAWORD. Pp.137-150
Omosa, M. (1992) Women and Sustainable Management of Domestic Fuel Energy. In: S.A. Khasiani [ed] Groundwork: African Women as Environmental Managers. Nairobi: ACTS Press. Pp. 41-54
Omosa, M. (1991) People’s Perception of Tree Planting: The Case of Bura Irrigation Settlement Scheme. In: P.O. Chitere & R. Mutiso [eds] Working with Members of Rural Communities: A Participatory Action Research in Kenya. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press. Pp. 103-108
Omosa, M. (1986) The Great Drought. In: K. Adagala & W. Kabira [eds] Kenya Oral Narratives: A Selection. Nairobi: Heinemann. Pp. 85-86
Working Papers
Omosa, M. (2005) The Soko Huru Trade: Network Building, Informal Contracts and compliance Failure in the Marketing of Green Leaf in Rural Kenya. IDS Working Paper No. 540. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies
Omosa, M. (2003) The Interplay Between Commodity Markets and Rural Livelihoods. A Focus on the Tea Industry in Rural Kenya. IDS Working Paper No. 538. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies
Omosa, M. (1997) Current and Potential Demand for Fresh and Processed Sweet Potato Products in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya. CIP Working Paper No. 1997-1. Lima: International Potato Centre
Omosa, M. (1996) Rural Household Food Security. IDS Working Paper No. 510. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies
Policy Briefs and Out-Reach
M. Omosa (2005) The Search for Food Security: Images and Realities of Rural Kenya. IDS Policy Brief Issue 4 No. 1. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies
Omosa, M. (2004) The Smallholder Tea Industry in Rural Kenya: Policies, Market Forces and Rural Livelihoods. IDS Policy Brief Issue 3 No. 3. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies
Ng’ethe, N. & M. Omosa (2003) Research Teaser: Mainstreaming Chronic Poverty. IDS Policy Brief Issue No. 2. Nairobi: Institute for Development Studies
Omosa, M. (1993) Forward to the Book: Democratic Change in Africa - Women’s Perspective. Nairobi: ACTS Press. 147 pages
Omosa, M. (1990) Ngina Baiseke. Translations of Mother of Girls and Other Stories to Ekegusii. Nairobi: Kenya Women Literature Group
Research Reports
Omosa, M. (2005) Access to and utilisation of Information Communication Technology within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Report submitted to the College Academic Board, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nairobi
Omosa, M. (2005) Community Mobilisation for Participation in Water Use and Management. Submitted to Technical University Delft Research Group
Omosa, M.; M. Kimani & R. Njiru (2005) Social Codes of Practice in the Cut Flower Industry. Submitted to the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich Research Group
Omosa, M.; A. Oyuke; & R. Njiru (2004) Training Manual – Child Growth and Development. Submitted to the Universities in Solidarity with Disadvantages Groups (UNISOL) Research Program
Omosa, M. & D. McCormick (2004) Universal Access to Communication Services in Rural Kenya: A Baseline Survey. Submitted to the Communications Commission of Kenya and the International Development Research Centre. www.cck.go.ke
Omosa, M. & D. McCormick (2004) Universal Access to Communication Services in Rural Kenya: A Geo-Socio-Economics Study Report. Submitted to the Communications Commission of Kenya and the International Development Research Centre
D. McCormick & M. Omosa (2004) Universal Access to Communication Services in Rural Kenya: Research Methodology and Design. Submitted to the Communications Commission of Kenya and the International Development Research Centre
Omosa, M. (2003) Ethnicity and Pro-Poor Change in Kenya. A Research Paper submitted to the Drivers of Change Research Group. DFID, Kenya
Omosa, M. (2003) Universal Justice for Children at Risk: An evaluation of the programme and activities of the Children’s Legal Action Network. Submitted to CLAN
Omiti, J & M. Omosa (2002) A Synthesis of Existing Information on the Impact of HIV/AIDS on Rural Livelihoods in Kenya. Submitted to Futures Group, UK; Department for International Development and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Government of Kenya
Omosa, M. (2002) Youth Sexuality and Reproductive Health in Lugari District. Submitted to the Kenya Youth Initiatives Programme, Family Planning Association of Kenya
Omosa, M. (2002) Child Rights and Child Protection in Kenya. A Mid-Term Evaluation report. Submitted to the African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect. ANPPCAN Regional Office
Omosa, M. (2001) Life in Kenya. In: Strategy and Tactics [eds] Kenya: State of the Nation. Report submitted to the National Civic Engagement Programme. Nairobi: PriceWaterHouse Coopers. Chapter 4
Omosa, M. (2000) Poverty and the Kenyan Family: A Rapid Assessment of the Situation of the Family in Nairobi. Submitted to the Association of African Women for Research and Development
Omosa, M. (1998) Re-Conceptualising Food Security: Interlocking strategies, Unfolding Choices and Rural Livelihoods in Kisii District, Kenya. Department of Rural Development Sociology, Wageningen Agricultural University. PhD Thesis. 273pgs
Walubengo, D. & M. Omosa (1995) Pre-Evaluation Impact Study: Rural Stoves West Kenya Project. Submitted to ITDG Kenya
Omosa, M. (1994) Child Labour in Kenya: An Annotated Bibliography. Submitted to the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour, Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development, Government of Kenya
Walubengo, D.; A. Onyango & M. Omosa (1992) An Evaluation Report on the Tanzania Traditional Energy Development Organisation. Submitted to HIVOS, Netherlands
Omosa, M. (1988) The Fuel wood Crisis in Rural Kenya. A Socio-Economic Analysis of the Fuel wood Scarcity in Bura Irrigation Settlement Scheme, Tana River District. Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi. Nairobi. M.A. Thesis. 300pgs
Omosa, M. (1985) People’s Perception of Development in West Kitutu Location of Kisii District. Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi. 3:1:1 Honours Dissertation.
