Andrew Wamukota

Andrew Wamukota serves as the Africa Regional Coordinator for the Fish Innovation Lab and is a Lecturer and researcher at Pwani University in Kenya. He was promoted to head of the Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development at Pwani University in August 2023, where he has been employed since 2014.

Education:

• PhD in Environmental Science from Linnaeus University, Sweden
• Master's of Philosophy in Environmental Science (focus on Environmental Economics) from Moi University, Kenya

Dr. Wamukota's research focuses on the human aspects of nearshore marine resource use, access, and poverty dynamics. His work examines socioeconomics and ecological drivers of resource use and fisheries conservation, particularly concerning human livelihoods and nutrition. He emphasizes understanding the relationship between resource access and poverty, especially in coastal regions bordering significant water bodies like the Indian Ocean, where poverty persists despite abundant fish resources.

With over fifteen years of progressive experience in research and program management, Wamukota has led research projects and capacity building initiatives across Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mauritius. His work with the Fish Innovation Lab involves establishing relationships with in-country stakeholders including research institutions, government bodies, universities, NGOs, and communities to ensure successful implementation of activity objectives.

Wamukota strongly advocates for the importance of fish consumption, particularly for pregnant women and children under five years, noting its critical role in brain development. He considers sustainable fish extraction and enhanced targeted consumption as the "twin purveyors of healthy sustainable livelihoods" and emphasizes women's empowerment, capacity building, and social marketing as key strategies for overcoming food security challenges.