Dr Clarisse Umutoni is crop-livestock scientist and has seven years of experiences in crop-livestock systems and value chains in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in West Africa. Clarisse is currently coordinating the implementation of the project Markets for Crop-livestock Integration in Niger.
Dr Clarisse focuses on mobilizing innovative solutions and investments necessary to support inclusive economic growth and give smallholder farmers (especially women and youth involved in livestock activities) a hand up instead of a hand out. Dr Clarisse works closely with various researchers and development agents in searching for new adaptive technologies, approaches, and climate-smart practices for sustainable livestock-based agriculture. Clarisse is from Rwanda and holds a Ph.D. in Animal Production and Biotechnology.
Before joining ICRISAT, Dr Clarisse worked with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Mali where her research focused on policy governing natural resource management. In 2021, Dr Clarisse was presented the Women in Livestock Science Award at the ILRI CapDev Grand Challenge 2020/2021. This accolade was bestowed in acknowledgment of the adept communication of her research project to diverse audiences.