NAME: Ms. NYAMBILILA ABDALLAH AMURI (PhD)
CONTACTS: Emails: namuri@sua.ac.tz; amurnyambilila@yahoo.com; Nyambilila.amuri@gmail.com;
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Nyambilila Abdallah Amuri is a soil scientist and agronomist with vast experience in research, training and extension in integrated soil fertility and ecosystem management, appropriate fertilizer uses in agriculture, and soil chemistry. Dr. Amuri specialization is Soil chemistry for soil fertility management. Currently Dr. Amuri serves as a Secretary General for the Soil Science Society of East Africa.
She has over 10 years of experience in University teaching, research, consultancies, and outreach activities in soil science for soil resource management for sustainable agriculture, human nutrition, and environmental protection in a gender inclusive manner. Dr. Amuri has experience in the agronomy of wheat, maize, rice, cotton, millet, groundnuts, cowpeas and soybean. Dr. Amuri has written and published various papers in peer reviewed journals, conference proceedings, chapters in books, and extension brochures. Dr Amuri has also been a consultant to USAID NAFAKA project, Action Aid Tanzania, and Ilula Orphanage Program, Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG), and Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM).
EDUCATION
PhD Soil Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA, Dec 2008. Advisor: Kristofor Brye, PhD
Msc Soil Science and Land Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, Nov 2003. Supervisor: Ernest Semu, PhD;
Bsc Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, Nov 1999.
UNIVERSITY POSITION AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Senior Lecturer, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania: July 2015 to date.
Lecturer, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania: Jan 2009 to July 2015.
Teaching Assistant, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. 2007. Taught Introductory Soil Science; Administer Tutorials and grades
Assistant Lecturer, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. 2003 to 2005. Taught Undergraduate courses: Introductory Soil Science/Fundamentals of Soil Science, Environmental Soil Science.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Her research interest and experience are on soil organic carbon and nitrogen dynamics in agricultural soils, soil fertility management for crop nutritional quality, climate smart agriculture, resilience of food production systems, agricultural practices and greenhouse gas emissions, and optimizing fertilizer use for nutrient use efficiency, innovative and cost-effective soil testing methods.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
Principal Investigator (PI) June 2018 to July 2020. Modernizing Soil Science laboratory to ensure Soil health for sustainable agricultural intensification for industrialization in Tanzania. COSTECH funded project.
Team member Aug 2017 to Aug 2021. Innovations in Technology, Institutional and Extension Approaches towards Sustainable Agriculture and enhanced Food and Nutritional Security in Africa (INNOVAFRICA) Horizon 2010 EU funded project.
Principal Investigator (PI) Soil Science, Jan 2015 to Dec 2019: Organic Cotton for Employment, Growth and Environment? DANIDA funded project.
Research Team Member (RTM), March 2014 to Feb 2016: Evaluating the effect of site-specific soil information on farmer input choices and the relationship between poverty and soil quality. BASIS CRSP- USAID funded project.
Research Team Member (RTM) March 2013 to Aug 2015: Going the last mile equipping and empowering extension workers to make innovative soil recommendations to improve agriculture in Africa. Use of Soil testing kit (Soil Doc) in small scale farming system.
PI, June 2013 to Nov 2015: Improving Agricultural Productivity and Crop Nutritive Quality in a Gender inclusive Approach in Tanzania. iAGRI USAID Feed the Future funded project
Research Team Member (RTM) June 2013 to July 2015: 6.1.5 From Soil Elements to Food Nutrients: Improving the Nutrient Content of Foods for Human Consumption through Agriculture. iAGRI USAID Feed the Future funded project
RTM, June 2013 to July 2015: Locally adapted Conservation Agriculture (CA) for improved food security, in the context of climate change, Tanzania. iAGRI USAID Feed the Future funded project
RTM, Oct 2012 to Dec 2013: Scaling up Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) for improved livelihood, East and Central Africa.
RTM, 2009 to 2014: Scaling up of Minjingu phosphate rock (MPR) and appropriate use of fertilizers for improved agricultural productivity in Tanzania. Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
TEACHING UNIVERSITY COURSES
Postgraduate courses:
Soil Organic matter Dynamics in the Tropics
Scientific Writing and presentations
Chemistry of Soil Organic Matter
Soil and Water Pollution
Undergraduate courses:
Agricultural Chemistry
Agrochemicals and Manure,
Soil Chemistry
Fundamentals of Soil science
SUPERVISION OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS RESEARCH
Dr Amuri has experience in supervising Msc and PhD students research in areas of soil fertility and crop nutritive quality, micronutrient (Cu and Zn) and P fertilization effectiveness in rice, narrowing yield gap through N micro dosing and locally adapted conservation agriculture for climate change adaptation, environmental impact of organic and conventional cotton farming and greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural systems.
Current PhD students
Bwana, T.N (2015 to date). A comparative assessment of partial environmental footprint for small holder organic and conventional cotton production systems in Meatu, Tanzania. Co-supervise with Prof. E. Temu and O. Jorgen
Graduated PhD students
Kalala, Asheli (2016). Response of rice to potassium, sulphur, and zinc in Kilombero valley, Tanzania: Implications for appropriate fertilizer recommendations. (On-going study). Co-supervise with Prof. Semoka, JMR.
Bell, Patrick. (2015). Conservation agriculture to enhance resilience of agriculture in Tanzania. Ohio State University, USA. (On-going study). Co-supervise with Prof. R. Lal and Prof. D. Kimaro
Assefa Menna (2015) Sulfur Status of Soils and Wheat in East Shewa and Arsi Zones of Ethiopia. Sokoine University of Agriculture (On-going study). Co-supervise with Profs. Semoka, JMR, and Weil, R.
Karuma, Anne (2015) Use of Legume Cover Crops, Conservation Tillage and In-Situ Rainwater Harvesting for Improved Maize Production in Mwala District, Kenya.Sokoine University of Agriculture. Co-supervise with Dr. Mtakwa PW and Prof. Gachenye, C.
Maurice, Sixbert K. (2015) Estimation of crop cultivar coefficients and soil parameters for CERES-MAIZE model under rain fed agriculture in Wami-Ruvu Basin, Tanzania. Sokoine University of Agriculture.Co-supervise with Prof. Tumbo, S. and Rweyemamu, C.L.
Current Masters Students
Rutahaza, JP. 2017 to 2019. Assessing the impact of integrated soil fertility and pest management on banana production in Arumeru; Arusha region, Tanzania. Co-supervise with Dr. P Mtakwa (SUA) and Dr. G. Taulya (Makerere University)
Graduated Masters students
Richard, Lilian 2016. Fertilizer Micro-dose Recommendations for Maize in Semi-arid Central Tanzania. Co supervise with Dr. Kimaro, A.
Brush, Gladness 2016. Effect of frequency and time of sampling on nitrate N soil testing and its relevance in determining N fertilizer rate to apply. Co supervise with Prof. J.M.R Semoka
Hamad, Almas (2015). Assessing the response of Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Sokoine University of Agriculture. Co supervise with Prof. J.P. Mrema
Tumaini Prosper Mwasyika (2015). Influence of soil fertility on crop nutritive quality of some cereals and vegetables grown in Kilombero and Dodoma, Tanzania. Sokoine University of Agriculture. Co supervise with Prof. B.M. Msanya
Almasi, Mwahija (2014). Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on growth, seed yield and oil content of sunflower grown in highly weathered soils in Morogoro-Tanzania. University of Nairobi, Kenya. Co supervise with Dr. J. Kinama.
Fatuma Gharibu (2014) Evaluation of Minjingu Mazao Fertilizer as a Source of Phosphorus and Micronutrients in Maize and Rice Production, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Msc Dissertation. Sokoine University of Agriculture. Co supervise with Prof. J.M.R. Semoka
Lydia Mhoro (2012) Levels of micronutrients in soils and crops from Mbeya, Tanzania, as reflection of nutritive value of the crops. Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro Co-supervise with Prof. E. Semu
Juvenile Anthony (2012) Pedological Characterisation and Assessment of Agricultural Potential of Soils in Selected Districts of Mbeya Region, Tanzania, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro Co supervise with Prof. B.M. Msanya
CONSULTANCY WORK:
Hella, J.P., Mtama, P. and Amuri, N. (BACAS Team) 2016. Analysis of Policy Gaps that Hinder Regional Trade of Organic Products in East Africa. A Consultancy Report submitted to Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM), Tanzania
Amuri, N. (TANSHEQ Team) 2016. Miombo Hewani Wind Farm and Transmission Line, Njombe, Tanzania – Potential Impact on Agriculture. A Consultancy Report submitted to Windlab Tanzania SPV, Tanzania Ltd.
Vyamana, VG, Amuri, N, Mugasha, WA, Hieronimo, P, Mourice, SK 2015. Climate smart agricultural options for small-scale farmers in the South Nguru Mountain landscape, Mvomero District, Morogoro. Adding Value to the Arc: Forests and Livelihoods in the South Nguru Mountains (AVA) Project. Tanzania Forest Conservation Group.
Msuya, E., Woiso, D. and Amuri, N. (Lengale Consultant) 2013. Documentation of the lessons and the best practices for climate smart small-scale agriculture in Kilosa and Chamwino districts. A Consultancy Report submitted to Action Aid Tanzania
Amuri, N. 2013. Climate smart agriculture for small scale farmers. Training of small scale farmers’ facilitators in Dodoma, Singida and Kilosa. Action Aid Project
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND CHAPTER IN BOOKS
Amuri, N.A., Mhoro, L., Mwasyika, T. and Semu, E. 2017. Potential of Soil Fertility Management to Improve Essential Mineral Nutrient Concentrations in Vegetables in Dodoma and Kilombero, Tanzania. Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment 6: 105-132. https://doi.org/10.4236/jacen.2017.62007
Kinabo J, Mamiro P, Dawkins N, Bundala N, Mwanri A,Majili Z, Jumbe T, Kulwa K, Mamiro D, Amur N, Ngowi M, Msuya J (2016) Food intake and dietary diversity of farming households in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. 16(4) 11295 – 11309
Amuri, N.A. (2015). Enhancing Resilience of Food Production Systems under Changing Climate and Soil Degradation in Semi-arid and Highlands of Tanzania. In: R. Lal et al. (eds.), Sustainable Intensification to Advance Food Security and Enhance Climate Resilience in Africa. Springer International Publishing Switzerland. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-09360-4.pp 385-405.
Mourice, S.K., Rweyemamu, C.L. Nyambilila, A.A., and Tumbo, S.D. (2014). Narrowing Maize Yield Gaps Under Rain-fed conditions in Tanzania: Effect of Small Nitrogen Dose. Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences 12: 55-65.
Mourice, S.K., Tumbo, S.D., Amuri, N. and Rweyemamu, C.L., 2014. Modeling of Water-limited Maize productivity in the Wami River Sub-Basin, Tanzania. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B — Soil & Plant Science, DOI: 10.1080/09064710.2014.976252. 1-10
Mourice, S.K., Rweyemamu, C.L., Tumbo, S.D. and Amuri, N. 2014. Maize cultivar specific parameters for Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) application in Tanzania. American Journal of Plant Science 5:823-833
Amuri, N., Brye, K.R., Gbur, E.E., Oliver, D. and Kelley, J. 2010. Weed populations as affected by residue management practices in a wheat-soybean double-crop production system. Weed Science 58: 234-243.
Verkler, T.L., Brye, K.R., Popp, J. H., Gbur, E. E., Chen, P. and Amuri, N. 2009. Soil properties, soybean response, and economic return as affected by residue and water management practices. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 33:716–744.
Verkler, T.L., Brye, K.R., Gbur, E.E., Popp, J.H. and Amuri N. 2008. Residue management and water delivery effects on season-long surface soil water dynamics in soybean. Soil Science. 173: 444-455.
Amuri, N. and Brye, K.R. 2008. Effect of alternative residue and water management practices on soil penetration resistance in wheat-soybean double cropping system of eastern Arkansas. Soil Science. 173: 779–791.
Amuri, N., Brye1, K.R., Gbur, E.E., Popp, J. and Chen, P. 2008. Soil property and soybean yield trends in response to alternative wheat residue management practices in a wheat-soybean, double-crop production system in eastern Arkansas. Journal of Integrative Bioscience. 6:64-86.
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION BOOKLETS:
Mwatawala, M.W., Kudra, A.B., Amuri, N.A. and Mpoki, H. 2014. Kanuni za Kilimo Bora cha Embe. Mwangozo kwa Wakulima na Maafisa Ugani. The Association of Mango Growers (AMAGRO). ISBN 978-9987-9790-2-8
Mwatawala, M.W., Kudra, A.B., Amuri, N.A. and Mpoki, H. 2014. Viwango vya Tathmini ya Ubora wa Zao la Embe. The Association of Mango Growers (AMAGRO). ISBN 978-9987-9790-3-5
Semoka, J.M.R., N. Amuri, C.P. Msuya-Bengesi, S.T. Ikerra, and I. Kullaya (2013) Kilimo Bora cha Mpunga. Matumizi sahihi ya mbolea na mbinu nyingine za kilimo nchini Tanzania. Project on Scaling up Minjingu phosphate utilization for balanced fertilization of crops in Tanzania. . Chuo Kikuu cha Sokoine cha Kilimo, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Africa Soil Health Consortium, CABI. Sokoine University of Agriculture, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, Ministry Of Agriculture. CABI, Nairobi. ISBN 978-9987-9673-6-0.
Semoka, J.M.R., N. Amuri and C.P. Msuya-Bengesi, S.T. Ikerra, and I. Kullaya (2013) Kilimo Bora cha Mahindi. Matumizi sahihi ya mbolea na mbinu nyingine za kilimo nchini Tanzania. Project on Scaling up Minjingu phosphate utilization for balanced fertilization of crops in Tanzania. Chuo Kikuu cha Sokoine Cha Kilimo, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Africa Soil Health Consortium, CABI. ISBN 978-9987-9673-5-3
FELLOWSHIP, AWARDS AND HONORS
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) Award. University of Arkansas, AR, USA. May 2007 to 2008.
Fulbright Fellowship for PhD studies, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR USA. 2005 to 2007
Weston Award to Fulbright scholars for academic and professional Development. 2005
NORAD Sponsorship Award for Msc studies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. 2000 to 2002. Listed in Who is Who Among American College and University Students, 2008
The Arkansas Traveler Award as an Ambassador of Good Will for Arkansas State for active involvement in international culture education, Fayetteville, AR, USA. 2006, and 2007.
MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
Secretary: Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA)
Member: African Crop Science Society (ACSS)
Member: Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)-American Society of Agronomy (ASA)-Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)
Member and Treasurer: Tanzania US State Alumni Association (TUSSAA) – Morogoro and Dodoma Chapter