Prof. Gufu Oba

Academic qualification Undergraduate: B Ed (Science) Hons, Kenyatta University, 1977-1980 (Kenya) Graduate: MSc (Range Management), University of Arizona, Tucson, 1983-1985 (USA) Post-graduate: Dr Phil (Range Science), University Oslo, 1993-1996 (Norway) Post-Doctoral: The University of Oslo, 1997-1999 (Norway)         Appointments Professor (2004 to 2022), Noragric, Department of International Environment & Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway.   Professor Emeritus from July 2022 to present. c/o PO Box 16-60300 Isiolo, Kenya petergufu.oba@gmail.com, +254 704352661 Executive Director of Gaadisa Gummi Foundation, Ltd., Kenya.

Career
I am trained in educational pedagogy (BEd Science) and was extensively involved in developing and designing educational programs among the nomads in Northern Kenya under the auspices of UNESCO-MAB (Integrated Project on Arid Lands) between 1981 and 1983. I have, in total, worked with pastoralist societies for 30 years, where I developed research and educational methods on how to integrate scientific research and traditional educational methods. I have coordinated international educational programs funded by GEF indigenous biodiversity working in Kenya, Mali, and Botswana, as well as coordinated training of college students and working with the pastoralists from the three countries on managing indigenous biodiversity (2002-2004).

Research Interests
My interdisciplinary training combines education, ecology, environmental history, range management, and pastoralism, focusing on the Eastern and Horn of Africa region. This is reflected in my publications (either co-authored or single-authored). Lately, my work interest has shifted to environmental education, the history of pastoralist societies, and contemporary studies of social and economic changes among former nomads. I have successfully supervised more than 30 MSc students and 7 PhD candidates.  Published 86 peer-reviewed Journal articles and five books