Esther Ngumbi

A Kenyan entomologist and advocate for sustainable agriculture who has transformed food security strategies across Africa

Dr. Esther Ngumbi is a groundbreaking scientist and activist whose work in agricultural sustainability has made a profound impact on food security across Africa. Born in rural Kenya, she witnessed firsthand the challenges farmers face with climate change and soil degradation. Her research focuses on sustainable pest management practices that reduce reliance on harmful chemicals while maintaining crop yields. Through her position at the University of Illinois and roles with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), she has developed innovative programs like the Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative which trains smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture techniques. In 2021, her TED Talk 'How We Can Feed the World Without Harming the Planet' reached over 2 million viewers, sparking global conversations about regenerative farming. She also co-founded African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), empowering over 2,000 women scientists across 15 countries. Her recent collaboration with the Gates Foundation produced Climate-Resilient Crops Project introducing drought-resistant maize varieties to 500,000 households in Kenya and Tanzania. Dr. Ngumbi's work bridges cutting-edge science with community needs, earning her recognition as a 2023 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.