University of Oxford
11a Mansfield Rd
OX1 3SZ
UK
Alice Karuri
Background
In 2000 while in my second year of undergraduate studies, I undertook an independent study on multinational corporations in developing countries. In the course of conversations with the lecturer and after watching a documentary on agri-business corporations and small-scale farmers, I became profoundly aware of the issue of trade justice. This influenced my decision to change my major from journalism to economics.
While researching on the effect of climate change on small-scale tea and coffee farmers, I realized the importance of sustainable trade as an integral part of trade justice. Sustainable trade requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that goes beyond farmer incomes, to address social and environmental challenges. Social justice remains at the heart of all I do, and I believe that sustainable development is at its core an issue of social justice. All research in one way or another, is an effort towards a just world.
While researching on the effect of climate change on small-scale tea and coffee farmers, I realized the importance of sustainable trade as an integral part of trade justice. Sustainable trade requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that goes beyond farmer incomes, to address social and environmental challenges. Social justice remains at the heart of all I do, and I believe that sustainable development is at its core an issue of social justice. All research in one way or another, is an effort towards a just world.
Research Interests
Research interests include global commodity chains, sustainable agriculture and trade, social justice. My research interest in commodity chains was sparked by the numerous media reports on the challenges facing coffee farmers. It was ironic that Kenya produced some of the best coffee in the world and yet the farmers were faced with innumerable challenges.
Current Research
My current research is on sustainability in global commodity chains. I am particularly interested in indicators that go beyond sustainable production and capture the aspect of sustainable trade for small producers.
Brief CV
CURRENT WORK
Strathmore University November 2019 – Present
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Lecturer, Development Studies
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Development Studies 2019
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
Thesis title: Producer Institutional Arrangements in Kenya’s Coffee Sector
and their Effect on Economic Benefits to Farmers
M.A. International Affairs. 2009
George Washington University, Washington D.C., USA
B.A. Economics 2003
Morgan State University, Baltimore Maryland, USA
Papers
Karuri, A. (2020). Adaptation of Small-Scale Tea and Coffee Farmers in Kenya to Climate Change. In W.L. Filho (Ed). African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation. Springer Publishing.
Karuri, A.N., Ondieki-Mwaura, F. and Omondi, H. Ability of Farmers to Negotiate with
Chain Actors in the Coffee Sector in Kenya. Journal of Economics and Development Studies. 6(2): 45-48. 2018.
Karuri, A. N., Ondieki-Mwaura, F. and Omondi, H. Characterization of
Producer Institutional Arrangements in the Coffee Sector in Kenya and Policy Implications for Farmer Empowerment. Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications. 6(1): 18-25. 2018