Agricultural sociologist (Dr agr., University of Hohenheim, Germany) specialised in institutional aspects of research & development, especially innovation processes that enhance local adaptive capacities.

Has advised several organisations in sub-Saharan Africa in pastoral/livestock systems development & participatory research. Since 2003, member of International Support Team for Prolinnova (PROmoting Local INNOVAtion in ecologically oriented agriculture and NRM), working through multistakeholder networks in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Was in EC-funded projects JOLISAA (Joint Learning in Innovation Systems in African Agriculture) in Benin, Kenya & South Africa; and INSARD (INcluding Smallholders in ARD) with NGOs and farmer organisations in Africa & Europe.

Core-group member of CELEP (Coalition of European Lobbies for Eastern African Pastoralism) and of International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists (IYRP) Support Group.