Dr. Akite Irine

Lecturer

Dr. Irine Akite is a Lecturer in the department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, Uganda, with over a decade of experience in academia, research, consultancy, and international development. She previously served as Program Officer for Gender, Inclusion and Safeguarding at the Regional Universities’ Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), where she supported institutional strengthening and inclusive programming across a network of universities in Africa.
Dr. Akite holds a PhD in Agricultural and Applied Biosciences (Agribusiness), a Master of Science in Agri-enterprise Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Gulu University. Throughout her career, she has combined academic excellence with practical development experience, serving as a lecturer, researcher, and consultant for several national and international organizations, including Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), World Universities Service of Canada (WUSC), CARE International, Save the Children, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), Evidence for Change, Rootical Business Builder, African Economic Research Centre (AERC) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), among others.
Her work has focused on agribusiness development, agricultural value chains, market systems, gender equality, social inclusion, safeguarding, climate-smart agriculture, and refugee livelihoods. She has led and contributed to numerous research and development initiatives across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa, and Somalia, supporting smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, and refugee communities to improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and access economic opportunities. Dr. Akite is particularly passionate about leveraging inclusive agribusiness and food systems approaches to drive sustainable development, food security, and socio-economic transformation in Africa.

Qualifications

Institution Period Degree obtained
Gulu University 2018 – 2022 Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Applied Biosciences
Gulu University 2015 – 2018 Master of Science in Agri-Enterprises Development
Gulu university 2011 – 2014 Bachelor of Agriculture

Research Interests

Dr. Akite’s research focuses on the intersection of agribusiness development, inclusive agri-food systems, and social transformation. Her areas of interest include:
• Agribusiness and value chain development
• Market systems development and agricultural commercialization
• Inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems
• Gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and social inclusion
• Safeguarding and protection in higher education and development programs
• Youth employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture
• Refugee livelihoods and socio-economic integration
• Climate-smart agriculture and green enterprises
• Community-based participatory research and action learning
• Rural development and livelihood resilience
• Institutional capacity strengthening for gender-responsive development
Her research seeks to generate evidence that informs policies, programs, and innovations that improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and promote equitable participation in agricultural and rural development.

Publications

Dr. Walter Odongo, Dr. Stephen Wamala Kalule, Dr. Irine Akite, Samuel Elolu . (2024) . University-induced innovations for nurturing farm based micro-enterprises Experiences from engaging with refugee hosting contexts . African Journal of Rural Development, [online] Volume 8(1). Available at: https://afjrdev.org/index.php/jos/article/view/281
David Monk, Sidney Muhangi, Irine Akite, Scovia Adrupio . (2023) . Designing the Future – Youth innovation, informality and transformed VET . Available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/258293
Akite, I. Okello, D.M., Kasharu, A. & Mugonola, B. (2023) . (2023) . CrossRef citations to date 0 Altmetric Listen Research Articles Smallholder Farmers’ Contextual Ingredients of Process, Functional and Product Upgrading Strategies for Improved Competitiveness in Uganda’s Rice Markets . Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, pp. 763-787
Daniel Micheal Okello, Irine Akite, Francis Atube,Stephen Wamala Kalule and Duncan Ongeng . (2022) . Examining the relationship between farmers’ characteristics and access to agricultural extension: Empirical evidence from northern Uganda . The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 29(4), pp. 439-461
Akite, I. Okello, D.M., Kasharu, A. & Mugonola, B. (2022) . (2022) . Estimation of profit efficiency of smallholder rice farmers in Uganda: A stochastic frontier approach . Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 8
Jones, L., Boyer, D., Turner, K., Akite, I., Gathecah, S. & Mateyo, B. (2022) . (2022) . Strategies for Incubators and accelerators: Strengthening Ecosystems for Women Climate Entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa . Available at: https://wusc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Final-AWCE-report.pdf
Akite, I. Okello, D.M. Lamo, J., Kasharu, A. & Mugonola, B. (2021) . (2021) . Determinants of non-technological upgrading strategies for rice market improvements in Uganda . Scientific African
Aryemo. I.P, Akite. I, Kule. E.K, Mugonola. B, Kugonza. D.R, and Okot. M.W. (2019) . (2019) . Drivers of commercialization: A case of indigenous chicken production in northern Uganda . African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, pp. 739-748

Supervision

S/N MSc. Student Name Title of the study Status
1 Mr. Okello Ronald Acai

17/U/2519/MAE

 Market information and marketing performance of rice farmers in Agago and Lira district Completed 2019
2 Ms. Francisca Muteti Ndinda

18/X/2852/MAE

 Determinants of efficiency among rice producer groups and rice millers in Northern Uganda Completed 2021
3 Mr. Ogei Kizito

19/U/2568/MAE/PS

 Drivers of utilization of Agricultural Commodity Warehouse Receipt System in Uganda: A comparative study of

Alebtong and Kiryandongo districts

 Doctor of Completed 2023
4 Mr. Hamza Luzze

20/U/3005/MAE/PS

 Gender participation and crop intensification among coffee growing households in Butambala district Completed 2024
5 Ms. Jennifer Emul

22/U/1003/MAE/PS

 Drivers of gendered participation in fresh vegetable marketing in Gulu and Mbale cities Completed

2024
6 Mr. Orach Ochaya Vincent

21/U/2397/MAE/PS

 Analysis of coffee value chain upgrading opportunities in Zombo and Nebbi districts, Uganda Completed 2025
7 Ms. Laker Viola

21/U/3326/MAE/PS

 Gender participation in the fish value chain in Amolatar district Completed 2025
8 Ms. Apiyo Scovia Perphency

18/U/2869/MAE

 Determinants of demand for quality assured rice seeds in Nwoya and Gulu districts, northern Uganda Completed 2023
9 Ms. Naiga Harriet

21/U/3351/MAE/PS

 Gender disaggregation of roles in the shea nut processing and marketing in Otuke, Lira and Pader districts Completed 2024
10 Mr. Otika Edward

19/U/3545/MAE/PS

 Determinants of profit efficiency among sesame smallholder farmers in Lamwo and Dokolo districts, northern uganda Completed 2024

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