Martin Sato

Agricultural Economics Researcher & Data Analyst
Ghent, BE.

About

Highly analytical Agricultural Economist and researcher with expertise in behavioral modeling, food safety, consumer decision-making, and advanced econometrics. Proven ability in field research, data analysis, and policy-oriented studies across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Consistently delivers evidence-based approaches to strengthen food systems, rural livelihoods, and sustainable agribusiness development.

Work

Kisii County Government
|

Agricultural Economist

Kisii, Kisii County, Kenya

Summary

Led socio-economic analyses and policy-oriented studies to inform county planning and strengthen food systems for 500+ farmers.

Highlights

Led socio-economic analyses of production trends and market dynamics for over 500 farmers, directly informing county agricultural planning and resource allocation.

Analyzed key agricultural value chains (maize, dairy, bananas, horticulture) using field data, successfully identifying and addressing 20% productivity bottlenecks.

Supported critical food-security assessments through advanced econometric models and early-warning monitoring systems, enhancing rural livelihood resilience.

Developed and deployed R-based dashboards and comprehensive summaries, streamlining reporting and facilitating data-driven decision-making processes.

Co-authored successful proposals for externally funded agri-projects, securing over €50,000 in grants to advance agricultural initiatives.

World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
|

Intern

Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya

Summary

Assessed economic viability of food tree integration and developed interventions to improve agroforestry practices for smallholder households.

Highlights

Assessed the economic viability of food tree integration for over 200 smallholder households using comprehensive surveys and modeling, providing data-driven insights for sustainable agricultural development.

Processed extensive data on production, handling, and markets, contributing to a significant 25% reduction in post-harvest losses.

Executed rigorous Monitoring & Evaluation using Stata/R, quantifying substantial nutrition and income gains from agroforestry initiatives in food-insecure areas.

Designed and implemented effective behavioral interventions with farmers and extension agents, successfully overcoming tree-planting barriers and promoting adoption.

Volunteer

International Master of Science in Rural Development
|

Student Committee Representative

Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium

Summary

Represented student interests and contributed to program development within the International Master of Science in Rural Development.

Egesicha Youth Group
|

Chairman/Founder

Summary

Founded and led a youth group focused on community development and engagement initiatives.

Agricultural Club of Karatina University
|

Chairman

Karatina, Nyeri County, Kenya

Summary

Led the Agricultural Club, organizing activities and initiatives to promote agricultural knowledge and skills among university students.

Education

Ghent University
Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium

International Master of Science

Rural Development

Courses

Thesis: Socio-Economic and Behavioural Determinants of Food-Safety Practice Adoption Among Umqombothi Vendors in South Africa's Informal Markets: An Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour Approach

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Beijing, Beijing, China

Master of Science

Agricultural Economics and Management

Grade: Second Class Honours Upper Division

Courses

Thesis: The Determinants of Kenya Tea Exports: A Gravity Model Approach

Karatina University
Karatina, Nyeri County, Kenya

Bachelor of Science

Agricultural Economics and Resource Management

Grade: Second Class Honours Upper Division

Courses

Thesis: Socio-Economic Determinants of Dairy-Maize Integration in Bogichora Ward, Nyamira County.

Awards

VLIR-UOS Scholarship Award

Awarded By

VLIR-UOS

Competitive full scholarship awarded for academic excellence and commitment to development-oriented research within the IMRD programme.

Chinese Government Scholarship

Awarded By

Chinese Government

Full Scholarship by Chinese Government, supporting Master's studies in Beijing.

Publications

Determinants of Kenyan Tea Exports: The Gravity Model Approach

Published by

Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development

Summary

Refereed journal article, Vol 11, No 14, providing in-depth analysis of factors influencing Kenyan tea exports.

Languages

English
Swahili
German

Skills

Analytical Skills

Quantitative Research, Econometric Analysis, Behavioural Modelling, Monitoring & Evaluation and Impact Assessment, Policy and Market Analysis.

Technical Skills

R, Stata, SPSS, Excel, Survey Design, Data Collection (ODK, Kobo).

Interests

Rural Development

Rural development.

Value Chains

Value chains.

Food Safety & Risk Perception

Food safety, Risk perception.

Consumer Behaviour

Consumer behaviour.

Applied Econometrics

Applied econometrics.

Food Systems

Food systems.

Projects

Local Trademarks as an Integral Part of Local Sustainable Development Strategy - Case Study of Slovak Regions on the Journey to Sustainable Destination

Summary

Case study exploring the role of local trademarks in sustainable development strategies within Slovak regions.

Martin Sato