Greening Food Security and Logistics

Michael is a systems researcher specializing in food systems in fragile settings. With extensive experience in food security research, he explores how to improve the well-being of households and communities in areas affected by poverty, food insecurity, and armed conflict. Michael is a trained agroecologist and has supported projects aimed at greening farming and food supply chains.

As an Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, and a Senior Associate at World Agroforestry in Nairobi, Michael's work integrates insights from systems research to practically address protracted humanitarian, development, and peace-building needs. He held leadership positions and teaches courses on environmental change, livelihood dynamics, and participatory methods. Michael co-founded The Optimism Lab Limited, a Kenyan-based start-up, to support humanitarian organizations in navigating their most critical organisaitonal changes.

 His proficiency in the field of food systems, coupled with a publication record and recent webinars on food systems resilience, reflects his commitment to advancing transformative research and practice in fragile settings.

Emily Addonizio is a Livelihoods and Food Security expert holding a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Biotechnologies, with postgraduate qualifications in Environmental Management with SOAS in London. With over a decade experience in humanitarian and development settings in South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, with UN agencies and International organisations Emily brings in progressive experience in food security, livelihoods and resilience, in protracted crises, complex operating environments and displacement settings. Associate Expert of Scio Network since 2021 and Agriculture Development deputy vertical Lead, Emily has supported UN Agencies, International organisations and local governments in the development and implementation programs, strategies, and policy frameworks in the area of food security, agriculture, climate adaptation, livelihoods and resilience. As consultant she widely participated in review and evaluations of food security and livelihood projects, in addition to her experience in leadership roles in program management and implementation. Finally, Emily managed food security and resilience programs funded by institutional donors, such as USAID, FCDO, QFFD, BHA, etc and supported the development of global partnerships on self-reliance for displaced populations with UNHCR and FAO.

Seasoned French professional with over two decades of experience in engineering and logistics within the humanitarian sector. Adept at leading and implementing emergency responses, including natural disasters and health crises, across diverse regions globally, his professional experience include key roles in organisations such as WFP, UNICEF, and ICRC, where he spearheaded logistics and project management initiatives during critical events like the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, and earthquake response in Haiti. David is recognized for his cross-cultural leadership and successful track record in establishing and managing logistics hubs, conducting assessments, and executing civil engineering projects. David Semerian brings a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and cultural adaptability to deliver effective solutions in challenging and dynamic humanitarian contexts.David's academic journey includes a Master's in Commercial Logistics, a Post-Graduate Certification in Project Management, and specialised training in humanitarian logistics and construction.