Introduce yourself to our readers!

Name: John Kibara Manyeki

From: Kenya

Occupation: Economists and currently a research officer in Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

Marital status: Married

How do you like the lifestyle in Szeged? Do you enjoy being an international student here so far?

Life in Szeged is quite enjoyable and academically encouraging. This is a city of academicians and the environment is very conducive for anybody willing to pursue a line of education and become a scholar. So far I have enjoyed being an international student, especially here in Szeged. This is my university of choice. Language barrier aside, the people I have met here were all very cooperative and my acclimatization to the new environment has been very easy and smooth. A salient feature I personally observed is the transport system which is very well coordinated.

How would you describe the research environment at the University of Szeged based on your personal observations?

Szeged has excellent facilities for research. There are computers well equipped with analytical packages and good network connectivity for seeking out information. There are also many willing supervisors and mentors who are available at all the times.

Could you please briefly share some information about your research topic? What was the source of inspiration for it?

My research work is about econometric modeling in the livestock industry of Kenya with special emphasis on the southern rangelands of Kenya. The motive behind this research was exacerbated by the widening fluctuation and uncertainty in livestock production and marketing casting doubt on the effectiveness of the policies. I was inspired to go in this direction of research because all along I have been working in the southern rangelands of Kenya where there has been a paradigm shift as of late from a pastoral to an agro-pastoral system. Communities living in these areas require clear production and marketing guidelines for the livestock industry to be able to compete successfully with the non-traditional lifestyle adopted by the people.

What challenges do you expect to face during the research journey?

Being away from my family.

Do you have any sketched plans regarding your professional development in long-term perspectives? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

My next four years will be entirely dedicated to my PhD studies – specifically course work, publication and thesis writing. I am also in employment and therefore will be working online. Upon graduating I will go back in the fifth year to continue with my research work.

What’s your hobby?

Playing football, volleyball and visiting new sights with friends.

What was your dream job as a child?

A banker or any business related job.

Would the 20 years old you like the person you are now?

Yes. I am in the line of work that I admired the most: I am an economic researcher in a recognized organization with a full time job.

Did your parents influence your career choice?

Yes, to some extent. I was raised in a single-parent family, my mother was a teacher and used to combine farming and a small business at home. I would assist her in her business and she always used to advise me to try hard and strive to be like some of the customers who used to buy at our kiosk.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could go back in time?

Teaching at the public university. Currently I am and economist in an agricultural research organization and I want to also be a researcher and a lecturer. I have always admired lecturers at the public university and that is what I am focusing on.

Name the three things you like most in your research topic!

The idea of economic modeling in the livestock sector

Theory formulation

Prediction and forecasting

Which languages ​​do you speak and what level?

In our education system in Kenya English is the main language of teaching, communication and examination right from primary level to university. Other local languages include Kiswahili which is spoken in every East African country.

Do you play any instruments?

No.

Who is an icon/hero for you?

Professor Wangari Mathai – her advocacy for peace and a healthy environment (planting of trees) in our country.

What are that three thing that you like most in your life?

Reading and understanding new knowledge

Travelling and learning about new cultural behaviors