diff --git a/odk/odk.py b/odk/odk.py
index bd5a64e7..df63357f 100755
--- a/odk/odk.py
+++ b/odk/odk.py
@@ -1007,6 +1007,11 @@ def seed(config, clean, outdir, templatedir, dependencies, title, user, source,
         project.id = repo
     if outdir is None:
         outdir = "target/{}".format(project.id)
+    if not skipgit:
+        if not "GIT_AUTHOR_NAME" in os.environ and not gitname:
+            raise click.ClickException("missing Git username; set GIT_AUTHOR_NAME or use --gitname")
+        if not "GIT_AUTHOR_EMAIL" in os.environ and not gitemail:
+            raise click.ClickException("missing Git email; set GIT_AUTHOR_EMAIL or use --gitemail")
     if clean:
         if os.path.exists(outdir):
             shutil.rmtree(outdir)