Alfred Afeku

Project Title: Modelling the economic and environmental sustainability of alternative low input and organic beef production systems

Overview: Alfred is a PhD Walsh Scholar at the University of Galway and a Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme researcher. He has a specialization in Environmental Economics (MSc) and a background in Conservation Forestry and Production Technology (BSc). His research interests are climate change economics, disaster economics, and environmental economics modelling with an emphasis on agricultural sustainability modelling.

A project Alfred is working on is modelling the economic and environmental sustainability of alternative low input and organic beef production systems in Ireland. In addition to tackling climate change, his research is highly relevant to modelling sustainable food production systems. Alfred has extensive experience in environmental economics and agroforestry. As part of his research, he is gaining expertise in the modelling of the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural production systems. At present, he is particularly interested in bioeconomic models of agricultural systems. 

Originally from Uganda, Alfred worked on tropical forest ecology at Budongo Conservation Field Station Uganda, and agroforestry at the National Agricultural Research Organization of Uganda, and more recently, with UNFCCC secretariat in partnership with NUIG, on limits to ecosystem-based adaptation to flood risks in small island developing countries.

Aside from studying, Alfred enjoys following nature-based publications and political discussion on social media regarding environmental sustainability. As well as keeping up with environmental and climate change updates, Alfred stays abreast of international market trends and politics. He keeps fit by walking and meets new people.

Programme Area: Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys

Supervisors: Dr Kevin Kilcline, Dr. Paul Crosson, Prof. Cathal O'Donoghue, and Prof. Stephen Hynes

Location: Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway 

Funding Source: Teagasc