Mr. Chamuka Thebulo | Agriculture Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Chamuka Thebulo, ICRAF, Malawi

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo is an agricultural economist with over five years of experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Business Management at the University of Malawi, he previously earned an M.Sc. in Agricultural & Applied Economics from Lilongwe University and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Malawi. Chamuka’s research interests focus on food security, gender issues, climate change, and microeconomics. He has held various positions, including Research Associate at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF)-Malawi and Research Manager at the International Crops Research Institute for Sem-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)-Zimbabwe, where he has contributed to numerous publications and project reports. Chamuka is also proficient in data management and analysis, and he has demonstrated leadership in research coordination and capacity building for project teams.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability Summary for the Best Researcher Award: Chamuka Dickson Thebulo

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo’s extensive background as an agricultural economist, combined with his over five years of hands-on experience in research and project management, positions him as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His educational qualifications, including a PhD in Business Management in progress and a Master’s in Agricultural & Applied Economics, underpin his robust analytical skills and theoretical knowledge.

🎓Education:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Management at the University of Malawi, expected to be completed between 2024 and 2027. He holds a Master of Science in Agricultural & Applied Economics, which he earned from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 2017. Additionally, Chamuka completed his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics at the University of Malawi’s Bunda College of Agriculture in 2014.

🏢Work Experience:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo has held several key positions in the field of agricultural research and project management. Currently, as a Research Associate and Socio-Economist at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Malawi since January 2023, he supports the development of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for the RESAf project, contributes to data collection tools, and leads field data collection for impact assessments. From January 2018 to November 2022, he served as a Research Manager at the International Crops Research Institute for Sem-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Zimbabwe, where he coordinated multiple research activities, managed data collection and analysis using STATA and SPSS, and built capacity in project management while conducting market situation analyses for legumes. Prior to that, he worked as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Zimbabwe from July 2016 to December 2017, where he developed monitoring and evaluation tools and conducted market situation analyses for inclusive red meat value chains. Chamuka also gained experience as a Field Research Manager at the Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD) at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) from July 2014 to October 2015, leading crop and livestock value chain analyses and managing data collection and reporting

🏅Achievements:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo has authored and contributed to various research articles and reports, focusing on food security, agricultural practices, and market analysis. His notable contributions have significantly influenced research and policy recommendations, positively impacting agricultural practices and promoting gender equity in Malawi. Through his work, Chamuka has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge and improving the livelihoods of communities through informed agricultural strategies.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Factors influencing adoption and use of Tephrosia vogelii in Malawi: Role of by-laws and other drivers

Title: Effectiveness of Bylaws in Promoting Adoption and Extent of Adoption for Tephrosia Vogelii in Malawi

Mr. Rodrigo Alvarez | Sustainable Development | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Rodrigo Alvarez, Pontificia. Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile

Rodrigo Álvarez Véliz is a geographer specializing in sustainable development and urban geography. He holds a professional degree in Geography from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (2021) and is pursuing a master’s degree at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (2023-2024). His research includes qualitative analysis on political geography, sustainable urban development, and alternative space production. Rodrigo has served as a research assistant in various projects and is currently coordinating the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Chile). He has presented at numerous conferences and published works on sustainable development in Latin America. 🌍📚💡

Publication profile

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Education 🎓🌍

Rodrigo Álvarez Véliz is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Geography (2023-2024) at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. He holds a professional degree in Geography from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (2021), graduating with two votes of distinction. He also earned a Bachelor’s in Geography (2015-2020) from the same institution, where he completed his thesis on the historical geography of sustainable development in Latin America and Chile (1968-2010). In 2018, Rodrigo participated in an academic exchange program at the University of São Paulo. 📚✨

Professional Experience 🌍📊

Rodrigo Álvarez Véliz has extensive research experience, currently serving as Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Chile) since April 2023, organizing outreach activities and writing documents. He also works as a Research Assistant for the Salmansvar Project at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Previously, Rodrigo contributed to FONDECYT Project N°1191239 (2020-2022), focusing on the political geography of sustainable development. He completed a professional internship at CEDEUS, where he co-authored public policy documents on sustainable urban development in Latin America. ✍️🌱

Publication Top Notes

The historical geography of an idea: Sustainable development in Latin America, 1972–2022 🌍 – Journal of Historical Geography (2024) DOI: 10.1016/j.jhg.2024.07.007
El desarrollo urbano sustentable en América Latina 1986-2016: Lecciones para la década 2020-2030 🏙️ – Centro para el Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS) (2021) DOI: 10.7764/cedeus.dpp.23
Aprendizajes del Programa 21 para el desarrollo urbano sustentable en Chile, 2020-2030 🇨🇱 – Centro para el Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS) (2021) DOI: 10.7764/cedeus.dpp.21