Mary Ngaiwi

Mary Ngaiwi is a socio-environmental economist specializing in the adoption of sustainable agriculture and the impact assessment of agroecological approaches on climate resilience and food security. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Curriculum Studies and Teaching Biology, a Master of Science degree in Botany with a focus on soil carbon stocks, and a PhD in Agricultural Economics. Her doctoral research involved modeling farm-household livelihoods to estimate the adoption impacts of selected policy instruments on agriculture and climate change, offering valuable insights into the intersection of policy design, agricultural practices, and climate resilience in rural communities.

Mary's research focuses on understanding the economic incentives and constraints influencing smallholder farmers' decisions to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Her interdisciplinary expertise combines education, plant biology, and agricultural economics, enabling her to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. She is particularly interested in calculating carbon footprints within food systems and examining the role of carbon markets in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to her work in agriculture and environmental economics, Mary has developed a keen interest in public policy, particularly in aligning economic development strategies with sustainable peacebuilding initiatives. Her work reflects a commitment to integrating socio-environmental considerations into sustainable development, emphasizing the synergies between economic growth, climate resilience, and lasting peace.