Admos Chimhowu

Dr. Admos Chimhowu is a Senior Lecturer at the Global Development Institute (GDI) at the University of Manchester, where he also serves as Deputy Director of the Doctoral College. With 24 years of experience in Development Studies, including 14 years at GDI, he has established himself as a leading scholar on African development issues, particularly focusing on land tenure, rural-urban dynamics, and national development planning in the Global South.

His educational background includes a BA (Hons), DipRUP, MScRUP from Z'bwe, and a PhD from Manchester. His academic journey began with practical experience at ENDA-Zimbabwe, a Non-Governmental Organization in Zimbabwe, which informed his subsequent research and teaching career.

Chimhowu's research primarily examines the relationship between 'place' and 'economy' in Africa, with special focus on how changing agrarian structures influence rural communities' relationship with natural resources, particularly land. His work investigates smallholder livelihood production systems and the global, national, and local forces shaping rural space economies. He has developed particular expertise in understanding rural commodity markets, especially land markets, and their impact on social relations and rural space economies. His recent research includes work on Post Crisis Reconstruction in Zimbabwe and Venture Philanthropy, and he currently leads an ESRC-GCRF funded Strategic Network on the re-emergence of National Development Planning in the global south.

His 29 research outputs demonstrate consistent focus on land tenure systems, rural development, and national planning frameworks, with significant impact as evidenced by policy citations and media coverage. His most cited works include 'The 'new' African customary land tenure' and 'The 'New' National Development Planning and Global Development Goals.'

• Principal Investigator on ESRC-GCRF funded Strategic Network: New National Planning for Sustainable Development in the Global South (2017-2018)
• Co-Investigator on CLUVA: Climate Change and Urban Vulnerability in Africa project (2010-2013)
• Collaborations with major development actors including DfID, BRAC International, Save the Children International, UNECA, and The British Council

Chimhowu has supervised 14 PhD students to completion and welcomes students interested in Agrarian Change and Social Transformation in Africa, National Development Planning in the Global South, Sustainable Development Goals, Development Management, and Poverty and Wellbeing in Africa. He has also served as Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors at Trinity Church of England High School Academy, demonstrating his commitment to education beyond academia.