Brigitte Kaufmann

Brigitte Kaufmann is an Adjunct Professor (Apl. Professor) at the University of Hohenheim, affiliated with the Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute for Tropical Agricultural Sciences and the German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL GmbH Witzenhausen). Her research focuses on the social ecology of tropical/subtropical land-use systems, emphasizing sustainable development, agroecology, and transdisciplinary approaches. She holds a prominent role in linking academic research with practical community engagement through participatory methods.

Her work addresses complex challenges in pastoral and agricultural systems across Africa and Latin America, with particular attention to gender dynamics, value chain analysis, and climate resilience. Key areas include post-harvest loss mitigation, market integration for smallholders, and enhancing community-based resource management. Dr. Kaufmann collaborates extensively with international partners, contributing to policy-relevant research on food security and sustainable livelihoods.

Recent publications highlight innovative methodologies such as participatory video and community cinema to empower rural actors, alongside critical analyses of trust and conflict in agricultural value chains. She also investigates the impacts of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic on local food systems. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges natural and social sciences, emphasizing co-creation of knowledge with farmers and pastoralist communities.