Ed Mabaya

Ed Mabaya is a Research Professor in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University and Director of the Humphrey Fellowship Program. He holds a joint appointment as Professor Extraordinary at Stellenbosch University's Department of Agricultural Economics. His work focuses on economic development in Africa, agribusiness value chains, and food security. Mabaya earned his PhD (2003) and MS (1998) from Cornell University's Department of Applied Economics and Management, and a BS (1994) from the University of Zimbabwe.

Education:

• PhD, Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University (2003)
• MS, Agricultural, Resource and Managerial Economics, Cornell University (1998)
• BS, Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe (1994)

Research Interests: Mabaya's research emphasizes food systems transformation in Africa, digital agriculture, seed systems, and enabling environments for agribusiness. He has published widely on seed access, agri-food system innovations, and policy reforms. His work bridges academic research with practical development interventions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Grants & Awards:

• Simon Brand Memorial Address (2021)
• African Association of Agricultural Economists President’s Award (2019)
• 42 African Innovators to Watch (Ventures Africa, 2016)
• Coca Cola Africa Diaspora Network Recognition (2013)
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow (2007)

Labs/Teams: Mabaya leads initiatives such as the African Seed Access Index (TASAI) and collaborates with global organizations like the African Development Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He chairs the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture (CIDA) and serves on the Cornell Institute for African Development advisory board.