About
John McDonagh is an Associate Professor in Global Development and the Environment at the School of Global Development, University of East Anglia. His academic journey began with a BSc in Botany (University of Bristol, 1987), followed by an MSc in Tropical Soil Fertility Management (Imperial College, 1988) and a PhD in Tropical Agronomy (University of London, 1993). He joined UEA in 1997 and is a member of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
His research focuses on tropical soil management, sustainable farming systems, and land degradation assessment across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Notable projects include GEF-funded ecosystem carbon assessment tools and DFID-supported biochar studies in Ghana and China. He has also contributed to FAO’s LADA project on dryland degradation.
McDonagh has extensive field experience in Thailand, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Namibia, blending scientific research with community-based approaches. His interdisciplinary work addresses the nexus of agriculture, environment, and livelihoods, aligning with UN SDGs related to climate action and zero hunger.
