Abel Chikanda

Dr. Abel Chikanda is an Associate Professor in the School of Earth, Environment & Society at McMaster University. He holds a PhD in Geography from Western University and previously served as Assistant/Associate Professor at the University of Kansas. His research examines African immigrant integration, diaspora roles in development, and sustainable food systems in African cities. He is an active member of several international research networks including the Southern African Migration Programme and Hungry Cities Partnership.

Research interests center on migration dynamics, food security challenges, urban sustainability, and diaspora engagement in development contexts. His work employs geographical perspectives to analyze South-South migration patterns and urban resilience strategies.

Publications focus predominantly on migration patterns, refugee studies, and health geography, with regional specialization in Southern Africa. Recent articles examine pandemic impacts on informal cross-border trade and refugee entrepreneurship economies.

Dr. Chikanda teaches courses including 'Human Geographies of Africa', 'Cities of the Developing World', and 'Migration and Global Development'.