Andrew Ainslie

Andrew Ainslie is a Professor in the Department of International Development within the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading. With extensive research experience across Africa, his work focuses on the intersection of environmental governance, rural livelihoods, and socio-political dynamics in the context of climate change and land use transformations.

Professor Ainslie's research interests span climate change adaptation strategies, land governance systems, traditional knowledge integration in development planning, and food security challenges in African contexts. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding how local communities navigate environmental uncertainties and policy interventions, particularly examining the role of cultural practices, traditional authorities, and livestock systems in shaping resilience pathways.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research that bridges environmental science with social anthropology and political ecology. His work increasingly addresses climate vulnerability in East Africa while maintaining deep engagement with Southern African contexts, particularly South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. A notable methodological signature is his use of participatory approaches and scenario planning to connect scientific knowledge with local decision-making processes.

Professor Ainslie has contributed significantly to understanding the complex relationships between traditional authorities and modern governance systems in post-colonial Africa, with particular attention to how customary institutions interact with formal land governance structures. His research on livestock systems has illuminated the cultural and economic significance of animal husbandry beyond mere production metrics.

• Principal investigator on the HyCRISTAL project examining climate futures for rural East Africa
• Extensive collaboration with African research institutions across multiple countries
• Regular contributor to major climate adaptation initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa