Christine Altenbuchner

Dr. Christine Altenbuchner is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Economic Development, Department for Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU). Her work bridges agricultural economics with socio-ecological systems, focusing on climate change adaptation in mountainous regions and gender dynamics in sustainable farming. With a PhD in Social and Economic Sciences (2017) and professional experience at institutions like Columbia University's Earth Institute, she combines academic rigor with practical fieldwork.

• PhD from BOKU (2017)
• BEd in Agricultural Pedagogy (2012)
• MSc in Environment & Bio-Resource Management (2009)

Her research explores climate resilience in agricultural communities, certified organic cotton initiatives, and sustainability assessment frameworks across global contexts including Uganda, Tanzania, India, and Peru. Her 15 most recent publications analyze:

• Climate adaptation strategies in Alpine communities
• Governance of protected geographical indications
• Women's empowerment through organic farming
• Systemic impacts of renewable energy policies
• Smallholder coffee production sustainability
• Community capital transformation via agricultural initiatives

Scientific recognition includes:

• AGRANA-Forschungsförderpreis (2017)
• Inge Dirmhirn Förderpreis (2017)
• Marietta-Blau-Stipendium (2015)

She supervises graduate theses on climate adaptation and agricultural sustainability while serving as project manager for EU-funded research on climate resilience in Austrian mountain communities. Her work frequently involves transdisciplinary collaborations with policymakers and practitioners.