Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba. His work bridges environmental anthropology, political ecology, and wellbeing frameworks to address critical issues in small-scale fisheries and food systems.

• PhD (Rural Studies and Anthropology), University of Guelph, 2002
• MA (Sociology and International Development Studies), University of Guelph, 1994
• BA (Social Anthropology and International Relations), University of Toronto, 1990

Research Focus: Johnson's research examines the intersections of development, environmental governance, and social wellbeing. Key areas include:

• Small-scale fisheries: Analyzing governance challenges, legal pluralism, and community resilience in India, Canada, and Uruguay.
• Food systems: Leading the Dried Fish Matters project to explore gendered economies and nutritional impacts across South/Southeast Asia.
• Political ecology: Investigating power dynamics in fisheries management and coastal resource degradation in Asia.
• Wellbeing approaches: Applying transdisciplinary frameworks to understand livelihood transitions and sustainability challenges.

Scientific Awards:

• 2011 - Students Honouring Teachers Award (University of Manitoba)
• 2005 - Best South Asia PhD Dissertation Award

Outreach: Actively supporting dried fish sector development (2023–present) and contributing to Residential School Ground surveys in Manitoba (2021–present).