James Abbott

Dr. James Abbott is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Geology at Nipissing University. He holds a BSc (Honours) from Dalhousie University, an MSc from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and a PhD from Duke University. His work focuses on highly variable natural and human landscapes, rural livelihoods in Africa, small-scale fisheries, and non-state institutional actors.

Research interests include the role of Arctic Char fisheries in Nunavut's economic development, floodplain fisheries in Southern Africa, and the integration of local fish markets into global trade systems. His work often involves participatory approaches and institutional analysis, particularly in transboundary resource management contexts.

Recent publications analyze advocacy strategies for migratory bird NGOs (2023), Namibian fish market sustainability (2020), and the evolution of fish marketing channels in Southern Africa (2015). Earlier research explored fisheries governance in the Zambezi River basin and fieldwork access challenges in sensitive regions.

Dr. Abbott has conducted extensive fieldwork in Namibia, Zambia, Gabon, and Nunavut. His research emphasizes community-based participatory methods and the intersection of environmental policy with local livelihoods. He has collaborated on projects funded by NINA-NIKU and Duke University, focusing on resource equity and sustainable development in marginalized regions.