James Kinsella

Professor James Kinsella is a faculty member at the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD), holding the academic rank of Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development. He joined UCD in 1995 after completing his PhD there on farm household decision-making. His roles include Subject Head and Head of Section for Agribusiness and Rural Development, with a sabbatical at Irish Aid in Zambia (2001-2003). His research focuses on rural livelihoods, agricultural extension effectiveness, climate change adaptation, and social farming. He supervises PhD/MSc students in knowledge transfer and on-farm innovation.

Education: PhD (UCD), MAgrSc (UCD), BAgrSc (UCD).

Research interests span sustainable agriculture, rural poverty reduction, and institutional roles in rural development. His work emphasizes policy impact analysis and social capital measurement. Recent grants include a 2023 Australian Research Council project on next-generation farming careers.

Teaching: Coordinates modules like Sustainable Agriculture, Food Poverty and Policy, and Rural Development Strategies. Over 25 courses taught since 2015.

Professional activities include board memberships (e.g., Misean Cara, Kimmage Development Studies Centre) and consulting for Irish Aid, OECD, and EU initiatives. He is actively involved in policy evaluations and international development projects.

Lives on a drystock farm in south Kilkenny, contributing to local community through sports coaching and NGOs.