Lila B. Karki

Dr. Lila B. Karki serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. He holds a joint appointment with UMES Extension, bridging academic research with practical extension services. With a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Justus-Liebig-University in Germany and extensive professional experience including government service in Nepal, Dr. Karki brings a unique international perspective to his work with Maryland's agricultural community.

His research focuses on critical areas of agricultural economics including:

• Program Planning & Evaluation for agricultural extension services
• Impact Evaluation of agricultural interventions
• Urban agriculture and small-scale farming economics
• Climate-smart agricultural practices and risk mitigation
• Economic analysis of minority farmer operations

Dr. Karki's work is characterized by its practical application to real-world challenges faced by small-scale and minority farmers, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings.

Dr. Karki's publication record demonstrates significant scholarly productivity, with numerous recent articles focusing on urban gardening, small-scale farming economics, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. His work frequently addresses the specific needs and challenges of ethnic minority producers, reflecting his commitment to inclusive agricultural development.

His scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award: Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and multiple professional society honors. Dr. Karki serves as an editor for three peer-reviewed journals and reviews for several others, contributing significantly to the scholarly community.

As an educator, Dr. Karki teaches courses including Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, Financial Literacy, and Advanced Agricultural Marketing. He has developed new graduate courses in Master's Thesis Research and Introduction to Agricultural Economics, demonstrating his commitment to curriculum development and student mentorship.