Manfred Zeller

Prof. Dr. Manfred Zeller is a Professor in the Department of Rural Development Theory and Policy at the University of Hohenheim. He leads research focused on rural development, poverty assessment, and sustainable agricultural policies. His work bridges ecological, economic, and social dimensions of land use in marginalized regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Key research themes include microfinance, food security, and the impacts of climate change on smallholder farming.

Prof. Zeller’s academic contributions span over 150 peer-reviewed articles and edited volumes, emphasizing empirical analyses of policy interventions and their socio-economic outcomes. He has collaborated on projects funded by the German Climate Research Programme (DEKLIM) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). His research often involves participatory methods and interdisciplinary approaches to address development challenges.

Recent studies examine the adoption of biofortified crops, the effects of agricultural subsidies, and gender dynamics in decision-making. He advises doctoral students and oversees teams investigating topics like payments for ecosystem services and the food-energy-water nexus in Malawi. Prof. Zeller’s work is characterized by a strong policy orientation, aiming to enhance resilience among rural populations through evidence-based strategies.