Ruth Haug

Ruth Haug is a Professor of International Development Studies at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), affiliated with the Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric) within the Faculty of Landscape and Social Sciences (LANDSAM). She has held significant leadership roles, including Deputy Vice Chancellor (2008–2013) and Head of Department (2005–2008), and has been a central figure in shaping development research and policy in Norway and internationally.

Her research expertise spans food systems, food security, climate change, agricultural extension, gender issues, forced migration, and humanitarian action. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Africa and Asia and has collaborated with major institutions such as NORAD, the World Bank, FAO, and CGIAR. Ruth Haug has also served on international boards, including the IFPRI Board of Trustees and the ICARDA Board, and represented Norway in CGIAR and CFS meetings.

The recent publication record reveals a strong focus on seed systems, equitable food systems, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her work often examines policy implementation, gender dynamics, and the socio-political dimensions of food and agricultural systems. She has contributed to both academic and policy-oriented outputs, including Norad-funded reports and international policy dialogues.

Scientific and Policy Engagement:

• Member, Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) Board
• Former member, IFPRI Board of Trustees
• Representative of Norway in CGIAR, CFS, and FAO meetings
• Former member, Svalbard Seed Vault Council

Research and Teaching:

• Supervision of numerous M.Sc. and PhD students in development studies
• Course leadership in Global Food Systems and Food Security
• Extensive involvement in PhD programs and academic committees
• Active participation in national and international research projects (e.g., ACCESS, FoodMa)

Labs and Research Groups:

• Core member of Noragric’s research environment on sustainable food systems and development
• Involved in NMBU’s Sustainable Food Systems Arena
• Contributor to interdisciplinary research on climate, agriculture, and equity