Stephanie Leder

Stephanie Leder is an Associate Professor and Researcher at the Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala. She leads two major research projects funded by FORMAS: 'Revitalizing community-managed irrigation systems in contexts of out-migration in Nepal' (2019-2027) and 'The Future of Agrarian Mountain Livelihoods: Youth Aspirations and Irrigation Modernisation in Nepal' (2024-2028). She collaborates internationally with institutions like the University of Sussex, University of British Columbia, and UNU-EHS.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Cologne, State Examinations in Geography, English, Biology, and Educational Sciences, and specialized certificates in bilingual education and ESL teaching.

Research Focus: Leder investigates marginalization in natural resource governance through feminist political ecology lenses. Her work emphasizes:

• Water governance adaptations to male out-migration and women's roles in sustaining irrigation systems
• Intersectional analyses of gender, caste, and class in agrarian transformations
• Participatory methods for gender-inclusive development programs
• Youth engagement in sustainable mountain livelihoods

Her publications consistently explore themes of gender equity in water management, translocal resource governance, and critical pedagogy. Recent work (2021-2024) demonstrates deepened focus on migration's impact on agrarian systems, COVID-19 research methodologies, and youth inclusion policies.

Advising & Grants: Currently supervising five PhD students researching water governance, youth aspirations, and food systems in Nepal, Tanzania, India, and Rwanda. Secured significant funding including:

• FORMAS Mobility Grant (4.5M SEK)
• FORMAS Early Career Grant (4M SEK)
• SIDA-funded Tanzania Capacity Building Program

Leads transdisciplinary collaborations through the CGIAR Water, Land and Ecosystems program and coordinates SLU's Research School 'People, Society and Sustainability'.