Stephen Wooten

Stephen Wooten is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Global Studies program at the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, University of Oregon. He is also affiliated with African Studies, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Folklore Program, and Food Studies. His research focuses on food systems, political ecology, and agrarian change in West Africa, particularly Mali.

• B.A., Massachusetts-Amherst (1986)
• M.A., University of Illinois (1993)
• Ph.D., University of Illinois (1997)

Dr. Wooten's work explores the intersection of food studies, expressive culture, and gender relations in rural Mali. His ethnographic research since 1992 examines agrarian resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the sociocultural impacts of commercial horticulture. He has authored two influential books: The Art of Livelihood (2009) and Cooking Culture (2024), analyzing the creativity of Bamana farmers and women's culinary agency respectively.

His publications highlight themes such as political ecology, agrarian transitions, and gendered labor. Trends in his research span from colonial administration's impact on family structures to contemporary agroecological shifts in Mali and global contexts. Awards include three Fulbright grants and membership in the Provost's Teaching Academy.

• Three-time Fulbright awardee
• Provost's Teaching Academy Member

Dr. Wooten's international collaborative research on agroecological transitions underscores his commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. His office is located in 322 FR, Eugene OR, and appointments can be arranged via email.