Dr. Nwakaego Gloria Ashiegbu
About me
Ashiegbu Gloria Nwakaego, lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State, Nigeria, I am passionate about participatory research in agriculture and rural development. I have been involved in enterprise development where I uses my experience to explain climate change intervention using natural methods. I have defended my PhD research at Universiti Putra Malaysia with specialty in Agricultural Extension. A member of Open seeds Science mentoring and Training program where I demonstrated an understanding of working open on Effects of open data on agricultural development Currently ASAPbio fellow 2024. I have a basic knowledge of Data science.
Dr. Ashiegbu Gloria Nwakaego is a distinguished scholar, researcher, and development-oriented academic in the field of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development. She is widely recognized for her contributions to climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry systems, and the integration of digital innovations into agricultural extension services in Nigeria.
Dr. Ashiegbu holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension from Universiti Putra Malaysia, where her doctoral research focused on agroforestry practices and climate variability adaptation among farmers in Southeastern Nigeria. Her work provides critical insights into how smallholder farmers can build resilience through sustainable land-use systems, blending indigenous knowledge with modern agricultural practices. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension Communication from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria, where she examined rural women’s participation in maternal and child health initiatives. Her academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Agricultural Economics, Management, and Extension from Ebonyi State University.
With over a decade of teaching and research experience, Dr. Ashiegbu currently serves as a Lecturer I at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria. Over the years, she has progressed through academic ranks, demonstrating excellence in teaching, student mentorship, and community engagement. She has supervised numerous undergraduate research projects and contributed to curriculum development in agricultural extension and community development.
Her research interests span climate change adaptation, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, gender inclusion in agrifood systems, and the application of artificial intelligence and data science in agricultural development. She has been actively involved in several research and development projects aimed at improving rural livelihoods, promoting renewable energy solutions, and strengthening research capacity in the Global South. Notably, she has contributed to initiatives focused on community-led renewable energy for rural electrification and the use of digital tools for sustainable agricultural practices.
Beyond academia, Dr. Ashiegbu is deeply committed to community development and capacity building. She regularly organizes training programs for farmers, youth, and women on sustainable farming practices, climate resilience strategies, and the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. Her work emphasizes participatory approaches, ensuring that local communities are actively involved in decision-making and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Ashiegbu is also an emerging voice in global conversations on climate change and agricultural transformation, with a growing interest in storytelling and advocacy for marginalized groups, particularly women and youth in rural areas. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges research, policy, and practice, making her a valuable contributor to sustainable development efforts.
Driven by a passion for innovation and impact, Dr. Ashiegbu Gloria Nwakaego continues to advance knowledge and practice in agricultural extension, with a vision to transform rural livelihoods and promote resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems in Nigeria and beyond.