Freda E. Asem
Dr. Freda Elikplim Asem is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana. She holds a PhD in Development Studies from University of Ghana, an MSc. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, and a BSc. in Agricultural Economics from University of Ghana, Legon. Freda is also the Regional Coordinator for the West Africa Hub for the UC Davis Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture.
Dr. Asem is an agricultural economist by training and a researcher with over 20 years of experience in the agricultural sector. She is passionate about agricultural development in Ghana and Africa at large; particularly in relation to smallholder farmers. Her research focuses on agricultural marketing, agribusiness, agrifood systems and agricultural value chain analyses and their implications for improving the livelihoods of all value chain actors; most importantly smallholder farmers. Her overall goal is to contribute significantly to improving African food systems to enable smallholders farmers benefit greatly from their business. She is a determined person who is open to learning new things at all times to improve upon herself and impact others. She loves to mentor her students, especially the women. She also has a vast experience in project and fund management from managing projects by USAID, BMGF, IFPRI, GIZ and Australia Awards.
Dr. Asem is a mentor on the FSNet Africa Fellowship Program and an AWARD (African Women in Agricultural Research and Development) Fellow and Mentor. She is also an alumna of the Australia Awards Africa Shortcourse in Agribusiness. She is an advisory board member of the Project Advisory Group (PAG) of HealthyFoodAfrica (a Horizon2020 Project).
Dr. Asem's hobbies include traveling, cooking, gardening and dressmaking.