Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Maeda

Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Maeda is a highly accomplished agricultural researcher, development expert and advisor with over three decades of experience in agricultural research and development across Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education and Public Policy and a Master’s in Crop Science from the University of Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, as well as an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from the University of Aberystwyth, Wales, UK, and a B.Sc. in Zoology and Botany with Education from the University of Dar es Salaam.

Currently she is serving as the Agriculture Specialist at URU Research and Development Group. Dr. Maeda plays a pivotal role in planning, conducting and evaluating training programs aimed at advancing agricultural practices and empowering resource-poor farmers. Her work is centered on enhancing productivity, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering resilience in agricultural systems.

Dr. Maeda’s career includes a distinguished tenure with USAID, where she expanded partnerships with national, regional, and international institutions, advocated for policy support to enhance agricultural research and development, and provided technical backstopping for capacity-building initiatives. She has also served as a Research Scientist and Plant Breeder at Tanzania’s National Agricultural Research Institute, where she led resource mobilization efforts, supervised agricultural activities across seven regions, and conducted impactful research on cereals and legumes.

An expert in project management and strategic planning, Dr. Maeda has successfully led and managed multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale projects funded by prominent organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, ACIAR, World Bank, and AGRA. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, resource mobilization skills, and sensitivity to social, cultural, and institutional dynamics.

Dr. Maeda is a prolific author, with numerous publications addressing agricultural development, participatory monitoring and evaluation, soil and water management, and barriers faced by small-scale farmers, particularly women. Her research has been presented at prestigious international conferences, showcasing her ability to translate scientific findings into practical solutions that benefit farmers and communities.

Driven by a passion for agricultural development, Dr. Maeda specializes in initiatives that blend productivity, commercialization, nutrition, biodiversity protection, and environmental sustainability. Her dedication to fostering partnerships, advocating for farmer-centered research, and leading capacity-strengthening efforts underscores her commitment to building resilient agricultural systems.

Dr. Maeda is a trailblazer in agricultural research and development, bringing unparalleled expertise, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small-scale farmers in Tanzania and beyond.