Dr. Fatima Lambarraa-Lehnhardt - agricultural economy - Women Researcher Award

Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung -Germany

Author Profile

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Fatima Lehnhardt began her academic journey in agricultural economics at the national school of agriculture in morocco, earning her diplôme d'ingénieur d'état in 2000. she then pursued advanced studies in spain, obtaining a master’s degree in agro-food marketing and a d.e.a/master of advanced studies in applied economics from the university of barcelona. her academic foundation was further solidified by her phd in applied and agricultural economics at the polytechnic university of catalonia (upc), where her dissertation on spanish agriculture reforms was awarded summa cum laude. in 2016, she attained her habilitation degree in economic sciences and management from usmba, morocco, cementing her status as a leading scholar. her early research approach, often intersecting themes of efficiency, investment behavior, and public policy, was rooted in quantitative modeling and systems-based analysis — drawing occasional inspiration from structured systems approaches used in power electronics frameworks.

💼 Professional endeavors

Dr. Lehnhardt's professional trajectory spans over two decades, encompassing roles in morocco, spain, germany, and the usa. she has held academic and research positions such as lecturer at the polytechnic university of catalonia, postdoctoral researcher at creda-upc-irta and university of göttingen, and professor of agricultural economics at the national school of agriculture in morocco. since 2020, she has served as a postdoctoral researcher at zalf within the “agricultural landscape systems” division and currently collaborates as a guest researcher at the university of göttingen. she has also agricultural economy engaged in consultancy and expert evaluation with the european commission, showcasing her expertise in agricultural sustainability, development policy, and behavioral economics.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Lehnhardt’s scholarly contributions lie at the intersection of agricultural economics, resilience assessment, sustainability, and behavioral science. her work emphasizes participatory approaches to evaluating the resilience of farming systems, adoption of digital tools in african agriculture, and the transformation of agroecosystems under climate stress. her interdisciplinary lens integrates tools reminiscent of power electronics system optimization — employing dynamic modeling to study farmers’ responses, sustainability metrics, and productivity enhancement. notable projects include agricultural economy organizing sessions on sustainable crop protection, leading symposiums on food security in africa, and pioneering gender inclusion initiatives in agricultural research.

🌍 Impact and influence

Dr. Lehnhardt has made a significant mark on the international agricultural economics landscape. she is an associate editor of the agroforestry systems journal, a mentor in international mentoring programs for women in agricultural research, and a member of multiple professional bodies, including the international association of agricultural economists (iaae) and the european business @ biodiversity platform. she chaired high-level academic sessions and agricultural economy served on numerous organizing and scientific committees, including landscape2024, one of the leading conferences on agroecosystems. her multidisciplinary approach has been described as systems-driven, informed by frameworks akin to power electronics circuit analysis—highlighting her capacity to bridge agricultural and systems engineering thinking.

📚 Academic cites and editorial roles

Beyond her publications and conference contributions, dr. lehnhardt holds editorial responsibility as an associate editor and peer reviewer for leading journals. she is highly cited in research concerning technical efficiency, agricultural policy reform, and digital transformation in farming, particularly in african and mediterranean regions. her collaborations with global experts, including professors from the agricultural economy university of illinois and university of florida, have enriched her scholarly standing and visibility within applied economics. her editorial oversight and methodological rigor have reinforced scientific standards in agro-food systems modeling and analysis.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Lehnhardt’s legacy is defined by her commitment to sustainable transformation in agriculture, mentorship of early-career researchers, and promotion of inclusive research practices. through her work at zalf and international collaborations, she continues to drive research that not only informs policy but also empowers local farming communities. her future vision focuses on leading interdisciplinary working groups for participatory resilience assessments and advancing the integration of digital innovations into smallholder systems. with her strategic leadership, she aims to nurture global networks that merge economic theory with grassroots action—laying the foundation for a resilient, tech-enabled agricultural future.

Notable Publications

Title: Resilience and technical efficiency trade-offs: implications to the sustainability of farming systems in Algeria and Spain
Author(s): Fatima Lambarraa-Lehnhardt, Martijn Walls, Mourad Latati, Amina Raggas, Rico Ihle
Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
Title: Farmers’ Perceptions of the Efficacy of Current Climate Risk Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies on Agriculture in The Gambia
Author(s): Sheriff Ceesay, Fatima Lambarraa-Lehnhardt, Mohamed Ben Omar Ndiaye, Diatou Thiaw, Mamma Sawaneh, Johannes Schuler
Journal: Land
Title: Climate risk perception and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers in The Gambia
Author(s): Fatima Lambarraa-Lehnhardt, Sheriff Ceesay, Mohamed Ben Omar Ndiaye, Diatou Thiaw, Mamma Sawaneh
Journal: Discover Sustainability

📚 Early academic pursuits

Mueen abbas embarked on his journey in food science with a bachelor's degree in food science and technology from the national institute of food science and technology, university of agriculture, faisalabad. his academic excellence was evident with an impressive cgpa of 3.94/4.0, reflecting his dedication and passion for the subject. furthering his education, he pursued a master's degree in food technology at the same institution, achieving a cgpa of 3.80/4.0, solidifying his foundation in the science of food technology and setting the stage for his professional career.

💼 Professional endeavors

Mueen's professional journey is marked by his hands-on experiences across various roles in the food industry. currently, he is a cold storage supervisor intern at pepsico international frito-lays, pakistan, where he manages potato exports to saudi arabia, ensuring optimal storage conditions and compliance with international standards. previously, he worked as a quality assurance and production officer at doce foods and interned at the halal research council, where he gained expertise in halal food standards, quality management, and process optimization, showcasing his versatility in the food technology field.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Mueen’s research contributions are focused on enhancing food quality and sustainability. his expertise in formulating and characterizing nutrient-rich food products, such as fruit beverages and fortified baked goods, reflects his commitment to innovation. his research also explores sustainable practices, including the utilization of Food Sciences cereal-based husks for wastewater treatment and biodegradable packaging, aligning with global sustainability goals. mueen's work has contributed to addressing key challenges in food safety, quality assurance, and sustainability, making a significant impact in the field.

🏅 Accolades and recognition

Mueen’s dedication to food science has been recognized through his academic achievements and his impactful contributions to the industry. his research publications in esteemed journals, including trends in food science & technology and critical reviews in food science and nutrition, highlight his scholarly impact. his ability to translate academic knowledge into practical industry applications, Food Sciences particularly in quality management and halal food standards, has earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles.

🌍 Impact and influence

Mueen's influence extends beyond academia into the practical realm of food technology. through his work at pepsico and doce foods, he has contributed to improving food safety standards, optimizing production processes, and ensuring compliance with international export regulations. his role in the halal research Food Sciences council also reflects his dedication to upholding food quality and standards in line with cultural and religious requirements. mueen’s work directly impacts the food industry, driving innovation and ensuring consumer safety.

🔗 Legacy and future contributions

Mueen is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the food science and technology field. his research on sustainable practices, such as the use of bitter gourd seeds for nutrition and the application of pistachio waste in industrial processes, reflects his forward-thinking approach. with his strong academic foundation, diverse professional experiences, and commitment to sustainability, mueen is well-positioned to continue driving advancements in food technology, contributing to global food security and sustainability.

Notable Publications

Title: Harnessing the potential of bitter gourd seeds for food and nutrition - A comprehensive review
Authors: Abbas, M., Shabbir, M.A., Haq, S.M.A.U., Mousavi Khaneghah, A., Aadil, R.M.
Journal: Applied Food Research, 2024, 4(2), 100508

Title: An appealing review of industrial and nutraceutical applications of pistachio waste
Authors: Hassan, S.A., Abbas, M., Zia, S., Gattin, R., Aadil, R.M.
Journal: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2024, 64(10), pp. 3103–3121

Title: Utilization of cereal-based husks to achieve sustainable development goals: Treatment of wastewater, biofuels, and biodegradable packaging
Authors: Hassan, S.A., Abbas, M., Mujahid, W., Bhat, Z.F., Aadil, R.M.
Journal: Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2023, 140, 104166