Interests

Applied Microeconomics; Development Economics; Environmental Economics; Rural Agricultural Economics (Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dave Kraybill)

Biographical Info

Francis’s research interests focus on climate change and livelihoods of households in agrarian societies in Africa. In his dissertation research, he is analyzing both portfolios of agricultural activities and farm management practices that will enhance the resilience of Mt. Kilimanjaro farmers in the presence of climate change. He is also devising a rainfall-based index insurance scheme for Mt. Kilimanjaro farmers that smoothes household income and consumption over time despite variations in weather. Francis is fluent in French and Lingala and has an intermediate understanding of Swahili. He joined the Doctoral program in fall 2006. Nationality: USA