Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute for Tropical Agricultural Sciences (490)
With 10 Professors focusing on tropical agricultural research and education, and additionally with more than 100 scientists working in associated fields the institute represents the most comprehensive capacity in tropical agricultural fields among the German universities and research institutions.
A unique feature is the fact that all essential fields of tropical agricultural sciences, i.e. agroecology, crop and animal sciences, agricultural economics and social sciences as well as agricultural engineering , are united in one place at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics of the University of Hohenheim.
The research groups at the Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute have profound empirical and theoretical knowledge of the whole spectra of tropical agricultural systems. Such a large coherent expertise is not often found around the world. The research community at the university of Hohenheim puts particular emphasis on the development of innovative research and analytical approaches.
For further activities in research and education related to the Tropics please refer to the homepage of the Hohenheim Tropics network.
Rural Development Theory and Policy (490a)
Prof. Dr. Manfred Zeller
Rural development economics and policy I Food security I Poverty reduction and gender I Rural finance systems I Micro-finance institutions I Cooperatives I Agricultural research and technology adoption
International Agricultural Trade and Food Security (490b)
Dr. Kirsten Boysen-Urban (interim), Prof. Dr. Martina Brockmeier
Policy analysis based on general equilibrium modeling, particularly the GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project) model, focusing on developing countries, International food and agricultural trade policy, International and regional trade agreements, Food security and bioenerg.
Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development (490c)
Prof. Dr. Regina Birner
Policy processes and governance in agriculture and natural resource management I Reform of the agricultural sector I Decentralization I Participatory development I Rural/agrarian movements I Agriculture in conflict-affected regions I Global organizations in food and agriculture
Land Use Economics (490d)
Prof. Dr. Thomas Berger
Global changes (particularly climate change) and their impacts on food security at regional/local level I Rural land and water use planning I Policy analysis and technology assessment I Bioenergy I Multi-agent systems
Plant Production in the Tropics and Subtropics (490e)
Prof. Dr. Georg Cadisch
Tropical plant production systems and soil microbiology I Carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling and their potential to mitigate climate change I Modeling of land use change and its environmental effects I Agroforestry and symbiotic N2 fixation
Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems (490f)
Prof. Dr. Ingo Grass
We do research on biodiversity, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services of tropical and temperate farming systems and agricultural landscapes. Our aim is the development of novel farming practices that promote agricultural productivity, while sustaining biodiversity, functioning and services of ecosystems.
Management of Crop Water Stress in the Tropics and Subtropics (490g)
Prof. Dr. Folkard Asch
Interactions between crops and their environment with special focus on water relations I Plants as interface between soil and atmosphere I Effects of vapor pressure deficit on plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature and iron toxicity
Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics (490h)
Prof. Dr. Mizeck Chagunda
Productive adaptation potential and special traits of local breeds I Bio-economic efficiency and resilience of animal husbandry systems I Development of breeding programs for marginal regions I Livestock's adaptability in view of climate change and water scarcity I Meat quality of local breeds
Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics and Subtropics
Prof. Dr. Joachim Müller
Efficient water and energy use such as water-saving irrigation strategies I Use of renewable energies and (solar) drying I Decentralized energy supply and sustainable bio-energy systems I Quality monitoring in fruit production and processing
Institute Flyer (download)
