Mr. Asamoah Zadok | Agribusiness |   SustainableAg Leadership Award

Mr. Asamoah Zadok | Agribusiness | SustainableAg Leadership Award

Research Assistant at Lincoln University of Missouri | United States

Asamoah Oppong Zadok is a dedicated Research Assistant and Extension Associate at Lincoln University of Missouri, USA, specializing in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness. His expertise bridges the gap between academia and industry, focusing on agricultural policy, local food systems, and livestock production. Asamoah actively contributes to research and extension activities that promote sustainable farming practices and market-driven solutions. His interdisciplinary background integrates research, auditing, and teaching, enabling him to address complex agricultural challenges. His contributions support both policy development and practical applications in agribusiness, making him a key player in advancing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar | ORCID

Education

Asamoah Oppong Zadok earned a Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture from Lincoln University, USA, following a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from the University of Cape Coast . His academic foundation reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development within agriculture, emphasizing both theoretical and practical approaches. He specialized in consumer demand analysis, local food systems, and sustainable livestock management. His education equipped him with critical analytical skills and a holistic understanding of agribusiness operations, preparing him for the challenges of research and industry applications. His strong academic background serves as the cornerstone for his professional achievements and innovative research work.

Professional Experience

Asamoah Oppong Zadok has developed a rich professional career, combining research and industry expertise. At Lincoln University, he serves as a Research Assistant supporting USDA-funded projects, focusing on consumer demand and small ruminant production. He is engaged in fieldwork, data collection, and policy analysis to support sustainability goals. His industry role includes serving as an Auditor for Control Union Certifications, where he ensured compliance with sustainable agricultural standards for companies such as Olam Atsource Plus and Rainforest Alliance. His combined experience in academic research and industry auditing enables him to offer comprehensive solutions bridging compliance, research, and practical implementation of sustainable agriculture practices.

Research Interest

Asamoah Oppong Zadok’s research interests center on consumer demand, food choice behavior, and the sustainability of local food systems. He is particularly focused on how state-sponsored marketing programs influence local agricultural markets, with the Missouri case study being a notable example. His work includes investigating the pre-weaning performance of Katahdin × East Friesian crossbred lambs and promoting organic oyster mushroom production through student-led projects. His research contributes to understanding the intersection of agricultural policy, market structures, and sustainability, aiming to optimize the viability and resilience of farming systems. Collaborative projects with international researchers further broaden his perspective on global agricultural challenges.

Award and Honor

Asamoah Oppong Zadok's research and professional efforts have garnered recognition for contributions to agricultural sustainability, policy development, and innovative farming practices. He actively participates in interdisciplinary collaborations and serves on editorial boards and academic committees, strengthening the global research community. His dedication to promoting sustainable agriculture has earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking and impactful researcher. These honors reflect not only his individual achievements but also his commitment to fostering resilient agricultural systems that benefit farmers, consumers, and policymakers alike.

Research Skill

Asamoah Oppong Zadok is proficient in a range of research methodologies and technical skills central to agricultural science. His expertise includes field experiments, data analysis, policy assessment, and consumer demand modeling. He is adept at conducting audits based on internationally recognized sustainability standards and applying quantitative methods to assess livestock performance and market interventions. His skills extend to research writing and publication, demonstrated by contributions to high-impact journals and conference presentations. Furthermore, he collaborates effectively with interdisciplinary teams, utilizing software tools and statistical techniques to generate actionable insights for sustainable agricultural development and policy improvements. His skill set ensures robust and impactful research outputs.

Publications

Asamoah Oppong Zadok has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed journals including the International Journal of Science and Research Archive, World Journal of Agricultural Research, and the Journal of the Indonesian Tropical Animal Agriculture. His work explores consumer behavior in food choice, the effectiveness of local food marketing channels, and livestock production sustainability. He collaborates internationally, co-authoring papers with researchers from Ghana, Algeria, and Mexico. His publications serve as a significant contribution to the academic field, helping bridge research, policy, and industry practice. His efforts not only support sustainable agricultural development but also influence policymaking by providing empirical evidence on market dynamics and agricultural sustainability.

Title: Student-led agribusiness innovation: Organic oyster mushroom production and marketing in Cape Coast, Ghana
Year: 2025

Title: Purchasing Behavior of Fruits and Vegetables among International Students at University of Tlemcen, Algeria: Preferences, Income Effects, and Budget Constraints
Year: 2025

Title: Pre-weaning performance and growth curve in F1 Katahdin x East Friesian crossbred lambs
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Asamoah Oppong Zadok represents a new generation of agricultural scientists dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and practical application. His comprehensive experience in research, industry auditing, and policy analysis uniquely positions him to impact agricultural development positively. By collaborating with global experts and contributing to scientific literature, he has expanded the knowledge base on local food systems and livestock sustainability. His work exemplifies the integration of research into real-world solutions, helping to build resilient agricultural systems that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. His continued dedication ensures the advancement of sustainable agriculture practices for future generations.

Simion Matsvai | Agribusiness | Best Researcher Award

Dr Simion Matsvai |  Agribusiness |  Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Simion Matsvai is a distinguished academic with over 10 years of experience in teaching, research, and community engagement. His areas of expertise include Applied Economics, with a focus on Financial Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental & Natural Resources Economics, Development Economics, and Health Economics. Matsvai has contributed to various national and international research projects, showcasing adaptability and a commitment to excellence. Skilled in analytical tools such as Excel, R, E-Views, STATA, and SPSS, he is dedicated to advancing research and consultancy within his field.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • PhD in Agricultural Economics (University of Fort Hare, 2016-2020)
  • Master of Commerce in Industrial Strategy and Trade Policy (Great Zimbabwe University, 2011-2012)
  • BSc (Hons) in Economics (University of Zimbabwe, 2003, 2006)

Work Experience:

Current Employment

  • Senior Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, Faculty of Commerce (Feb 2013 – Present)
    • Specializes in advanced modules including International Finance, Macroeconomics, Environmental Economics, and Econometrics.
    • Dissertation supervision and research mentoring.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Walter Sisulu University, 2024-2025)

Agribusiness Development Specialist (Intercountry Peoples Aid, 2010–2013)

Consultancy Experience:

Simion Matsvai has co-researched a variety of impactful studies for national and international organizations, including work on economic development, youth empowerment, agricultural policies, and financial systems.

Conferences & Workshops:

  • International Conference on Time Series and Forecasting (2023, Gran Canaria, Spain) – Presented on ICTs and Economic Growth.
  • 19th African Finance Association Conference (2023, Cape Town, RSA) – ICTs and Agricultural Total Factor Productivity Change in South Africa.
  • Beef Enterprise Strengthening Workshop (2023, Masvingo) – Discussed Agricultural Financing Models.

Skills & Expertise:

  • Statistical Software: Excel, R, E-Views, STATA, SPSS, FRONTIER, N-Logit, etc.
  • Research: Extensive experience in data analysis, methodology development, and report writing.
  • Teaching: Strong academic background in economics, with experience across postgraduate and undergraduate programs.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Sustainability Reporting Strategy and Its Determinants Among Resource-Based Companies
    Corporate and Business Strategy Review, 2025
    DOI: 10.22495/cbsrv6i1art9
    Contributors: Leward Jeke, Sanderson Abel, Kudakwashe David Chitaukire, Julius Mukarati, Pierre Le Roux, Simion Matsvai

  2. Determinants of Microfinance Demand (Evidence from Chiredzi Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers in Zimbabwe)
    Sustainability, 2024-11-08
    DOI: 10.3390/su16229752
    Contributor: Simion Matsvai

  3. Technical Efficiency Impact of Microfinance on Small Scale Resettled Sugar Cane Farmers in Zimbabwe
    Cogent Economics & Finance, 2022-01-05
    DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2021.2017599

  4. Characterisation of Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers and Their Perceptions Towards Microfinance in Zimbabwe (Chiredzi)
    Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, 2021-10-11
    DOI: 10.17306/J.JARD.2021.01308
    Contributors: Simion Matsvai, Abbissynia Mushunje, Simbarashe Tatsvarei