Uma Lele, PhD, Honored for Expertise in the Agricultural Industry in the Nonprofit Sector

Dr. Uma Lele, a distinguished agricultural economist, has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who for her extensive contributions to the agricultural industry, particularly within the nonprofit sector. Her career spans more than five decades and has been marked by remarkable achievements in research, policy analysis, and advocacy for women’s participation in agriculture.

Pioneering Career in Agricultural Economics

Dr. Lele has garnered extensive success within the agricultural economics community. She dedicated over 30 years to the World Bank, culminating in the role of a senior advisor. She also contributed to the University of Florida as a graduate research professor and director of international studies. Her work as an independent scholar and development economist has been instrumental in shaping global agricultural policies.

Dr. Lele holds a PhD in agricultural economics from Cornell University, a Master of Science in agricultural economics from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics and statistics from Ferguson College in Pune, India. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

Strong Advocacies and Influential Contributions

Dr. Lele continues to focus on the critical issue of women’s participation in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of fostering women’s involvement in agricultural research and policy-making to address global challenges effectively. “Perseverance is key,” Dr. Lele often advises young women aspiring to enter the agricultural sector. “Determination and persistence are essential to overcoming the barriers in this traditionally male-dominated field.”

According to Dr. Lele, climate change remains challenging for the agricultural sector: “Climate change is real, and its impact is most severe in developing countries, especially in the tropics.”

Dr. Lele adds, “The increased temperatures, loss of cultivable land and variable rainfall threaten food security. Climate change is not just an environmental issue but a critical challenge for food security and agricultural sustainability. We must work together to find innovative solutions.”

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Lele has received several prestigious awards, including the Clifton R. Wharton Jr. Emerging Markets Award from the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University in 2018, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics in the same year 2018 and a Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award from the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences in 2017.

Dr. Lele has also authored numerous influential works, including “Food for All International Organizations and the Transformation of Agriculture,” published in 2021, “Patterns of Structural Transformation and Agricultural Productivity Growth,” published in 2018; and “Managing a Global Resource: Challenges of Forest Conservation and Development,” published in 2002. Her leadership as a senior advisor for The World Bank’s operations evaluations department allowed her to lead evaluations on forest strategy and global partnerships.

Dr. Lele has also been active civically, establishing the Uma Lele Mentor Fellowship Award, awarded to men and women from developing countries. One of her most prominent achievements, perhaps, is being a member of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, where she has served as president since 2018. Marking a significant milestone, she was the first female president ever to be elected to her role by the association since its inception in 1929.

Dr. Lele’s journey displays her commitment to agricultural economics and her solid pursuit of gender equality in the field. Her story is not just one of professional success but also of personal perseverance and dedication to making a difference.