Hephzibah Onyeje Obekpa

Senior Lecturer & Agricultural Economist

Makurdi, NG.

About

An experienced agricultural economist with over a decade of specialization in applied microeconometrics, health economics, and food security. Dr. Obekpa evaluates policy impacts on household and farm economic decision-making, significantly contributing to community welfare and sustainable development. Her expertise is demonstrated through impactful publications, successful project coordination, and the development of training programs that drive positive change across Nigeria.

Work

Centre for Gender and Development studies, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi

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Deputy Director

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Highlights

Advocacy

Research

Community Engagement

Grieviance Redress Mechanism

World Bank Center of Excellence, Centre for Innovation in Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi

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Facilitator on Social Standards

Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

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Summary

Delivered expert training and developed comprehensive manuals on Social Standards for the World Bank Center of Excellence, impacting professionals across seven North-Central Nigerian states.

Highlights

Developed multiple training manuals on Social Standards for Executive, Short-Term, and Advanced Courses, utilized across Benue, FCT, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, and Plateau States.

Facilitated engaging training sessions on critical topics including Gender Issues in Displacement and Resettlement, Community Engagement for Development Project Sustainability, and Grievance Redress Mechanism.

Integrated team-building exercises, enhancing group cohesion and collaboration among participants.

Evaluated post-training data to continuously improve facilitation effectiveness and training outcomes.

Managed stakeholder mapping for faculty recruitment and ensured quality control of work output at various training centers.

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi

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Senior Lecturer

Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

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Summary

Led academic instruction, research initiatives, and community engagement within the Department of Agricultural Economics, fostering student development and advancing knowledge in applied microeconometrics and health economics.

Highlights

Taught and mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students in Agricultural Economics, specializing in Applied Microeconometrics and Health Economics.

Conducted impactful research leading to the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, including a Q1 journal, influencing agricultural policy and sustainable development.

Contributed to university and community development through active participation in various committees and outreach programs.

Supervised student dissertations and theses, guiding research on critical issues such as food prices, water sources, diet diversity, and nutritional status.

ITC

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National Consultant for ARRIVES project

Nigeria, , Nigeria

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Summary

Provided expert consultancy on the sesame seed value chain for the ARRIVES project, delivering comprehensive market and supply chain analyses to enhance sector sustainability and export potential.

Highlights

Conducted in-depth sector overview and mapping for the sesame seed value chain, identifying key actors and opportunities.

Performed comprehensive market analysis and supply chain evaluation, informing strategies for target group adaptation and sustainability.

Developed actionable recommendations for innovation and policy, significantly contributing to the enhancement of export potential for sesame seed.

Michigan State University

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Nigerian Agricultural Policy Project Scholar

Michigan, , US

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Summary

Conducted advanced research, produced impactful policy communications, and published scholarly work as a Nigerian Agricultural Policy Project Scholar at Michigan State University.

Highlights

Conducted rigorous research, contributing to agricultural policy analysis and development.

Produced multiple blogs and policy briefs, effectively disseminating research findings to a broader audience.

Authored and published one article in a Q1 journal, demonstrating significant scholarly impact and contribution to the field.

Documented and highlighted key events and findings during the fellowship, enhancing project visibility and knowledge sharing.

Volunteer

Volunteer

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Nigeria Red Cross Society

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Contributed to humanitarian efforts through disaster response, community outreach, and fundraising initiatives.

Highlights

Participated in disaster response operations, providing critical aid and support to affected communities.

Engaged in community outreach programs, promoting health and safety awareness.

Assisted in fundraising activities to secure resources for humanitarian projects.

Volunteer

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Advocacy for the Prevention of Hepatitis in Nigeria

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Supported public health initiatives by participating in program planning, training, workshops, and advocacy efforts for hepatitis prevention.

Highlights

Contributed to the planning and implementation of public health programs aimed at hepatitis prevention.

Provided valuable inputs into training and workshops, enhancing educational content and delivery.

Engaged in advocacy efforts to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against hepatitis.

Volunteer

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Centre for Community Resource, Health and Social Development

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Supported community development by contributing to program planning, M&E, training facilitation, and donor reporting for health and social initiatives.

Highlights

Participated in program planning and implementation, contributing to the development of work plans and Monitoring & Evaluation plans.

Provided critical inputs into training and workshops, specifically focusing on measuring output and outcome level data.

Facilitated various training sessions and workshops, enhancing participant knowledge and skills.

Assisted in the documentation and monthly reporting to donors, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Education

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi

Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
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Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics Applied Microeconometrics, Health Economics Grade: 4.75/5.00

Courses

Applied Microeconometrics

Health Economics

Dissertation: Effects of Food Prices, Water sources and Diet Diversity on the Nutritional Status of Children in Rural Households in Nigeria

Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi

Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
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M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics Applied Microeconometrics, Health Economics Grade: 4.67/5.00

Courses

Applied Microeconometrics

Health Economics

Thesis: Assessment of Roll Back Malaria Programme on Farm Households in Benue State

Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi

Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
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B.Agric. in Agricultural Economics Production Economics Grade: 4.36/5.00

Courses

Production Economics

Thesis: Productivity and Technical Efficiency of Poultry Eggs in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Awards

Junior Fellow of the Pan-African Scientific Research Council

Pan-African Scientific Research Council

Awarded fellowship for significant research potential and contributions to scientific inquiry.

Nigerian Agricultural Policy Project Scholar

Nigerian Agricultural Policy Project, Michigan State University

Awarded scholarship for research contributions to agricultural policy.

Benue State Student’s Scholarship

Benue State Government

Received scholarship for academic excellence during undergraduate studies.

UAM Scholarship Award

Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM)

Received university scholarship for academic achievement.

Publications

Does financial stress hinder energy consumption in the United States of America?

Financial Innovation

Probing environmental sustainability aspects of resource efficiency, renewable energy usage and globalization.

Gondwana Research

Examining the drivers of ecological footprint components: Is pursuing food security environmentally costly for Nigeria?

Ecological Indicators

Dynamic Relationships between Environmental Degradation, Urbanization and Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria.

Economic Trends and Sustainable Environmental Assessment. 1st Edition.

Asymmetric response of energy efficiency to research and development spending in renewables and nuclear energy usage in the United States.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

Analysing the co-benefit of environmental tax amidst clean energy development in Europe’s largest agrarian economies.

Journal of Environmental Management

Strengthening the Business Environment for Agri-Food Enterprises in Nigeria: Engagement with Stakeholders in Ebonyi, Delta and Cross River.

Inferred

Oyo state business environment, sustainable development, and the implications for agri-food (micro, small and medium enterprises) value chain actors: stakeholder perception and evidence report.

Inferred

Nexus between environmental vulnerability and agricultural productivity in BRICS: What are the roles of renewable energy, environmental policy stringency, and technology?

Environmental Science and Pollution Research

The influence of renewable energy and economic freedom aspects on ecological sustainability in the G7 countries.

Sustainable Development

Do exchange rate volatility and public expenditure influence selected crop output in Nigeria?

International Journal of Sustainable Economies Management

Delta State Business Environment, Sustainable Development, and the Implications for Agri-Food (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) Value Chain Actors: Stakeholder Perception and Evidence Report.

Inferred

The Structure of Dried Fish Marketing in Taraba State, Nigeria

Inferred

Can Foreign Direct Investment Complement or Substitute Public Agricultural Spending for the Sustainability of the Agricultural Sector in Nigeria? Empirical evidence using Monte Carlo Simulation.

Journal of Applied Economic Sciences

Is growing your own food necessary for dietary diversity? Evidence from Nigeria.

Food Policy

Influence of foreign direct investment and exchange rate on Fisheries in Nigeria.

Studies in Agricultural Economics

Effect of Water Sources on Stunting of under Five Children in Nigeria.

Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension & Science

Reducing postharvest loss in tomatoes

Inferred

Growing Your Own Food and Nutrition

Inferred

The Nexus between Agricultural Sub-Sector Production and Malnutrition

Inferred

Cranium to Classroom: A Scholar’s Perspective

Inferred

The Effect of Roll Back Malaria Programme on farmers’ productivity in Benue State, Nigeria.

Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics

Languages

English

Certificates

Getting started with Microsoft Excel

Coursera

Excel Essentials for Data Analytics

Coursera

Data Analytics Essential

Coursera

Impact Evaluation Training and Match Making Workshop

African Centre for Development Impact

Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations

ADEPT MIT

Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

Microsoft

Use of Kobo collect Tool

Inferred

Development Methodologies Summer School

J-Pal, Daker

Project Evaluation

CHIMIK

SPESSE: Social Standards Training of Trainers Workshop

World Bank Group

Monitoring and Evaluation – Basic

Piston & Fusion Business Academy

Fundamentals of Project Management

Philanthropy University, USA

Planning in Monitoring and Evaluation

Philanthropy University, USA

International Computer Driving License (Intermediate Level)

ICDL

Digital Pedagogy for Effective Online Course Delivery

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi

Environmental and Social Framework -ESF Fundamentals

World Bank

Econometrics for Policy Analysis using Stata

Nigerian Agricultural Policy Project/Feed the Future/IFPRI

Agricultural Data Analysis Using R

Nigerian Agricultural Policy Project/Feed the Future/IFPRI

Microeconomics Principle Course Certificate

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Skills

Research & Data Analysis

Applied Microeconometrics, Health Economics, Econometric Methods, Time Series Analysis, Panel Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Data Analysis, Impact Evaluation, Randomized Evaluations, Policy Analysis, Data Collection, Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistical Modeling, Survey Design, Experimental Design, Data Interpretation, Research Design.

Software & Tools

Stata, R, EViews, Microsoft Excel, KoboToolbox, Microsoft Azure AI, Google Data Studio, Microsoft Office Suite, Cyber Security, Presentation Software, Database Management, Project Planning Software.

Agricultural & Development Economics

Agricultural Economics, Food Security, Nutrition Analysis, Rural Livelihoods, Poverty Reduction, Gender & Rural Development, Climate Change Economics, Resource Economics, Production Economics, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, Value Chain Analysis, Agri-Food Enterprises, Environmental & Social Framework (ESF), Policy Communication, Economic Decision-Making.

Project & Program Management

Project Management, Program Planning, Implementation, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Engagement, Grant Writing, Training & Facilitation, Team Building, Quality Control, Needs Assessment, Impact Assessment, Report Writing, Work Plan Development, M&E Planning, Donor Reporting, Grievance Redress Mechanism.

Consultancy & Policy

National Consultancy, Sector Overview, Market Analysis, Supply Chain Evaluation, Sustainability, Innovation, Policy Analysis, Export Potential, Development Planning, Situational Analysis, Project Identification, Costing, Policy Briefs, Advocacy.

Projects

Exploring the environmental effectiveness of renewable energy innovations in the European Union: The role of fossil electricity generation and economic growth.

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Summary

Researching the environmental effectiveness of renewable energy innovations in the EU, focusing on the influence of fossil electricity generation and economic growth.

Examining Drivers of Crop Production in Nigeria: Does Access to Loan Matter?

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Summary

Investigating the key drivers of crop production in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the role and impact of access to agricultural loans.

Floods, food systems and feedbacks: Sociocultural and institutional mediation of behavioural responses and system fragility in Northern Nigeria.

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Summary

Analyzing the sociocultural and institutional factors mediating behavioral responses and system fragility in Northern Nigeria's food systems, particularly in the context of floods.

What drives sustainable natural capital in emerging economy? Are energy export and public debt threat to biocapacity?

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Summary

Investigating the drivers of sustainable natural capital in emerging economies, specifically analyzing the impact of energy exports and public debt on biocapacity. Relevant research includes: 'Probing environmental sustainability aspects of resource efficiency, renewable energy usage and globalization', and 'Dynamic Relationships between Environmental Degradation, Urbanization and Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria.'