About The Staff Member

Dr. Justina Adwoa Onumah is a Principal Research Scientist and Head of the Agriculture, Medicine and Environment Research Division at CSIR–Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR–STEPRI). With over 15 years of research experience, she specializes in development economics, innovation systems, impact evaluation, and research-to-policy linkages, with a focus on strengthening agricultural systems and enterprise development. Dr Onumah also serves as a Visiting Senior Researcher at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, where she supports research, teaching and students’ supervision.

She holds a PhD in Development Studies, an MPhil in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ghana and a BSc in Agriculture Technology (Economics and Extension) from the University for Development Studies. Dr Onumah has participated in academic/research exchanges with institutions including, Cornell University (USA), Northwestern University (USA), University of Guelph (Canada), University of Bonn (Germany), and Aalborg University (Denmark).

Her work has earned several recognitions and fellowships including, CEGA Fellowship, Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STARS) Fellowship, the Africa Evidence Leadership Award, Overall Best Graduating PhD (Development Studies) Student and the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
She serves on Boards, including the AFRICALICS and GLOBELICS Scientific Boards and the PACKS Africa Advisory Board, and currently chairs both the AFRICALICS and PACKS Africa Boards.

Dr. Onumah is also the Founder of GirledUp Ghana, where she mentors and advocates for increased participation of girls in STEM. Her work continues to drive evidence-based policy, inclusive innovation, and sustainable socio-economic development across Africa.