MFAI Welcomes New Policy Fellow, Dr. Success Okafor

Dr. Success Okafor has begun work as a Michael Fields Agricultural Institute Policy Fellow focused on regenerative systems.

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is thrilled to announce that Dr. Success Okafor has joined the staff team as a Policy Fellow, working alongside Policy Director Chuck Anderas.

Success received his PhD from North Carolina A&T State University, where his research examined how underserved farmers engage with innovative agricultural systems. His work lead him to build relationships with farmers, Extension specialists, and national policy networks, including leadership roles with MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) and the AAEA/ERS (Agricultural & Applied Economics Association / USDA Economic Research Service) Cooperative Agreement Committee.

Success’ work focuses on innovative and controlled-environment agriculture, using GIS, econometrics, and policy analysis to explore opportunities for strengthening soil health, improving market access, and supporting resilient and diversified agricultural systems. During his fellowship at MFAI, Success will be applying economic and analytical insights to create policy briefs and proposals that advance regenerative agriculture and promote strong, sustainable food systems across rural and urban communities.

"As a Policy Fellow with a background in Agricultural Economics, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between research and policy to advance resilient and regenerative farming systems. During my one year fellowship at MFAI, I look forward to applying economic and data driven insights to develop policies that strengthen soil health, empower farmers, especially socially disadvantaged producers, and build more equitable and sustainable food systems across rural and urban communities." -Dr. Success Okafor 

One of the first projects Success has undertaken for MFAI is a literature review on the benefits of regenerative agriculture. We'll be releasing the review soon, so look for that and more from Success as the year unfolds!