Bio
Associate Dean for Global Engagement
Director, Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods
Raymond and Mary Baker Chair in Global Agriculture
Professor, Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice.
Affiliate Faculty, Department of Urban Planning and Development;
Affiliate Faculty: Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture.
111 Curtiss Hall, 513 Farm House Lane
Ames, Iowa 50011-1054 USA
Dr. Owusu is Associate Dean of Global Engagement, Director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, and Raymond and Mary Baker Chair in Global Agriculture. He joined the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and started working with the CSRL in 2025. Prior to this, he spent 24 years as a faculty member in the Department of Community and Regional Planning at ISU, including 11 years serving as the department chair. Professor Owusu’s research focuses on livelihoods and sustainability, urban and economic development, development policy and planning, and globalization issues. Originally from Ghana, he has researched these topics in several African countries and authored journal articles, book chapters, reviews, and reports.
Link to home department’s bio -> https://www.cals.iastate.edu/people/francis-owusu