Ataharul Chowdhury

Ataharul Chowdhury is an Associate Professor of Capacity Development and Extension at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph. As an educator and social scientist, his work connects agricultural extension, communication, innovation studies, digital technologies, food systems, and sustainable rural development.

Growing up on a family farm shaped his interest in how agriculture, knowledge, and institutions influence the well-being of rural communities. His research examines agricultural advisory systems, farmer learning, digital and participatory communication, artificial intelligence, misinformation, trust, and the capacity of communities and organizations to respond to complex agricultural and environmental challenges.

Chowdhury has been invited to deliver keynote presentations and provide expert advice to universities, professional associations, governments, and international organizations. His work has been sought by institutions including Wageningen University, the Australian National University, the University of the West Indies, the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services, and research funding organizations in Canada and internationally.

He has collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the European Union, Agrinatura, and other partners to strengthen agricultural innovation and advisory capacity in Africa, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. One of his significant contributions is a capacity-development framework for agricultural innovation that has informed international development initiatives in several countries.

His research leadership has been recognized through competitive SSHRC funding, the University of Guelph Research Excellence Award, international professional awards, and a best article prize. He is also actively engaged in editorial leadership, graduate education, professional association leadership, and public scholarship on agriculture, sustainability, technology, and rural change.