About The Staff Member

Felix Swanzy is a Research Scientist with grounded knowledge in rural sociology, livelihood studies, gender issues in palm oil processing, developing and managing learning platforms among tree crop farmers, stakeholder analysis and agricultural extension methods and practices.  He holds M.Phil in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ghana, Legon and B.Ed General Agriculture degree from the University of Education. Having worked in the educational field for about six years, he was employed by the CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute as an Assistant Research Scientist in 2002 and specifically assigned to Socio economic Research Unit of the Commercialization and Information Division to assist in conducting socioeconomic research in oil palm and coconut industry. He was extensively involved in technology transfer and training of farmers, palm oil processors and students.

Felix Swanzy worked with a research team from CIRAD in 2005-2006 to extensively look at the socioeconomic impact of the lethal Yellowing Disease on the coconut industry in Ghana. He also played key roles in institutionalizing the Convergence of Sciences-Strengthening Innovation Systems programme at the Institute between 2012 and 2013. Felix Swanzy represented the Institute on the learning platforms developed for tree crops producers and processors through a vibrant and active collaboration between University of Amsterdam and University of Energy and Natural Resources from 2015 -2017.

He conducted a number of research work in the adoption, livelihood studies, ICT , palm oil processing and income generation activities by small holder coconut farmers.

The scientist has authored over thirty scientific publications comprising refereed journal papers, book chapters, conference papers, production guides, technical reports, flyers, posters and manuals-most of which have been published in reputable local and international journals. He has provided in-depth and extensive information on the oil palm industry to MMDAs and Ministries of Food and Agriculture and Environment Science Technology and Innovation.

He is part of an experience crop of scientists that have trained over 2000 farmers, technicians, field supervisors, Agricultural Extension Officers palm oil processors and Research Scientists across the length and breadth of Ghana and outside this country on sustainable oil palm production and processing. He facilitated graduate and post graduate research activities of a number of students, both and international that were attached to the institute for their studies. He also coordinates exhibitions and facilitates consultancy services provided by the institute.

He is currently the Head of the Commercialization Division, a member of the Internal Management Committee and a member of other several committees of the institute.