The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) is pleased to welcome Policy Fellow Dr. Success Okafor, who will work alongside MFAI Policy Director Chuck Anderas to advance national and state policy initiatives that support regenerative farmers and food systems.
Dr. Okafor is an agricultural economist specializing in sustainable food systems, spatial analysis, and data-driven agricultural policy. He holds a PhD in Agribusiness and Applied Economics, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Analytics, from North Carolina A&T State University. Okafor also earned a master’s degree in Agribusiness Economics from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria.
His research explores innovative and controlled-environment agriculture, using GIS, econometrics, and policy analysis to identify opportunities for strengthening soil health, improving market access, and supporting resilient, diversified agricultural systems.
In his academic career, Okafor has collaborated with farmers, Extension specialists, policy partners, and national agricultural networks. He has also held 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.
During his fellowship at MFAI, Okafor will apply economic and analytical insights to identify policy 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,” says Okafor. “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, sustainable food systems across rural and urban communities.”
One of Okafor’s first projects at MFAI will be publishing a comprehensive literature review on the benefits of regenerative agriculture, which will help inform upcoming policy recommendations and program development.
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