Experience
Since 1998, Olivia Agbenyega has served the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer, and Trainer Researcher. A prolific researcher and writer, Olivia has published extensively on wide-ranging issues related to public health, climate and resource protection, land use, and economic development. She has mentored dozens of early career researchers while managing numerous studies and programs as researcher, facilitator, team lead, and co-principal and principal investigator.
Current Role
Based in Ghana, Olivia has provided coaching services to a diverse range of clients, including state and non-state actors in health, agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. Her clients include USAID AfricaLead, USAID PolicyLINK Leadership for Change, P&R One Health (“Preparedness and Response” to infectious disease), the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), Deutsche Gesellschft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), UNESCO, and the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA).
Focusing on themes like leadership and change management, organizational capacity assessment, planning for performance, and strategic thinking, Olivia specializes in helping clients establish direction, discover possibilities, and plan actions to achieve their goals. Her approach fosters learning, promotes growth, and supports smooth team interactions. Olivia’s coaching equips individuals with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to fully develop and commit to their unique paths. She is dedicated to supporting professionals in discovering their distictive journeys and helping teams interact effectively.
Educational Background
Before earning her PhD in Natural Resources Management from Cranfield University, Olivia completed Master of Philosophy in Agroforestry and Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degrees from KNUST.
Professional Affiliations
Olivia is certified by Corporate Coach U, reflecting her commitment to professional development and excellence in coaching. She serves as board member for several organizations, including the African Network of Professional Facilitators (ANProf), the Africa Continental Supervisory Board with the Solidaridad Network, and KNUST’s Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources board.