Ruth Haug on research, leadership, and the evolution of Noragric.
Ruth Haug is Professor of International Development Studies at Noragric, NMBU. Trained at the University of Maryland, she has spent her career working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice in food security and rural development.
At NMBU, she has combined academic work with leadership roles, serving as Head of Noragric for seven years before becoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the former UMB.
She has also been closely involved in international policy processes, including through CGIAR, IFPRI, FAO and the World Bank, and contributes to global discussions on food systems and agriculture.
Her work spans food systems, climate change, conflict and migration, and natural resource management, with extensive experience from Africa and Asia.
As Noragric marks 40 years, we spoke with her about food systems, global challenges, and the role of research in shaping policy.
You have been part of Noragric for more than three decades. What are you working on now?
I am still enjoying my work at Noragric, as I have for the past 33 years. As a PhD programme leader, I focus on educating excellent PhD candidates who can use their knowledge to make a difference in society. I am also involved in joint research and book projects with Malawian colleagues on sustainable food systems.
A career between research and policy
Your work focuses on food systems, food security, and international food policy. What first drew you to this field? What changes have stood out to you most over time?
From working in Zambia in the 1980s, I learned that increased food production does not necessarily result in improved food security. Food security is about people’s access to food. Today, there is enough food in the world for everyone to be food secure, but it is not distributed in a just way. Hunger and food insecurity persist in a world of plenty.
Food systems are now at the centre of global debates on climate, conflict, and inequality. What do you think people still misunderstand about how these issues connect?
Food systems are often perceived as separate sectors - food production on the one hand, and nutrition on the other - divided into areas such as agriculture, fisheries, climate, nature, and health. However, the core idea of food systems thinking is to analyse the linkages and interactions among these sectors in a holistic, cross-disciplinary way, with sustainability as the overarching goal.
What worries you most when you look at global food security today?
The number of people facing acute food insecurity has increased in recent years and has now reached 318 million, according to the World Food Programme. At the same time, humanitarian assistance is declining. The reality is stark: needs are rising while funding is falling.
You have been involved in organisations such as CGIAR, IFPRI, and FAO. What role do research institutions realistically play in influencing global policy and food security?
Research institutions such as the CGIAR centre IFPRI provide knowledge that informs policymakers about the global food situation, food politics, and how different policies can contribute to more sustainable food systems at local and global levels. As someone who strongly believes in research and supports the UN system, I have found it rewarding to work closely with CGIAR/IFPRI and FAO while maintaining a critical and independent perspective.
Is the link between research and policy stronger today, or are there still major gaps?
Many of us would like to believe that policy formulation is primarily knowledge-based. However, power dynamics, negotiations, and compromises are often equally important for understanding how food policies are actually shaped.
Noragric’s role, then and now
You led Noragric during an important period in its development. What stands out to you from that time?
First and foremost, the dedicated staff who worked hard - and together - to make Noragric a success. Noragric also established strong and popular education programmes from bachelor’s to PhD level, resulting in graduates around the world who contribute to institutional development in many countries. These graduates have often become valuable research partners, leading to long-term, mutually beneficial collaboration.
How has Noragric’s role changed as global challenges have become more interconnected?
Noragric’s research focus has expanded from local development to include global politics and policy. From agriculture and natural resources to a much broader set of topics, and from a focus on the global South to a truly global perspective. Institutionally, Noragric has evolved from a centre to an autonomous department, and is now part of the Faculty of Landscape and Society at NMBU. I would say Noragric is more relevant than ever, as the emerging geopolitical order (or disorder) profoundly affects societies worldwide.
You have supervised many students and researchers over the years. What do you hope they take with them from their time at Noragric?
In addition to knowledge and friendships, I hope they develop the ability to think critically and independently, to value solidarity, and to understand the importance of trust in society.
Has your own thinking changed over time? Have there been perspectives you have had to rethink?
In leadership roles with budget responsibility, you are confronted with the dilemma Norwegians call “børs eller katedral” - the balance between financial constraints with the pursuit of meaningful and enjoyable research for academic staff. I am happy to no longer be responsible for people’s salaries. As a professor, I benefit from academic freedom and from being part of a profession with very high job satisfaction in Norway.
What advice would you give to younger scholars entering development studies today?
I have had the time of my life as a professor in development studies. Younger scholars should find their own path and not rely too much on advice from older professors.
Looking ahead
What are the most urgent questions in food systems and development that researchers should focus on?
Food justice. Social and gender equity. Power relations. Food as a weapon in war. Corporate concentration. Humanitarian action and funding of food relief. Preparedness. Sustainable food systems.
What changes would you like to see for Noragric in the future?
First, stronger cross-disciplinary collaboration, building on Noragric’s long-standing traditions and founding rationale. Second, less time and energy devoted to internal processes and administration, allowing for a stronger external focus. Third, rebranding, including a potential new name, such as Department of Global Studies, to reflect recent shifts in academic focus and staffing. Fourth, a commitment to at least forty more years of meaningful contributions to global justice.
One word to describe Noragric?
Exceptional.