José Victorino Cristiano do Rosário, an accomplished alumnus of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (formerly the Institute of Tropics and Subtropics), has built a strong academic and research career in sustainable rural development and agricultural economics.
- Name: José Victorino Cristiano do Rosário
- Country of origin: Angola
- Current position: University lecturer and researcher, engaged in research across Angola, Portugal, and Zambia.
- Study programme at the FTA: International Development and Agricultural Economics (IDAE); (formerly Sustainable Development with a specialization in Agronomy)
José Victorino Cristiano do Rosário is a collaborative researcher at CETRAD, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD, Portugal) and also works as a university lecturer in Angola. He holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, he also attended a preparatory course at Charles University in 2004. His academic career began in 2011 at Katyavala Bwila University, teaching Agricultural Economics at the Faculty of Economics. He is currently completing his PhD in Agribusiness and Sustainability at UTAD, in collaboration with the University of Évora, funded by a doctoral scholarship from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
He has participated in several EU-funded scientific research projects and has published in indexed international journals. His research focuses on Sustainable Agriculture, with a particular emphasis on the adoption of agroecological innovations by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. His current work, “Designing Regional AKIS to Enhance Agroecological Innovation Adoption by Small Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Cases of Angola and Zambia”, aims to model the adoption processes of agroecological innovations and design regional Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) that promote sustainable farming practices.
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In this interview, José Victorino Cristiano do Rosário shares his journey from studying in Prague and starting his academic career at Katyavala Bwila University, to his current involvement in research projects. His career reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and the empowerment of small farmers through effective agricultural knowledge and innovation systems.
- Could you briefly introduce your work?
As a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics of Katyavala Bwila University, I was involved in teaching agricultural economics and natural resource economics. At present, I am completing a Ph.D. in agribusiness and sustainability at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro in Portugal. My work focuses on designing a regional AKIS (Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System) to support the adoption of agroecological innovations by small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa – specifically in Angola and Zambia. More about my research activities can be found on ResearchGate. - How did you get into your work?
I grew up during the civil war in Angola, in an environment deeply marked by poverty. From an early age, I realized that education and teaching could be the way to overcome this situation. After completing my studies at the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU), I understood that the most effective way to contribute to Angola’s development was through education and I’ve pursued this path with dedication. - What inspired you/what do you find the most interesting about your work?
Most interesting about my work, is the opportunity to positively influence future generations through my teaching, but also through research. I am especially inspired by the fact that through research it is possible to address real, tangible problems, or at least contribute to finding their solutions. That is my greatest source of inspiration. - How did your studies at FTZ help you in your work?
My studies at FTZ provided me with the necessary knowledge and skills that enabled me to face the challenges. - What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I plan to continue working as a researcher, supporting agricultural research projects in Angola and Sub-Saharan Africa, and seeking international partnerships for project development in this field.
Why did you decide to study at our faculty (FTZ)?
I decided to study at the faculty because, at the time, it was the only one addressing topics of my interest, such as sustainable agriculture in Africa, food security, and poverty in Africa. It was my first choice, and this was also thanks to the fact that I received a scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports within the framework of development cooperation. - What was your specialization?
My specialization was Sustainable Development, Agronomic specialization. - What did you like most about your studies?
The most valuable aspect of my studies was the opportunity to interact with people from different parts of the world, to learn about their ways of thinking and living, and to gain skills that supported the advancement of my professional career. - Who influenced you the most? (Your favorite teacher/subject)
I sincerely thank all the professors at the former Institute of Tropics and Subtropics, and especially my unforgettable supervisor, Ing. Petra Chaloupková, Ph.D., dr.h.c., who taught Tropical Product Marketing and supervised my master’s thesis. I deeply appreciate her guidance and the knowledge I gained in scientific research. I also value all of my teachers, who have had a great impact on me: Prof. Ing. Bohumil Havrland, Prof. Ing. Vladimír Jeníček, Doc. Ing. Vladimír Verner, Ing. Jana Mazancová, Ph.D., Doc. Ing. Vladimír Krepl, Ing. Radim Kotrba, Ph.D., Doc. Ing. Zbyněk Polesný, and Doc. RNDr. Václav Zelený, CSc. (in botany). They were all a great source of inspiration for me.
- What would you recommend to FTZ students?
I would recommend FTZ students to follow their dreams and make the most of this exceptional opportunity to study at the faculty which, despite being located in Europe, is also dedicated to tropical and subtropical agriculture and to issues of the Global South. This represents a great added value, as students can gain the opportunity to see the world, to understand different contexts, challenges and aspirations.
José Victorino Cristiano do Rosário, Vila Real, 22.08.2025, Portugal
