Research focus area

Daniels overarching research interest is on transitions in rural landscapes and livelihoods, in the context of increasing global connectivity and urbanization. His PhD research project is aimed at refining our understanding about the causal mechanisms through which rural out-migration and remittances can affect local land use and agricultural activities, in countries that are currently undergoing structural economic change. In particular, he seeks to identify the conditions under which these rural-urban flows can lead to tree cover increase, consistent with the 'forest transition' theory. Methodologically, his PhD project seeks to combine theoretical modelling (analytical and computational), empirical work in Colombia, and a systematic review.

Background

Daniel obtained a MSc degree in 'Ecosystems, Resilience and Governance' from Stockholm University, with a thesis focused on regime shifts in land systems. Before coming to Sweden, he received a BSc degree from the School of Environmental and Rural Studies at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, in his native Colombia. He has worked at research institutes, both in Colombia and Sweden, in topics ranging from valuation of ecosystem services, institutional analysis in the contexts of common-pool resource management, and analysis of socio-environmental conflicts.

Keywords
Land use change; Forest transition; Rural out-migration; Structural economic change; Latin America; Mixed-methods approach