Margaret Rugadya

Biography

Margaret is an accomplished economist with over 20 years of expertise in land policy, natural resource governance, and gender equity. At the Tenure Facility, she has spearheaded initiatives in eight African countries, focusing on the titling and recognition of land and forest rights for Indigenous peoples and local communities, highlighting their vital roles in biodiversity conservation and climate change responses. A passionate and active advocate for women, forest dwellers, and pastoralists in managing their lands and territories in East, Central, and West Africa. Previously, she directed the Africa program at Landesa and worked as a grant-maker with the Ford Foundation She has successfully managed diverse teams and driven initiatives promoting social justice and equity. Holding a PhD in Economics from Maastricht University, she has significantly advanced inclusive land and forest rights for effective resource governance.