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Urbanus Wedaaba Azupogo

Overview

Driven by a passion for land’s transformative potential, I integrate expertise in land management, kinesiology and health studies, and technology to empower communities and promote sustainable development. Grounded in my Ghanaian heritage and fortified by dual degrees in Land Management & Governance and Kinesiology & Health Studies, my work delves into land tenure security, urbanization, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), water security, and community engagement.

My doctoral research focuses on “Empowering Women Through Climate-Responsive Community Health Information to Tackle Schistosomiasis,” exemplifying the intersection of my expertise in land management and public health. This project aims to develop innovative solutions that enhance land governance and improve health outcomes by leveraging technology to address systemic challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Committed to unlocking the potential of land resources and improving community well-being through interdisciplinary approaches, I strive to create impactful change that fosters strong land governance, sound health practices, and sustainable development.

Research profiles:  ORCID iD iconGoogle Scholar ResearchGate icon SVG.svg

My research focuses on the intricate intersection of land management, kinesiology and health studies, and technology, with a particular emphasis on empowering vulnerable African communities. Integrating these disciplines enables me to address complex challenges related to land governance, community health, and social innovation.

With a strong foundation in Land Management, I explore how land policies and practices impact social, environmental, and public health outcomes. My work investigates the dynamics of land tenure security, sustainable land use, and equitable access to resources, emphasizing how these factors influence the well-being of marginalized populations.

Building on my background in Kinesiology and Health studies, I delve into environmental health equity and the social determinants of health. My research examines how climate change and environmental factors disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including women, individuals with disabilities, and geographically isolated communities. For instance, my master’s thesis, titled “Promoting Access to Inclusive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Services for Students with Physical Disabilities in Ghana,” reflects my commitment to reducing health disparities by advocating for inclusive policies and equitable access to essential services.

Technology plays a pivotal role in bridging gaps in land governance and health equity. As the Founder and Executive Chairman of Facio Innovations Technology, I have led initiatives that integrate digital tools—such as blockchain technology—to promote transparency in land management and ensure that marginalized communities are included in governance processes. My technical expertise enables me to develop innovative solutions that address systemic inequalities.

Currently, my doctoral research focuses on “Empowering Women Through Climate-Responsive Community Health Information to Tackle Schistosomiasis.” This project exemplifies the intersection of my three areas of expertise:

  • Land Management: Understanding how land use and environmental factors contribute to the spread of schistosomiasis.
  • Health Studies: Investigating the health impacts on marginalized populations and developing strategies to mitigate disease transmission.
  • Technology: Collaborating with community health providers to develop a novel mobile application that communicates schistosomiasis risk information. This app ensures that affected communities, particularly women and individuals with disabilities, can access and act upon crucial health data in a timely and accessible manner.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, I aim to co-create solutions that promote land tenure security, enhance community health outcomes, and leverage technology for social innovation. I am dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion by ensuring that marginalized groups are actively involved in health and development programs.

My ultimate aspiration is to contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable land policies that empower communities, secure land tenure, and promote equitable access to essential health resources and services across the African continent. By uniting land management, health studies, and technology, I seek to address the environmental and social challenges facing the most vulnerable populations, fostering a fairer and more sustainable world.

Ph.D., Kinesiology and Health Studies                                                                                                                                                                                              09/2023 – date

Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Dissertation: “Empowering women through climate-responsive community health information to tackle schistosomiasis”

 

Master of Science, Kinesiology and Health Studies                                               09/2021 – 08/2023

Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Dissertation: “Promoting Access to Inclusive Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene (WASH) Services for Students with Physical Disabilities in Ghana”

 

Master of Science, Land Governance and Policy                                                             08/2017 – 02/2019

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Project: “Implications of Climate Change for Tenure Security in the Upper West Region of Ghana: Perspectives of Migrants and Indigenes.”

 

Bachelor of Science, Land Management                                                                     08/2012 – 06/2016

University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana

Dissertation: “Sustainable housing development in Ghana. A study of housing characteristics in Zorkor Tarongo and Soe Soboko in the Upper East Region”

PositionOrganization/InstitutionLocationDate
 

Teaching Assistant

School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (Centre for Environmental Health Equity), Queen’s University 

Kingston, ON, Canada

 

09/2021- date

 

 

Research Associate             

School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (Centre for Environmental Health Equity), Queen’s University 

 

Kingston, ON, Canada

 

 

09/2021- date

Founder & Executive ChairmanFacio Innovations TechnologyAccra, Ghana & Kingston, ON, Canada10/2015 – date
Founder & Executive ChairmanAzunus Realty ConsultAccra, Ghana07/2018 – date
Co-founder & DirectorFaciotech FoundationAccra, Ghana04/2023 – date
Editorial Assistant | the Journal of Planning and Land Management              Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) 

Wa, Ghana

 

03/2018 –11/2023

Land Management ConsultantVenia Consult LimitedTamale, Ghana01/2018- 09/2019
Teaching Assistant (National Service Personnel)University for Development StudiesWa, Ghana08/2016–09/2017

I have been developing my teaching skills through valuable experiences at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and the University for Development Studies in Wa, Ghana. Engaging with a diverse range of courses and academic levels—including undergraduate and master’s programs—has allowed me to refine my pedagogical approach. While I am continually learning and growing as an educator, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Facilitating Engaging Discussions: I strive to promote critical thinking and student engagement through structured dialogues and thoughtful questioning, encouraging students to explore complex topics in depth.

Providing Constructive Feedback: Committed to supporting academic growth, I offer personalized feedback on student work, tailored to individual needs and aligned with course objectives.

Conducting Fair Assessments: I approach grading assignments and examinations with rigor and fairness, upholding academic integrity while continuously improving my assessment strategies.

Leading Tutoring Sessions: Through focused small group and individual tutoring, I provide support to students by addressing specific challenges and enhancing their understanding of the material.

Designing Interactive Online Learning Experiences: Utilizing online platforms, I create engaging virtual communities and interactive activities, exploring innovative methods to enhance remote learning.

Integrating Technology for Enhanced Learning: I employ tools such as LucidSpark to design collaborative learning activities that promote active participation and knowledge co-creation among students.

Developing Students’ Research Skills: Introducing research techniques like concept mapping for collective decision-making and NVivo for qualitative data analysis, I aim to enhance students’ analytical capabilities.

Delivering Guest Lectures: In addition to my teaching roles, I have delivered guest lectures on various topics, sharing insights and engaging with students across different academic settings. These experiences have enriched my understanding of diverse learning environments and allowed me to contribute to broader educational dialogues.

I. Articles in Refereed Journals

1. Azupogo, W. U., Meshack, A., Florence, A. D., & Elijah, B. (2023). Health
implications of coping with water insecurity at the household level. Water Security, 19, 100135.
2. Azupogo, W. U., Ebenezer, D. & Elijah, B. (2023). Stakeholders’ perspectives on
strategies and programmes needed to promote safe and inclusive WASH services for students with physical disabilities in primary schools. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development.
3. E. D. Kuusaana, U. E. Chigbu, J. K. Kidido, B. S. Biitir, J. Zevenbergen, G. B.
Morenikeji & U. W. Azupogo (2021): Co-creating land governance research agenda by, for, in, and on Africa: Experience of Network of Land Governance Researchers on Africa (NELGRA), Local Development & Society, DOI: 10.1080/26883597.2021.1891840

II. Articles Under Review in Refereed Journals

1. Azupogo, W. U., Bisung, E, Dickin, S. (2024). Linking Social Protection Programs
to Improved Household Water Security and Sanitation in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. Water Security. [under review]
2. Azupogo, W. U., Ebenezer, D. & Elijah, B. (2024). Navigating water and sanitation
environments in schools: exploring health risk perceptions of children with physical disabilities using drawing. Wellbeing, Space and Society [under review]

  1. Azupogo, U. W., Meshack, A., Florence, A. D., (2022, June). Health implications of water insecurity coping strategies at the household level: a scoping review. A paper presented at the CAG 2022: 72nd Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers
  2. Azupogo, U. W. (2023, Jan). Navigating water and sanitation environments in schools: exploring health risk perceptions of children with physical disabilities using drawing. A paper presented at the Queen’s School of Kinesiology and Health Studies Graduate Seminar
  3. Azupogo, U. W., & Bisung, E. (2023, March). Navigating water and sanitation environments in schools: Exploring health risk perceptions of children with physical disabilities using drawing. Paper presented at the AAG 2023 Conference.
  4. Azupogo, U. W., Dassah, E., & Bisung, E. (2023, October). Exploring health risks of school water and sanitation environments through drawing with children with physical disabilities in Ghana. Presentation at the Canadian Conference on Global Health (CCGH), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
  5. Azupogo, U. W., & Bisung, E. (2024, August). Exploring health risk perceptions of school water and sanitation environments through drawing with children with physical disabilities in Ghana. Paper presented at the 74th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG), St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
  6. Azupogo, U. W., & Bisung, E. (2024, September). Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment and Recovery through Social Protection and Complementary Access to Water Services in sub-Saharan Africa. Presented at the NFRF-2022 Mid-Term Forum, New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), Online
2022 – present;Queen’s Kaleidoscope Institute
Core Collaborator
2022 – presentAmerican Association of Geographers
Graduate Member