Manuel is a PhD student and research associate in the International Agricultural Policy and Environmental Governance section at Kassel University. He is a political scientist and economist from Universidad del Valle (Colombia) and received a DAAD scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Hohenheim.

Manuel’s research focuses on the role of institutions, governance, and policy frameworks in shaping socio-ecological systems, with a particular emphasis on water resource management within the context of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). His current work, centered on the Pangani River Basin in Tanzania, examines the alignment between governance structures and the socio-ecological needs of the region. He investigates the effectiveness of water institutions in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, population growth, and competing water demands.

Beyond institutional fit, Manuel’s research delves into the power dynamics and decision-making processes that influence water governance, particularly their impact on marginalized groups like small-scale farmers and pastoralists. He also assesses the performance of conflict management platforms, seeking to identify ways to enhance dispute resolution mechanisms and foster more sustainable and equitable water governance systems.

Publications

  • Díaz, M., Moreno, L., Triana, N., Burkart, S. (2024). The relationship between land tenure, cattle production, and climate change – A systematic Literature Review. Land Use policy. 141, 107169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107169
  • Mejía, D., Díaz, M., Enciso, K., Bravo, A., Flores, J., Junca, J., Burkart, S. (2024). The impact of agricultural credit on the cattle inventory and deforestation in Colombia: a spatial analysis. Npj-Climate Action. 3 (34). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-024-00107-3
  • Díaz, M., Moreno, L., Burkart, S. (2024). How do sustainability policies emerge in the Colombian political System? A Kaleidoscope Model Analysis of the Policy for Sustainable Cattle 2022-2050. Cleaner and circular Bioeconomy. 7, 100075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clcb.2024.100075
  • Sandoval, D., Junca, J., Enciso, K., Díaz, M., Bravo, A., Burkart, S. (2024). Long-term relationships of beef and dairy cattle and greenhouse gas emissions: Application of co-integrated panel models for Latin America. Heliyon. 10 (1), e23364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23364
  • Pirela, A., Díaz, M., Enciso, K., Triana, N., Burkart, S. (2023). Gender inequalities in the Colombian cattle sector: an econometric analysis. 33 (4), 400-415. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2022.2098256
  • Burkart, S., Díaz, M., Enciso, K., Charry, A., Triana, N., Mena, M., Urrea-Bénitez, J., Gallo, I., van der Hoek, R. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 on the sustainable intensification of forage-based beef and dairy value chains in Colombia: a blessing and a curse. 10 (3). https://doi.org/10.17138/tgft(10)237-248
  • Moreno, L., Díaz, M., Burkart, S. (2022). Public Policies for the Development of a Sustainable Cattle Sector in Colombia, Argentina, and Costa Rica: A Comparative Analysis (2010–2020).  6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.722522
  • Enciso, K., Triana, N., Díaz, M., Burkart, S. (2022). On (Dis)Connections and Transformations: The Role of the Agricultural Innovation System in the Adoption of Improved Forages in Colombia. Frontiers Sustainable Food Systems.5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.741057
  • Ramirez, O., Charry, A., Díaz, M., Enciso, K., Mejía, D., Burkart, S. (2021). The Effects of COVID-19 on Beef Consumer Preferences and Beliefs in Colombia: A Logit Model Approach. Frontiers Sustainable Food Systems. 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.725875
  • Mejía, D., Díaz, M., Charry, A., Enciso, K., Ramirez, O., Burkart, S. (2021). “Stay at Home”: The Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Household Food Waste in Colombia. Frontiers Psychological Bheavior.  5.
  • Díaz, M., Charry, A., Sellitti, S., Ruzzante, M., Enciso, Burkart, S., (2020). Psychological Factors Influencing Pro-Environmental Behavior in Developing Countries: Evidence From Colombian and Nicaraguan Students. 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.580730