
Associate Professor John Leake
Associate Professor
School of Economics and Public Policy
Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Biography
John Leake has spent over 30 years of his working life in Asia, Africa and Australia in planning for development and natural resource management. This has evolved into an interest in experiential learning and in the social and biophysical processes leading to improved resource use and recycling in a world expecting to sustain 9 billion people in a time of accelerated climate change.
He has consulted to a wide range of national and multinational clients and the private sector, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, AusAID, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and many UN agencies, notably IFAD, UNDP, UNDCP, GEF and FAO/WB CP.
He was an Associate Professor of Development Studies, Discipline of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences at the University of Adelaide since 2014 where he contributed to the education being provided through Development Studies by taking interns since 2008.
He is now an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Professions, Centre for Global Food and Resources where he assists PhD and Masters students with research related to thesis writing in regions he is experienced including: 34 countries in Asia, (S.E, Central, East, and South Asia), Africa, mainly East and the Middle East, (Iran and the UAE). He is also experienced in most states and territories of Australia, particularly the Murray Darling Basin, the Northern Territory, the West Australian Wheat Belt and the Kimberly. .
He was a speaker at the 2001 Adelaide Festival of Ideas on the subject, Salt Water and the Limits of Growth and has a long association with Research related to salinity in most states of Australia, USA and Asia.
He holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne and a PhD resulting from an invited thesis on Risk Reduction in Natural Resource Management, based on an evaluation of the international response to Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
He has served on the Natural Resources Management Council of South Australia and developed of a method of auditing the results of NRM investments in the field for the Natural Resource Management Commission of NSW and assisted in carrying out audits for over half of NSW including most of the Murray Darling Basin.
He has been instrumental in setting up several businesses in the agricultural sector related to consulting, research and project development, notably MPW Rural Development, which merged with Coffey Partners International to list on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1990 as Coffey International Limited, the Institute for International Development Limited and Environmental Risk Science and Audit (to 2017).
He is the author of several ground breaking reports as well as a book, book chapters, journal articles and conference papers. The subjects covered include; rangeland management, disaster risk management in NRM, Bio sequestration of carbon and land rehabilitation, particularly in saline and mined sites. He has spun off companies specialising in saline agronomy (see www.nypa.com.au) and land rehabilitation, see (www.landrepairaustralia.com.au )
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2010 - 2017 Director Environmental Risk Science and Audit Pty Ltd 2009 - 2011 Member, The Natural Resources Management Council of South Australia Government of South Australia, (appointed by the Governor in Council) 2003 - ongoing Director Land Repair Australia 1996 - ongoing Director Institute for International Development Ltd 1993 - ongoing Director NyPa Australia Limited 1990 - 1996 Director, Principal Coffey Group Coffey International (Australia) 1981 - 1989 Director MPW Rural Development Pty Ltd 1968 - 1976 Associate Director Philip Gibson Pty Ltd -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 1993 Distinction Engineering Award in the Environment Division (Consultant to the Kinhill Delfin Design team) Australian Institute of Engineers Australia - -
Language Competencies
Language Competency Indonesian Can read and understand spoken -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2012 - 2013 Thaksin University Thailand PhD 1998 - 2001 University of Melbourne Australia Master of Agricultural Science -
Research Interests
Agribusiness Agricultural Economics & Policy Agricultural Land Management Agro-ecosystem Function and Prediction Agronomy & Agriculture Animal Management Anthropology of Development Carbon Sequestration Science Climate Change Processes Community Planning Crop and Pasture Improvement Development Studies Ecosystem Function Environmental Monitoring Landscape Ecology Multicultural, Intercultural and Cross-cultural Studies Natural Resource Management Soil Degradation Stakeholder Engagement Systems Theory
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Journals
Year Citation 2022 Leake, J. E., Squires, V., & Shabala, S. (2022). Rethinking Rehabilitation of Salt-Affected Land: New Perspectives from Australian Experience. Earth (Switzerland), 3(1), 245-258.
Scopus22022 Davidson, A. A., Young, M. D., Leake, J. E., & O'Connor, P. (2022). Aid and forgetting the enemy: A systematic review of the unintended consequences of international development in fragile and conflict-affected situations. Evaluation and Program Planning, 92, 13 pages.
Scopus12021 Leake, J. E. (2021). Investment in Land Restoration: New Perspectives with Special Reference to Australia. Land, 10(2), 156.
Scopus2 WoS12018 Leake, J. E. (2018). Book review of Sustainable Land Management in Greater Central Asia: An Integrated and Regional Perspective edited by Victor R. Squires and Lu Qi. Pastoralism, 8(1).
2018 Leake, J. E. (2018). Transformational Change in Environmental and Natural Resource Management. A Guidelines for Policy Excellence, edited by Michael D. Young and Christine Esau. Published by Routledge, Earthscan from Routledge London and New York, 2016, pp. 234, ISBN: 978-1-1. Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 62(3), 501-503.
2018 Sabzalian, M. R., Dayani, S., Torkian, M., & Leake, J. E. (2018). Comparison of Distichlis spicata and Suaeda aegyptiaca in response to water salinity: Candidate halophytic species for saline soils remediation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION, 20(10), 995-1006.
WoS6 Europe PMC12018 Sabzalian, M. R., Dayani, S., Torkian, M., & Leake, J. E. (2018). Comparison of Distichlis spicata and Suaeda aegyptiaca in response to water salinity: Candidate halophytic species for saline soils remediation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION, 20(10), 995-1006.
WoS6 Europe PMC12014 Leake, J. E. (2014). Cyclone Response in Myanmar: learning from the past. Asian agri-history. 2011 Kirby, T., Leake, J. E., & Granger, K. (2011). Recovering from Disasters, T Kirby, J Leake & K Granger NZ Chartered Accountants Journal December 2011. NZ Chartered Accountants Journal. 2011 Kirby, T., Leake, J. E., & Granger, K. (2011). Recovering from Disasters, T Kirby, J Leake & K Granger NZ Chartered Accountants Journal December 2011. NZ Chartered Accountants Journal. 2008 Leake, J. E., & Morison, J. (2008). Land Repair Fund; a model for exploiting the nexus between land repair, improved production and profit. Australian Agribusiness Review. 2008 Leake, J. E. (2008). "Biosphere carbon stock management: Addressing the threat of abrupt climate change in the next few decades." By Peter Read. An editorial comment.. CLIMATIC CHANGE, 87(3-4), 329-334.
WoS32007 Marcum, K. B., Yensen, N. P., & Leake, J. E. (2007). Genotypic variation in salinity tolerance of Distichlis spicata turf ecotypes. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE, 47(12), 1506-1511.
WoS111980 Leake, J. E. (1980). The livestock Industry of Indonesia Bureau of Indonesian Economic Studies ANU Canberra. Bureau of Indonesian Economic Studies, XVI No 1. - Leake, J., Squires, V., & Shabala, S. (n.d.). Rethinking rehabilitation of salt-affected land: new perspectives from Australian experience.
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Books
Year Citation 2013 Leake, J. E. (2013). Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar Risk Reduction in Natural Resource Management. Thaksin University Press. -
Book Chapters
Year Citation 2019 Leake, J. E. (2019). Land Degradation, Biodiversity and Productivity: Pressing Issues in Management of the World’s Drylands – A Synthesis. In V. Squires (Ed.), Drylands: Biodiversity, Management and Conservation (pp. 355-379). NOVA Science Publishers. 2019 Leake, J. E. (2019). Halophytes; Genetics, Production and Profit. In S. Attia-Ismail (Ed.), Handbook for Salinity Management. Nova. 2018 Habaros, G., & Leake, J. E. (2018). Are outcomes that are vital for the survival of mankind achievable in an era of global warming?. In L. Trowbridge (Ed.), A Better World Volume 4 (Vol. 4, pp. 65-68). Tudor Rose. 2018 Habaros, G., & Leake, J. E. (2018). Are outcomes that are vital for the survival of mankind achievable in an era of global warming?. In L. Trowbridge (Ed.), A Better World Volume 4 (Vol. 4, pp. 65-68). Tudor Rose. 2012 Rangeland Stewardship in Central Asia (2012). Springer Netherlands.
2005 Leake, J. E. (2005). Dry Land Salinity in Australia: Defining the Problem, Searching for Solutions. In V. Squires, L. Q. Yang, & Y. Youlin (Eds.), Regional Review of CCD Implementation and Best Practices in Asia and the Pacific. Case studies from Australia, China, Mongolia, Thailand and Vietnam (first ed., pp. 69-75). Korea: China Environmental Science Press. -
Conference Items
Year Citation 2011 Leake, J. E. (2011). FAO East Asian Regional consultation. Gansu Province China, on grassland restoration, prepared and delivered a presentation on the potential for carbon markets to contribute to the costs of grassland restoration in Asia. Poster session presented at the meeting of FAO East Asian Regional consultation. Gansu Province China,. Gansu Province China. 2007 Leake, J. E. (2007). The role of NyPa Distichlis spp. Cultivars in altering groundwater & soil conditions – a work in progress July 2003. Poster session presented at the meeting of Salinity Seminar. Hydrological Society of South Australia, Australian Geomechanics Society, South Australian Chapter, and International Association of Hydrogeologists, Australian National Chapter.. Adelaide: Institute for International Development. 2001 Leake, J. E. (2001). National Dry Land Salinity Program; Key note speaker second Day ‘Salinity Stocktake’ Bendigo November 2000. Poster session presented at the meeting of National Dry Land Salinity Program; ‘Salinity Stocktake’. Bendigo. 2001 Leake, J. E. (2001). Salt of the Earth. Water Salt and the limits of growth,. Poster session presented at the meeting of Adelaide Festival of Ideas. Adelaide: Institute for International Development. 1999 Leake, J. E. (1999). An introduction, the place of Halophytes in the Australian landscape. Poster session presented at the meeting of Productive use of Saline lands conference. Naracoorte. 1993 Falvey, L., & Leake, J. (1993). Sustainable Management for Livestock: Mongolia. Invited Speaker, First Plenary Session of the 7th World Conference on Animal Production, Edmonton Canada. Poster session presented at the meeting of First Plenary Session of the 7th World Conference on Animal Production, Edmonton, Alberta Canada, June 28-July 2, 1993. Volume 1. Edmonton, Alberta Canada. 1993 Falvey, L., & Leake, J. (1993). Sustainable Management for Livestock: Mongolia. Invited Speaker, First Plenary Session of the 7th World Conference on Animal Production, Edmonton Canada. Poster session presented at the meeting of First Plenary Session of the 7th World Conference on Animal Production, Edmonton, Alberta Canada, June 28-July 2, 1993. Volume 1. Edmonton, Alberta Canada. 1993 Leake, J. E. (1993). Sustainable Management of Mongolian Grasslands. Poster session presented at the meeting of Partnerships for Change - Environmental Practice in the 1990's. Darling Harbour Sydney. 1981 Falvey, L., & Leake, J. (1981). The role of monitoring, evaluation and research stages in rural development programs. No.22 monitoring the dynamics of rural development programs. Sub-theme E for Rural Development Conference.. Poster session presented at the meeting of No.22 monitoring the dynamics of rural development programs. Sub-theme E for Rural Development Conference.. Australia. 1981 Falvey, L., & Leake, J. (1981). The role of monitoring, evaluation and research stages in rural development programs. No.22 monitoring the dynamics of rural development programs. Sub-theme E for Rural Development Conference.. Poster session presented at the meeting of No.22 monitoring the dynamics of rural development programs. Sub-theme E for Rural Development Conference.. Australia. -
Working Paper
Year Citation 2007 Leake, J. E., & Flannery, T. (2007). Rehabilitation of tropical and subtropical areas as a means for the bio sequestration of Carbon. Leake J E and Flannery Tim 2006-2007. Institute for International DevelopmentLtd (IID). 2006 Leake, J., & Flannery, T. (2006). A review of estimates for the potential for bio sequestration in the tropics, Leake J E & Flannery Tim 2007. Institute for International Development Ltd (IID). 2006 Leake, J., & Flannery, T. (2006). A review of estimates for the potential for bio sequestration in the tropics, Leake J E & Flannery Tim 2007. Institute for International Development Ltd (IID). 1993 Leake, J. E. (1993). A planting system to utilise high protein leguminous shrubs as a fodder reserve and erosion protection system in semi-arid environments. 1972, updated 1978.. Institute for International Development Ltd (IID). -
Internet Publications
Year Citation 2011 Leake, J. E. (2011). Strategic Planning in a Ceasefire Zone Pa-O Southern Shan State, 2016 (the first strategic plan in a ceasefire zone since the promulgation of the new constitution of Myanmar). Institute for International Development Ltd. 1992 Leake, J. E. (1992). A fencing scheme to maximise use of erratic rains in arid and semiarid regions in northern Australia, 1974, 1978, 1985.1992. Institute for International Development Ltd (IID).
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2018 Co-Supervisor Wheat, Weapons and Worship: Improving the Delivery of Agricultural Development in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Angus Alexander Davidson -
Other Supervision Activities
Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name 2019 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Sustainable development of innovation to reduce the tapping panel dryness (TPD) in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) for rubber small holders Thaksin University, International College Sustainable Development Doctorate Part Time Ms Wanphen Buakong
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Board Memberships
Date Role Board name Institution name Country 2009 - 2011 Member Natural Resources Management Council South Australian Australia 2002 - 2004 Advisory Board Member Azerbaijan Rural Credit Project Management Review Committee World Bank Azerbaijan -
Consulting/Advisories
Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country 2019 - 2019 Department for International Development (DIFID) and Pa-O Myanmar office Business and professional Myanmar 2018 - 2019 Private Clients, for an Australian Food Future Fund Development investment Business and professional Australia 2017 - 2017 Royal Government of Bhutan Livestock and Veterinary Department Conservation and environment Bhutan 2016 - 2019 Asian Development Bank ADB Community Development Farming and related Myanmar 2014 - 2014 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland International development Legislative and political Myanmar 2014 - 2014 Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) International cooperation Scientific research Myanmar 2014 - 2014 Community Macadamia Nut Cluster Community Forestry Farming and related Myanmar 2013 - 2014 GIZ Myanmar unit Conservation and environment Myanmar 2013 - 2014 Private Client Export Business and professional Australia 2012 - 2012 Swiss Development Corporation International development (SDC) Conservation and environment Myanmar 2011 - 2012 Pa-O Special administrative zone government Communtiy development Legislative and political Myanmar 2011 - 2011 UNDP-GEF Environment Conservation and environment Viet Nam 2011 - 2011 UNDP GEF Environment Conservation and environment Kyrgyzstan 2011 - 2011 Rex Minerals Environment Business and professional Australia 2011 - 2011 Pacific Group of Companies Environment IP Business and professional Australia 2010 - 2012 Norwegian Embassy in Thailand Myanmar Section Conservation and environment Myanmar 2010 - 2011 AusAid AusAid Development gateway Conservation and environment Australia 2010 - 2010 Tripartite group; Asean, UN, & Government of Myanmar UNDP support group Conservation and environment Myanmar 2010 - 2010 UNDP-GEF Environment Conservation and environment Kazakhstan 2010 - 2010 UNDP-GEF Environment Conservation and environment Kyrgyzstan 2009 - 2011 Natural Resource Management Council of South Australia NRM Boards and the Council Conservation and environment Australia 2009 - 2009 UNDP- GEF GEF unit Farming and related Azerbaijan 2008 - 2012 Natural Resource Commission of NSW (NRC) Audit and and assurance Conservation and environment Australia 2006 - 2007 Private Group of Clients Coorong Angas meats and Darialda Meats Business and professional Australia 2006 - 2007 Private Client Development Business and professional Australia 2006 - 2006 USAID Agricultural department Farming and related Timor-Leste 2006 - 2006 UNDP/GEF Ministry of Environment Conservation and environment Azerbaijan 2005 - 2005 Institute for International Development (IID) Development Fund Civil rights activities Myanmar 2004 - 2005 Water Industry Alliance Market development Business and professional Australia 2004 - 2004 Dulwich centre Dulwich Centre Foundation Civil rights activities Papua New Guinea 2003 - 2004 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Technical department Business and professional Australia 2003 - 2003 Kish Island Development Authority Airport Development Conservation and environment Iran, Islamic Republic of 2002 - 2004 Azerbaijan Rural Credit Project World Bank Baku office Business and professional Azerbaijan 2001 - 2001 NyPa Incorporated Phytoremediation Conservation and environment United States 2001 - 2001 Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat Conservation and environment Cambodia 2000 - 2001 Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat Conservation and environment Cambodia 2000 - 2000 Land and Water Austealia National Dry Land Salinity Program Conservation and environment Australia 1999 - 1999 United Nations Drag Control Project (UNDCP) Alternative Development Farming and related Viet Nam 1998 - 1999 Asian Development Bank Livestock Department Farming and related Thailand 1998 - 1998 United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) Alternative development Legislative and political Myanmar 1997 - 1998 United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP ) Development Farming and related Viet Nam 1997 - 1998 Coonamble Beef Cattle fattening and marketing Cooperative Committee in Council Farming and related Australia 1997 - 1997 Australian International Development Bureau (AIDAB) Private sector linkage program Farming and related Lao People's Democratic Republic 1997 - 1997 Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) World Bank Cooperative program Conservation and environment China 1997 - 1997 United Nations Drug Control Programme Office of Project Services Business and professional Viet Nam 1996 - 1997 United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) OPS Conservation and environment Myanmar 1995 - 1995 Asian Development Bank Livestock Farming and related Nepal 1995 - 1995 Australian Dairy Corporation Export Business and professional Viet Nam 1994 - 1994 WA department of Agriculture Livestock processing Conservation and environment Australia 1994 - 1994 World Bank Livestock Farming and related Iran, Islamic Republic of 1994 - 1994 South Australian Natural Resource Council NRC Conservation and environment Australia 1993 - 1994 Lower Eyre Peninsula Economic Development authority Agriculture Business and professional Australia 1992 - 1992 Asian Development Bank (ADB) Agriculture Business and professional Mongolia 1992 - 1992 International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Investment Farming and related Australia 1992 - 1992 Dairy feedlot Environmental section Farming and related Australia 1992 - 1992 E& WS Department of South Australia Bolivar Conservation and environment Australia 1992 - 1992 World Bank Agriculture Business and professional Russian Federation 1991 - 1993 Wimmera Industrial Minerals Environmental programme Conservation and environment Australia 1991 - 1991 Penrice Soda Products Salt production unit Business and professional Australia 1991 - 1991 International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Investment Farming and related China 1990 - 1991 District Council of Light CED Conservation and environment Australia 1990 - 1990 Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation (AMLC) Scientific Studies Business and professional Australia 1990 - 1990 Kinhill Engineers Kinhill Delfin MFP Joint Venture Business and professional Australia 1989 - 1999 Subud Foundation Livestock indutry Farming and related Indonesia 1989 - 1989 World Bank Livestock Business and professional Uganda 1989 - 1989 IFAD Investment Centre Farming and related China 1988 - 1996 Private client Development Business and professional Australia 1988 - 1996 Asian Development Bank Livestock Conservation and environment Bhutan 1988 - 1988 University of Adelaide, Luminus Luminus Business and professional Australia 1988 - 1988 World Bank China division Farming and related China 1988 - 1988 SAFCOL Development, Thai entity Business and professional China 1987 - 1987 IFAD Investment centre Business and professional Bhutan 1986 - 1986 FAO/ IFAD Investment centre Farming and related China 1985 - 1989 AusAid Development assistance Farming and related Uganda 1985 - 1986 Private Israeli client Investment Business and professional Australia 1985 - 1985 ASPAC AusTrade promotion Advocacy China 1985 - 1985 Private client Investment Business and professional Indonesia 1984 - 1985 Department of Premier and Cabinet of Western Australia Premier and Cabinet Farming and related Australia 1983 - 2008 Private client Value chain development Business and professional New Zealand 1983 - 1983 Peat Marwick and Mitchell Singapore New ventures Business and professional Singapore 1982 - 1988 AIDAB Development assistance Farming and related Myanmar 1979 - 1979 Australian Refugee trust Catholic Refugee Trust Civil rights activities Cambodia 1978 - 1979 European Development Fund EDF Farming and related Indonesia 1978 - 1978 FAO World Bank cooperative Programme World Bank Cooperative Programme of FAO Farming and related Indonesia 1969 - 1969 US Government CORD Community Resettlement Farming and related Thailand 1969 - 1968 US Government, CORD Community resettlement Farming and related Viet Nam 1968 - 1973 Privatre clients Development Business and professional Australia 1968 - 1969 Elders GM Export Farming and related China 1968 - 1968 US Government CORD Community Resettlement Farming and related Lao People's Democratic Republic 1968 - 1968 Private Resettlemnent Farming and related Cambodia -
Event Participation
Date Event Name Event Type Institution Country 2009 - 2009 Central Asian Initiative for Land Management (CACILM) Conference Global Initiative of IFAD for The Global Environment Facility and 8 donor members Kazakhstan 2005 - 2005 Central Asian Initiative for Land Management (CACILM) Conference Asian Development Bank- Global Environment Facility Tajikistan 2003 - 2003 Hydrological Society of South Australia Conference International Association of Hydrogeologists Australian Chapter Australia 2002 - 2002 Mekong River Commission Joint Committee Meeting Board meetings Mekong River Commission (MRC) Cambodia 2001 - 2001 Adelaide Festival of Ideas 2001 Convention Government of South Australia Australia 2001 - 2001 MRCS Ministerial Board Annual general meetings Mekong River Commision Cambodia 2001 - 2001 Catchment Management Conference Conference Mekong River Commission Cambodia 2000 - 2000 National Dry Land Salinity Program Salinity Stocktake conference Conference Land and Water Australia Australia 1999 - 1999 Productive Use of Saline Lands Conference National dryland salinity association Australia 1993 - 1993 World Conference on Animal Production Edmonton Conference Animal Industry Canada 1993 - 1993 Partnerships for Change Environmental Practice in the 1990s Conference Annual Conference Australia 1972 - 1978 World Bank Seminar Timor Indonesia Conference IRBD Indonesia -
Expert Witness
Date Case Institution Country 2002 - 2002 NSW Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Salinity NSW Legislative Assembly Select committee on salinity Australia 1992 - 1992 Workers compensation, olive growing in low rainfall areas South Australian Bar Australia
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