Krishna Pahari leads the Livelihoods and Food Security Programme at the Nepal Development Research Institute, where he also served as President (2023–2025). He previously held senior roles at the World Food Programme, including Head of Research, Assessment, and Monitoring at its East Africa Regional Bureau. Krishna holds a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing and a Master’s in Natural Resource Management; and has extensive research and teaching experience at various institutions including the Asian Institute of Technology, the University of Tokyo, and Kathmandu University. His work focuses on food security, resilience, and evidence-based policy. 

Over four decades of experience in Nepal and abroad, in organizations including United Nations, Academia, research institutes and development sector. The major include: 

• Nepal Development Research Institute: one of the founding members, first Executive Director (2004-05), President (2023-25) and lead on livelihoods and food security (2021- current). 

• United Nations: Served in Nepal and countries across Asia and Africa for 16 years mostlyly with the World Food Programme; the last assignment was as the Head of Research, Assessment and Monitoring for WFP’s Regional Bureau in Nairobi, covering 10 countries in East Africa. Also worked with FAO in South Sudan in 2010. 

• University: Associate Professor (2000-2003), and JSPS (Japan Society for Promotion of Science) Post doctoral research fellow (1998-200) at the University of Tokyo; Adjunct Faculty (1998), Teaching Associate (1994-98) at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; Visiting Faculty at Kathmandu University (2024), Tribhuvan University – Kantipur Engineering College (2005-08), Poorvanchal University -School of Environmental Management (2004-08) . 

• Development sector: Civil engineer, Project engineer and Senior Technical Advisor in CARE Nepal (1984-92), Civil Engineer at TAEC Consult (1983-84) 

Contributed about 100 publications including in scientific journals, books, conference proceedings, UN publications, working papers, etc. Presented papers at prestigious international scientific conferences. Has been to some 55 countries for research, professional work and related travel.

United Nations: World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization 

Universities: University of Tokyo, Asian Institute of Technology, Kathmandu University, Poorvanchal University, Tribhuvan University 

Research: Nepal Development Research Institute 

Development sector: CARE Nepal, TAEC consult 

Food security, livelihood, vulnerability analysis, mapping, anticipatory action, capacity building 

Food security and nutrition, migration, strategic planning for zero hunger; food systems, support to evidence-based policy 

Ph.D. (GIS/Remote Sensing), and Masters (Natural Resource Management), Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; B. Sc. (Civil Engineering), Punjab University, India.