Presentations on two recent books
Inclusive Business in Agriculture. What, how and for whom? Critical insights based on South African cases: presentation by Wytske Chamberlain (University of Pretoria)
An Empty Plate: Why we are losing the battle for our food system, why it matters, and how we can win it back: presentation by Tracy Ledger (TIPS Research Associate)
Discussant: Ms Ncumi Mcata-Mhlauli, Chief Director: Agro-processing, Department of Trade and Industry
Background
Inclusive business is hailed as a win-win scenario for the development of poor communities; yet there is little insight into how these inclusive businesses work and, more importantly, for whom. Wytske Chamberlain examines the structures of IBs, the actors involved and aims to answer the question, are they effectively inclusive of smallholder farmers?
An Empty Plate analyses the state of the South African agri-food system. Tracy Ledger demonstrates how this system is perpetuating poverty, threatening land reform, and entrenching inequality with negative outcomes for our social fabric.
Presenters
Wytske Chamberlain is a PhD Candidate in Rural Development, University of Pretoria, where she conducts research on inclusive businesses. She holds an Honours degree in Economic Geography from Utrecht University and a Masters degree in Human Geography from the University of the Witwatersrand. Wytske is also the Coordinator of the Regional Focal Point Africa - Land Matrix Initiative, which monitors large-scale land acquisitions.
Tracy Ledger is a TIPS Research Associate. She is a Development Economist. She has Honours and Masters degrees in Economics and Agricultural Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch respectively, and a PhD in Economic Anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Tracy has worked in macroeconomic analysis, development policy analysis and design, and the management of development interventions. She has a particular interest in agri-food systems, small farmer inclusion and food security.