Meet the panel chairs
PROF MICHAEL ALIBER
Professor Michael Aliber is an accomplished academic and leader in the field of agricultural and rural development. Currently serving as the Head of Department in Agricultural Economic and Extension in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture and the Director of the Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute (ARDRI) at the prestigious University of Fort Hare in South Africa, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his roles.Prof. Aliber's educational journey reflects his dedication to understanding and improving the agricultural landscape. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Williams College (USA), a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Michigan (USA), and a PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Wisconsin (USA).Within the University of Fort Hare, Prof. Aliber is an integral part of the Department of Agricultural Economic and Extension, where he contributes significantly to the academic and research community.Beyond his academic achievements, Prof. Aliber is deeply committed to community engagement. He actively collaborates with various local and international organizations, such as the Raymond Mhlaba Farmers' Association and eDikeni Water Users Association, to enhance support for smallholder farmers in the region. He is a strong advocate for food security, supporting study groups in different parts of the Eastern Cape. Notably, he initiated and continues to support the Keiskammahoek Farmers' Market, furthering economic opportunities for local farmers and contributing to sustainable agriculture in the area.Prof. Michael Aliber's multifaceted contributions, ranging from academia to community development, exemplify his dedication to agricultural advancement and rural prosperity in South Africa.
PROF JOYCE CHITJA
Prof. Joyce Chitja, a renowned academic with 20 years at UKZN, is Director of the African Centre for Food Security. She specializes in Food and Nutrition Security, focusing on smallholder farmers. She secures and leads large research grants and mentors students at UKZN. She contributes to food security policies regionally, particularly within SADC. Her expertise spans food security, water use security, and market access. Prof. Chitja is a skilled networker, recognized globally as a visiting scholar. She has also served on company boards and received prestigious awardsHer dedication has been acknowledged with prestigious awards, cementing her status as a leading figure in food security.Don't miss the chance to engage with Prof. Chitja's expertise at our conference. Her insights promise to enrich our discussions on crucial food security issues.
DR THULASIZWE MKHABELA
Thulasizwe Mkhabela, a PhD holder in Agricultural Economics from Stellenbosch University and an alumnus of UCT, UNISWA (now Eswatini), and University of Northwest, is a seasoned agricultural development consultant with diverse expertise. With over five years of teaching at Stellenbosch University and roles at organizations like NAMC, ADA, and ARC, he is now an Independent Consultant and Managing Director at Outcome Mapping.Thulasizwe excels in conceptualizing, implementing, and evaluating agricultural development initiatives and land reform projects. He actively engages in economic policy, private equity investments in Africa, and public policy issues in agriculture and rural development. His extensive publications, including 20+ peer-reviewed papers and Op-Ed columns, highlight his thought leadership in agribusiness and food systems. He also ventures into mining and agriculture's intersection through social transition and Social Labour Plans.