NRF 25 years: Dr Thobani Cele

This year, the NRF is celebrating a major milestone in our history as we commemorate 25 years of Research, Innovation, Impact and Partnerships. It always gives us great joy to share the accomplishments and impact of the many students and researchers we have supported during various stages of their careers. We thank all participants for submitting their stories and hope you enjoy reading about their journey with the NRF.

Dr Thobani Cele is a Scientific Researcher. She received an NRF Scarce Skills Scholarship for her Master’s, and an NRF-DAAD scholarship for her PhD.

How did your journey start?

From a young age, I was fascinated by the interplay between society and the environment, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Geography and Environmental Management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). My passion for addressing food security issues among smallholder farmers inspired me to further my studies, completing a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s of Agriculture in Food Security at UKZN. My Master’s research, which focused on the effects of collective action on market participation and food security among smallholder farmers, was supported by the NRF Scarce Skills Scholarship. This scholarship was instrumental in enabling me to delve deeper into my field of interest.

Building on this foundation, I pursued a PhD at UKZN, focusing on the nexus of underutilised crop production systems and value chains and their implications for household food security. My Doctoral studies were supported by the prestigious NRF-DAAD Scholarship, which provided the necessary resources and opportunities to conduct significant research.

Throughout my academic journey, I have been driven by a commitment to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and food security, culminating in my current role as a researcher at the Moses Kotane Institute where I conduct socio-economic and policy development research.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

My relationship with the NRF has been profoundly influential in my academic and professional development. During my Master’s, I received the NRF Scarce Skills Scholarship which provided critical financial support that allowed me to focus entirely on my research without the burden of financial stress. This support enabled me to produce high-quality research on the effects of collective action on market participation and food security among smallholder farmers.

For my PhD, I was awarded the NRF-DAAD Scholarship, a prestigious award that significantly enhanced my research capabilities. This scholarship not only covered my tuition and research expenses but also provided opportunities for international collaboration and access to a broader network of researchers. The impact of this support was multifaceted: it allowed me to conduct extensive fieldwork, access advanced research tools, and present my findings at international conferences. These experiences have greatly enriched my academic profile and expanded my professional network.

The support from the NRF has had a ripple effect, positively influencing my personal life and those around me. It has enabled me to mentor and co-supervise students, contribute to the academic community at UKZN, and support my family by alleviating financial pressures. The skills and knowledge I gained through these experiences have also been instrumental in my current role at the Moses Kotane Institute, where I continue to contribute to research that has a meaningful impact on society.

What is your area of expertise?

As a Researcher at the Moses Kotane Institute, my work focused on socio-economic issues and innovation, with a particular emphasis on policy development and analysis. My area of expertise lies in agricultural economics, food security, and the value chain of underutilised crops. I conduct research that involves developing methodologies, facilitating data collection through interviews and surveys, and analysing large datasets using advanced statistical software.

My PhD research explored the nexus of underutilised crop production systems and their value chains, investigating their implications on household food security. This work aimed to identify sustainable agricultural practices that can enhance food security and provide economic benefits to smallholder farmers.

My role at the Moses Kotane Institute allows me to apply my research skills to real-world socio-economic challenges, contributing to policy development that supports innovation and sustainable development.

Why is your work/studies important?

My work is crucial in addressing food security and agricultural sustainability, which are pressing issues both in South Africa and globally. By focusing on the production and value chains of underutilised crops, my research aims to promote agricultural diversity, enhance household food security, and provide economic opportunities for smallholder farmers. These crops have the potential to improve resilience against climate change and reduce dependence on major staple crops, thereby contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

The potential impact of my research extends beyond local communities to broader national and international levels. By providing evidence-based recommendations for policy development, my work can inform strategies that support agricultural innovation, promote food security, and foster economic development.

Ultimately, I hope to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and equitable food system that benefits South Africa and the global community.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

Successfully completing my PhD with a focus on the nexus of underutilised crops and household food security at the age of 27. I promised myself when I was 18 that by the age of 27, I would have a red gown from UKZN.

Being awarded the NRF Scarce Skills Scholarship for my Master’s studies, which I passed cum laude, and the NRF-DAAD Scholarship for my PhD, recognising the significance and potential impact of my research.

Being a Golden Key International Honour Society member because of my academic background excellence

Publishing research findings in reputable journals, such as MDPI’s Sustainability and Agriculture, and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. These publications can be accessed via the following links:

• Impacts of Crop Production and Value Chains on Household Food Insecurity in Kwazulu-Natal: An Ordered Probit Analysis
• Impact of Market Participation on Household Food Security among Smallholder Irrigators in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• The impact of credit accessibility and information communication technology on the income of small-scale sugarcane farmers in Ndwedwe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

I was accepted to do a poster presentation at the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE 2024) in New Delhi India.

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