Invitation to Development Dialogue Seminar

1. Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) invites you to a
Development Dialogue Seminar
Transforming Agri-Systems: Monday 26 June 2017
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 answers the question whether they are 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; 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.
Date: Monday 26th
June 2017
Time: 13h30 – 16h00
Venue: TIPS Boardroom, 234 Lange St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, PTA
RSVP by email: daphney@tips.org.za to confirm attendance.
About the Development Dialogue Seminar Series: The objective of the seminar series is to provide a platform to
share views and ideas on development and policy issues. These seminars are geared towards individuals that are
involved the policy development process. To access the presentations of seminars which have already taken place,
visit the TIPS website under events.