My background is deeply rooted in rural areas where livelihoods are intimately connected to the land and the whims of weather. Growing up in such an environment, I witnessed firsthand the crucial role of subsistence farming in sustaining rural households. This early exposure led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, where I gained technical knowledge about farming practices and land management. However, my experiences in these rural settings also revealed that the sustainability of livelihoods extends beyond agricultural practices. I observed that the challenges faced by rural communities were not solely due to the limitations of the land or erratic weather patterns but were significantly influenced by the policies and institutional frameworks governing these areas. I realised that to truly support and enhance rural livelihoods, it was essential to understand the broader context in which these communities operate, particularly the public policies and institutional structures that impact their daily lives. This realisation steered my academic journey towards public governance when I obtained a Doctor of Public Administration.

My interest in public governance is driven by a desire to explore and address the systemic issues contributing to rural poverty and social exclusion. My current research focuses on the intersection of rural livelihoods and public service delivery systems. I am particularly interested in how institutions can be better organised or networked to support sustainable livelihoods, reduce poverty, and enhance social inclusion in rural areas. By examining the linkages between state and non-state actors, local institutions, and the communities they serve, I aim to identify effective strategies for improving network governance and public service delivery in rural contexts. My work is informed by both my academic background in Agriculture, my Doctor of Public Administration and my practical understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to bring a unique perspective to public administration and governance, with a solid commitment to positively impacting rural livelihoods.

        Public Service Delivery and Social Inclusion involves analysing how public services can be more effectively designed and implemented to reach marginalised groups, specifically emphasising women who often bear the brunt of socio-economic disadvantages in rural areas. Institutional Linkages and Collaboration includes exploring forward and backward linkages to understand how these relationships can be optimised to enhance service delivery. The aim is to identify best practices and innovative approaches that can be scaled up to improve the efficacy of public service delivery in rural contexts. Governance and Organisational Structures involves investigating governance models, organisational frameworks, and institutional dynamics that support effective service delivery and sustainable development in rural areas.Gender and Rural Development investigates how public service delivery systems and anti-poverty programs can be tailored to address these challenges and empower women. This includes examining the impact of gender-sensitive policies and interventions on the socio-economic well-being of rural women.

·         Sustainable Livelihoods Framework analyses how various factors such as human, social, natural, physical, and financial capital interact to affect the livelihoods of rural communities. This holistic approach helps identify the key drivers of sustainable livelihoods and the barriers that need to be addressed to enhance resilience and sustainability. Policy Implications and Recommendations includes how the Chair’s research aims to generate policy-relevant findings to inform the design and implementation of public services and anti-poverty programs. This includes providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers on improving service delivery systems and creating enabling environments for sustainable rural development.

Rural areas are often far from urban centers and universities, making travel costly and logistically complex. To address these issues, securing adequate funding is essential to cover travel expenses and infrastructure needs.Building trust with rural populations is critical but challenging, especially in areas where residents may be wary of outsiders. Employing local translators or research assistants fluent in these languages can also facilitate better interactions.Securing the consent of crucial representatives, such as traditional leaders and municipal councillors, is essential for ethical reasons and practical success. This process ensures the community knows and agrees to the research activities, fostering a collaborative environment.

Additionally,researchers must be accountable to the community, sharing findings and involving community members in interpreting results. This approach respects the community’s contributions and enhances the credibility and relevance of the research. Amother challenge is that in rural areas, where residents may be unaccustomed to external researchers, gaining the trust of gatekeepers and community members is crucial for ensuring the safety of the research team. Researchers should conduct risk assessments and develop safety protocols tailored to the specific context of the rural area.

        Rural livelihoods have historically been fragile due to legacies of colonialism and apartheid, manifesting in spatial inequalities, inadequate transport, and poorly resourced municipalities. These systemic issues have perpetuated socio-economic disparities, making it difficult for rural communities to withstand and recover from additional shocks. Prolonged dry seasons have destroyed pastures and crops, while heavy rains and tornadoes have damaged critical infrastructure, including homes, schools, and clinics. These environmental challenges have compounded the socio-economic difficulties faced by rural communities.Additionally,lockdowns and movement restrictions have led to widespread job losses, particularly in retail, hospitality, and informal trading sectors.

        Without savings or social safety nets, low-income communities have struggled to meet basic needs, leading to increased food insecurity and malnutrition. Informal sector workers typically lack formal employment contracts and social protections and experienced significant income losses. The absence of health insurance and access to public healthcare services further heightened their vulnerability to the health impacts of the pandemic.The pre-existing fragilities in rural livelihoods, compounded by the impacts of global warming, have left these groups ill-equipped to cope with and recover from the pandemic’s effects. Addressing these compounded vulnerabilities requires targeted interventions that enhance resilience and provide comprehensive support to marginalised populations.

One of our studies examined these impacts in two contexts: Matatiele and Winnie Madikizela Mandela in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Our key findings highlight the exacerbation of pre-existing vulnerabilities such as :

·         Food Insecurity

·         Gender-Based Violence

·         Difficulty Accessing Health Facilities

·         Loss of Livestock and Increased Stock Theft

·         Inability to Engage in Cultural Practices

·         Loss of Income and Food Shortages

·         Substance Use and Abuse

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing socio-economic, health, and environmental vulnerabilities in the rural areas studied. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these impacts and build resilience in rural communitie

The study reveals that government departments and interest groups made significant efforts to support communities in coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts included providing food parcels, distributing seedlings, supplying airtime to community workers, offering employee emotional well-being programs, conducting health and hygiene training, and delivering online courses. Despite these initiatives, the capacity of these institutions to respond effectively was hampered by a lack of resources.For example, a traditional leader from the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality (WMMLM) highlighted the severe resource constraints, stating, “I want to make it clear that we are on our own. We do not get resources from anywhere.” Additionally, infrastructure deficits posed significant challenges.

A participant from the Disaster Management Unit noted, “Road infrastructure has always been an issue even before COVID-19,” illustrating the persistent infrastructural barriers that exacerbated the pandemic’s impact.Municipalities need to find local solutions by leveraging their partnerships to address these challenges. These partnerships can enhance the capacity to extend the reach of limited resources and bolster the resilience of rural communities against disasters.Long-term measures to secure rural livelihoods beyond COVID-19 will necessitate re-evaluating how the equitable share is calculated and distributed. Ensuring that allocations to rural-based municipalities are more equitable is essential for addressing the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic and fostering sustainable development in these areas.

Yes, I collaborate with researchers from various disciplines. The value of interdisciplinarity is evident in the ability to interpret research problems from multiple perspectives. This collaboration opens my ideas to diverse ways of understanding and addressing research issues, resulting in more rigorous interpretation. It also enhances the practical feasibility and applicability of my findings. Working with experts from different fields enriches my research by integrating various methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and useful insights, leading to comprehensive and innovative solutions to complex problems.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is supervising students and witnessing their growth and success as they apply their knowledge in functional roles within rural municipalities. It is incredibly fulfilling to see students I taught as undergraduates progress through their careers, ultimately earning PhDs and becoming professors. This transformation from eager learners to accomplished professionals who contribute meaningfully to rural development and governance is a testament to the impact of education and mentorship. Seeing their contributions to improving public service delivery and enhancing rural livelihoods reinforces the importance and value of my work, and it continually inspires me to strive for excellence in teaching and research.

One memorable experience in my research career involved observing the critical role of local civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and local government institutions in helping rural communities cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a field study in a rural area, I witnessed firsthand how these local institutions provided essential support despite being hamstrung by a lack of human and financial resources. A particularly striking moment was when a traditional leader described how, despite limited resources, the community managed to organise food distribution and emotional support programs. This revealed these institutions’ valuable role in rural communities’ response to disasters. However, the limitations imposed by resource constraints were evident, underscoring the need for more robust support systems.

This experience highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in mitigating the effects of pandemics. Our research showed that if local governments had funding models enabling them to build and maintain infrastructure such as roads, water, and communication networks, communities would be better cushioned against the effects of pandemics and other related disasters.This experience reinforced my belief in the value of engaging with and learning from the communities we study. It has continued to inspire my work in promoting sustainable rural livelihoods through participatory and inclusive approaches.

           Take full advantage of the support systems available at your university. These resources can provide valuable guidance, help you navigate the challenges of academic life, and offer opportunities for professional development.Engage with your professors, senior researchers, and fellow students. Networking can open doors to collaborative research projects, provide insights into emerging trends, and offer mentorship opportunities.  Seek mentoriship as they can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate the complexities of an academic career. They can also offer constructive feedback on your work and support you in achieving your career goals.The path to academic success is often fraught with challenges and setbacks. Rejections, revisions, and criticism are part of the process. Stay persistant and consistent.

Dedicate yourself to producing high-quality, impactful research. Identify research questions that are meaningful and relevant to your field.Publishing in reputable journals and presenting your work at conferences will enhance your academic profile. Engage in interdisciplinary research as this can provide new perspectives, enrich your work, and lead to innovative solutions to complex problems. It also broadens your network and enhances the practical applicability of your research.