Ms Chiedza Tsvakirai, a lecturer in the subject group Agricultural Economics and Extension of the North-West University (NWU), recently represented South Africa in a Young Professionals and Students Case Study Competition in Argentina.

The competition took place during the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) conference held in Buenos Aires from 23 to 27 June, and the South African team scored second place.

The competition attracted participants from across the globe, especially from the United States, Australia, Argentina, Peru, the Netherlands and China.

The case study competition used the Harvard University style of analysis where participants are presented with the profile of a selected agribusiness and are required to develop an innovative solution that will help the company concerned to address its challenges.

This year, the case study focused on areas which are of particular importance in the developing world, and teams were tasked to develop ways of unlocking growth for smallholder farmers.

Chiedza’s team created a value chain that built on strategic partnerships, shared intellectual property ownership, promoted market expansion, supported agro-processing and improved traceability. The team was able to highlight the financial gains that could be unlocked from shared value initiatives.

She and her three team members from the University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch University excelled in the competition and emerged second. When asked about their winning formula, Chiedza said: “We embraced our diverse academic and social backgrounds, and focused on our strengths.”

Chiedza is based at the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng and her research focus area is sustainable development.

Paige Bowen (University of Pretoria), Jodie Vosloo (University of Pretoria), Ayabonga Sibulali (University of Stellenbosch) and Chiedza Tsvakirai (NWU) secured second place in the Young Professionals and Students Case Study Competition.