The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Desbo Mohono, recently graduated from the North-West University (NWU) with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Economics. The degree was conferred at a graduation ceremony held on the Potchefstroom Campus on 28 November 2024.
Reflecting on her achievement, Dr Mohono said her experiences in government inspired her to pursue this advanced degree. "As a member of the executive council, I developed a strong interest in agriculture. I wanted to understand its value chain, from primary production to tertiary levels. Farmers face numerous challenges, including climate change, which affects yields and food production."
Dr Mohono explained that her PhD research aimed to address these issues by contributing to policy development. "I sought to build a foundation in economic theory and methods while applying these insights to agricultural and resource economics. The biological nature of farming and its atomistic structure mean that incentives to innovate are weaker in this sector compared to others. This gap motivated me to explore solutions that could benefit farmers and improve productivity."
Digital technologies can drive productivity in agriculture
Her study focused on challenges such as food security, climate change and labour shortages, aiming to drive the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture. "Adoption rates in the North West remain low due to uncertainties about returns and obstacles faced by farmers. My research emphasises the importance of supporting policies that enhance productivity and improve livelihoods," she said.
Dr Mohono highlighted her role as an agricultural economist in analysing economic trends, advising on technology use, and developing strategies to boost yields and profitability. "Improving competitiveness in agriculture can attract benchmarking from other provinces and foster growth in our region."
Reflecting on her journey, Dr Mohono acknowledged the difficulties of balancing academic, political and personal responsibilities. "As a married woman, a mother and a Speaker, it required wisdom, strategy and sacrifices. Studying while managing executive work is challenging, but I was determined to prove that politicians can pursue education and succeed," she said.
Dr Mohono, who previously served as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Tourism and Human Settlements, emphasised the importance of education for political leaders. "From the founding fathers of our liberation movements to today, education has been critical for sharpening intellect and leadership skills. Leaders must prioritise education to serve effectively."
Quoting French military officer and statesman Napoleon Bonaparte, Dr Mohono shared her motivation: "If you want something done, do it yourself. Many doubt the capacity of politicians to engage in academic work, but I wanted to prove otherwise."
Her educational achievements include an education diploma from Lehurutshe College of Education, a BEd honours degree from the Tshwane University of
Technology, and a master’s degree in governance and public leadership from Wits University, among others.
From left are Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, Dr Desbo Mohono, Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, and Prof Raymond Parsons from the NWU Business School.
