STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ECONOMICS HISTORY
The Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University, founded in 1925, is the oldest department of its kind in South Africa. Prof. J.F.W. Grosskopf, the first Chair, set the foundation for a department that has since become a cornerstone of agricultural economics education and research. The department’s first graduates completed their Bachelor’s degrees in 1926, with Master’s degrees following in 1930. Over the years, more than 2,000 students have graduated with Bachelor’s degrees and approximately 400 students with postgraduate degrees, reflecting the department’s enduring commitment to producing agricultural economists who contribute to addressing the sector’s challenges.
Many distinguished academics have shaped the department’s legacy, including Prof. F.R. Tomlinson, whose pioneering work in integrating macro- and microeconomic analysis deeply influenced South African agricultural economics. Other key figures such as Profs. W.E. Kassier, A.S.M. Karaan, N. Vink, and T.E. Kleynhans have further advanced the field. The department’s strong ties to the agricultural and agribusiness sectors are reflected in the careers of former staff members like Prof. W.J. Pretorius, who went on to become General Manager of KWV, Prof. Van der Merwe, who contributed to the Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery, and Prof Philip Spies, who moved on to establish the Institute for Futures Research at the University’s Business School. Additionally, Prof. P.E. de Waal, and Prof T.E. Kleynhans transitioned into farming after their time in the department.
Prof. W.E. Kassier, one of the department’s most influential leaders, played a crucial role in shaping agricultural policy in South Africa. Appointed in 1965, Prof. Kassier gained recognition for his excellent teaching and academic contributions, particularly in his leadership of the Committee of Inquiry into the Marketing Act in 1992, where he was instrumental in dismantling outdated agricultural marketing control systems. After his retirement, Prof. Kassier was appointed the first Chair of the National Agricultural Marketing Council, where he implemented his proposed reforms.
Under Prof. Kassier’s leadership, the department underwent a complete transformation within one year, with student numbers increasing annually. He also insisted on teaching the first-year agricultural economics students—an opportunity to shape the minds of future agricultural economists as early as possible. As his former colleague Philip Spies noted, “Eckart’s boldness and innovative approaches captivated me. He may not have been the very best theorist, but he was undoubtedly the finest educator I have ever encountered in South Africa.”
During his time as Chair, Prof Kassier also introduced the BAgric Management degree in 1978, later evolving into the BAgric Agribusiness Management degree. This innovation addressed the need for a more applied, three-year undergraduate program in agricultural economics. The department also introduced a BComm degree with agricultural economics as a major, responding to the growing demand for agricultural economists in the agribusiness sector. During his 80th birthday celebration a student bursary fund was also created in his name. During the event, the late Prof Mohammad Karaan said, “By naming a bursary fund in his honour, we not only acknowledge his role, but also contribute to the development of agricultural economists of the future.” Anyone interested in contributing to this bursary fund can email Elizabeth Von Wechmar at ekvw@sun.ac.za for the necessary documentation.
A unique moment in the history of the Department was in 2017, when the Presidents of our major global Agricultural Economics Associations met for lunch at the Decameron restaurant in Stellenbosch. In the photo below, from left to right, are Prof Nick Vink, President-elect of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, Ms Bongiswa Matoti, who graduated with her Master’s degree from the Department, and was President of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa, Prof Ed Mabaya, who spent an 18 month sabbatical in the Department, and was President of the African Association of Agricultural Economics, and Prof Johan van Rooyen, President of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association.
From left to right: Prof Nick Vink, Ms Bongiswa Matoti, Prof Edward Mabaya, and Prof Johan van Rooyen
The department has consistently focused on research and teaching to meet the needs of the agricultural industry. Its research spans a wide array of areas, including production management, agribusiness, environmental and natural resource management, international trade, and agricultural policy analysis. Over the years, the department has produced graduates who have significantly influenced both the public and private sectors of South Africa’s agricultural economy.
As the department continues to evolve, it remains at the forefront of agricultural economics education and research. In 2019, it launched the Stellenbosch AgroInformatics Initiative under the guidance of Dr Jan Greyling and maintained strong international collaborations. With its vision to be Africa’s leading department in agricultural economics, Stellenbosch University’s Department of Agricultural Economics plays a key role in shaping the future of agriculture and equipping the next generation of agricultural economists to tackle global challenges.
A notable recent development in the department’s history is the appointment of Prof. A. Jooste as Chair of the Department in 2021. Prof. A. Jooste brings 24 years of experience in the agricultural sector in various disciplines, including the Universities of Pretoria and the Free State, the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), and Potatoes SA. He was also awarded Agriculturalist of the Year in 2013 for the Agricultural Writers SA North.
Also in 2021, Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences and BFAP formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership builds on two decades of successful joint work between the Department and BFAP, which has included academic publications, research reports, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at supporting the South African Government and a broad range of stakeholders, including civil society, professional organisations, and private sector entities. The MoU provides an official academic home for BFAP researchers to collaborate with Stellenbosch faculty, facilitating the creation of industry-relevant, peer-reviewed publications. The partnership also allows BFAP researchers to contribute to teaching and postgraduate supervision, bringing practical experience and innovation into the classroom.
In response to the evolving needs of its students, the Department supported the creation of the Agricultural Economics Postgraduate Association (AEPA) of Stellenbosch University in 2023. AEPA provides a platform for students to connect academically, professionally, and socially, fostering collaboration, networking with industry, and building a strong community. This initiative reflects the department’s commitment to enhancing the postgraduate experience and preparing students to meet the challenges of the agricultural sector.
This century-long legacy of excellence, innovation, and leadership reflects the department’s significant and enduring impact on agricultural economics, both within South Africa and globally.
If you are interested in attending our celebratory events hosted in the Western Cape in the months of May and September, please reach out to Melissa van der Merwe – vdmm@sun.ac.za.
