WELCOME TO THE SECOND 2026 EDITION OF THE AEASA NEWSLETTER
It is a pleasure to present another edition that reflects the dynamism, diversity, and growing influence of the agricultural economics profession in South Africa and beyond. We begin by highlighting developments within Agrekon, AEASA’s flagship journal, including its continued contribution to advancing scholarly research in food, agricultural, and resource economics. This edition also features the publication of the 2025 Tomlinson Memorial Lecture, presented by Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni, and highlights the 2026 Tomlinson Memorial Lecture, delivered by Prof Michael Aliber. Both lectures offer valuable reflections on South Africa’s agricultural and rural development trajectory while stimulating discussion on the future of inclusive growth and rural transformation.
The newsletter further explores contemporary issues affecting the agricultural sector through an insightful article on indigenous cattle and value chain development, which examines opportunities to strengthen the commercial participation of smallholder farmers while recognising the cultural and economic importance of indigenous livestock systems. We also celebrate the growing international footprint of South African agricultural economists through reports on participation at the GTAP Conference in Japan and the IFAMA World Conference in Ireland. These engagements demonstrate the strength of South African research, the quality of our scholars, and the important role our profession continues to play in addressing global challenges related to food security, trade, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural
development.
As we celebrate these achievements, we also take a moment to honour the life and legacy of Dr (Pastor) Oyewale John Oyesuntimi, whose dedication to agricultural economics, academic excellence, and service to others left a lasting impact on colleagues, students, and the wider community. We conclude this edition by showcasing the latest research published in Agrekon, reaffirming AEASA’s commitment to disseminating high-quality research that informs policy, supports industry, and advances agricultural economics across Southern Africa. We extend our sincere appreciation to all authors and contributors who have made this edition possible. Your continued willingness to share knowledge, research, and professional experiences enriches our community and strengthens the Association’s mission of promoting excellence in agricultural economics.
We hope you find this edition informative, engaging, and inspiring, and
we encourage you to continue contributing your articles, achievements, and perspectives to future editions of the AEASA Newsletter.
Maremo Mphahlele
Newsletter Editor (AEASA)
