GreenCape is pleased to introduce to our stakeholders a new appointment to our Agriculture team.
Tokelo Shai (Junior Agriculture Analyst)
What is your background expertise and how does that relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I have a masters in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security. I have experience in working on climate change adaptation and mitigation projects from my time at SouthSouthNorth and DNA Economics. I also worked in Rome at the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) where I applied some of the skills I attained from my master’s program. My role thus far has been research intensive and broadened my understanding on the energy-food nexus which I believe is essential for my current role as junior agriculture analyst.
Why have you chosen the career path that you have?
I ended up in this industry through my experience working at South-South North, which is a climate change consultancy. The experience allowed me to reflect on how climate change is affecting me and that narrowed my childhood. Growing up, we would go to my grandmother’s farm where we would assist with farming some sugarcane and maize. Going back to the farm now, the productivity and yield has declined and this revealed to me, the irrefutable truths of climate change and its impact on agriculture. This has inspired me to do my masters in climate change, agriculture and food security which has allowed me to begin my journey in this field, and the rest was just different opportunities that came along which brought me to where I am now.
What projects have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
At the moment it would be the market analysis for water smart agriculture technologies which is funded by the Water Research Commission and then the Urban Agriculture project which is funded by the City of Cape Town. I’ll also be supporting with the agriculture sector desk activities.
What impact are you hoping to have in your sector?
I’d like to play a role in providing opportunities for a different range of farmers whether it’s in commercial, emerging or small-scale farming and to establish opportunities for the diffusion of technologies and best practices that contribute to the transition to a low carbon economy.
What’s your favourite thing about GreenCape?
So far everyone has been very welcoming and there’s a lot of guidance and suggestions on where to settle, everyone is very keen to assist and support you which is great.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading (especially African literature), I like to go for a run, my goal this year is to hopefully run a full marathon, and an occasional hike.
