Lindiwe Sibanda Majele
| Doctor Lindiwe Sibanda Majele | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Lindiwe Sibanda Majele October 4, 1963 Zimbabwe |
| Residence | South Africa |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Education | University of Reading |
| Occupation | Academic and Researcher |
| Employer | Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) |
| Spouse(s) | Lindela Ndlovu (Late) |
| Children | Lindelwe, Lindumuzi and Likhwa |
| Parent(s) |
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Dr. Lindiwe Sibanda Majele is a Zimbabwean academic and a researcher in African agricultural policy. She was the Chief Executive Officer of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), an inter-organization to promote agriculture on the continent from February 2004 to June 2017. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture (GACSA).[1]
Background
Lindiwe is an animal scientist by training and a practicing commercial beef cattle farmer. Dr. Sibanda grew up on a farm in rural Zimbabwe, and believes her strong personal connection to Africa’s agricultural traditions has helped her become one of the continent’s leading advocates for food and nutrition security.[2] She is currently coordinating policy research and advocacy programs in 14 southern African countries, all aimed at making Africa a food-secure region. Her portfolio includes policy research and advocacy work on food policies, agricultural productivity, natural resources and environment, and the impact of HIV/Aids on agriculture and food security in southern Africa. In 2009, Lindiwe led the ” No-Agriculture, No-Deal “ global campaign and mobilised African civil society organisations to push for the inclusion of agriculture in the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) negotiations.[3]
Education
She received her BSc at the University of Alexandria, Egypt; her MSc and PhD at the University of Reading, UK.
Career
Lindiwe Majele Sibanda was CEO and Head of Mission of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) from February 2004 to June 2017. Globally she is a recognized leader and has served as trustee and adviser to numerous international food security-related initiatives. She is a serving member of, the SDG Target by 2030 Champions 12.3, a commissioner for the EAT-Lancet Commission on Sustainable Healthy Food Systems, the United Nations (UN) Committee for Policy Development (CDP),; and the African Union Commission (AUC) Leadership Council. She has served as a university professor in agriculture, animal sciences and veterinary sciences and she is a regular guest lecturer at several universities. Lindiwe was also appointed member of the ACIAR Policy Advisory Council.[4]
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) announced Dr. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda as its new Vice President for Country Support, Policy, and Delivery from 1 July 2017 to September 2018. Her recruitment reflected a significant move to build on AGRA’s vast expertise and knowledge of the continent by strengthening its abilities to support governments – particularly ministers of agriculture and related institutions – that are prioritizing inclusive agricultural transformation in order to drive food and nutrition security and economic growth.
In 2012, she again was named board chair of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
Highlights of her work career includes serving as:
- Vice President - Country Support , Policy and Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) which is rolling out a 500 million US dollar agricultural transformation strategy in 11 African counties.
- Head of Mission and CEO for FANRPAN, a pan-African policy think tank based in South Africa, with operations in 17 African Union member states.
- Managing Director of Linds Agricultural Services and Linds, UK, a private consultancy firm that championed the functions analysis of ministries of agriculture in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi leading to prioritization and alignment of state functions.
- Research officer and lecturer in Animal sciences and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe from 1992 to 2001.
Awards
She is a recipient of numerous awards for her contribution towards agriculture and food security in Africa; including the, Science Diplomacy Award by the Government of South Africa (2015); FARA Award for Exemplary leadership (2014); and Yara 2013 Prize Laureate, (2013) (Recognizing her contribution to African agriculture specifically her work with the youth, innovation and entrepreneurship).
Works
- Sepo Hachigonta, Gerald C. Nelson, Timothy S. Thomas, Lindiwe Majele Sibanda Southern African Agriculture and Climate Change: A Comprehensive Analysis, International Food Policy Research Institute, 2013, ISBN 9780896298309
- Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, Fred Kalibwani, Tendayi Kureya, Silent Hunger: Policy Options for Effective Responses to the Impact of HIV and AIDS on Agriculture and Food Security in the SADC Region, 2006, ISBN 9780797433427
Publications
Climate Change Adaptation in Southern Africa: Linking science studies and policy decisions to drive evidence - based action https://ccafs.cgiar.org/sites/default/files/LindiweMajeleSibanda-CV.pdf
