The Research Chair on Impact Assessment of Climate-Smart Interventions, headed by Prof Johan van Niekerk, is dedicated to addressing the challenges that climate change poses to food systems and vulnerable populations. By evaluating climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, the chair focuses on measuring the effectiveness of interventions and generating evidence that informs practical, policy-relevant solutions. This work is grounded in an interdisciplinary approach that encourages collaboration with academic institutions, government agencies, and local communities to ensure the relevance and applicability of its findings.
A key emphasis of the chair is on building capacity by equipping stakeholders with the tools and training needed to assess the real-world impacts of climate-smart practices. The research chair aims to promote the development of effective interventions across different regions and sectors, support the creation of sound policies, and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to enhance resilience, promote responsible practices, and contribute meaningfully to food security and the achievement of the applicable Sustainable Development Goals.
The Research Chair aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
About the chair holder:
Prof Johan van Niekerk is a specialist in agricultural extension, rural economic development, and sustainable food systems. He currently serves as Vice-Dean: Agriculture in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), heads the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, and is Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension.
His key competencies include lecturing in Agricultural Extension and Rural Economic Development, facilitating research methodology and academic progress in graduate and postgraduate programmes, and developing course content for postgraduate diplomas and master's programmes in Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, and Food Systems. He is also involved in curriculum design and the presentation of advanced diplomas and short learning programmes, alongside conducting research in his core fields.
Prof Van Niekerk’s research interests include sustainable rural and urban development, agricultural advisory services, agricultural value chains, sustainable food systems, and food and nutrition security. Since 2015, he has successfully supervised 89 master’s theses and 24 PhD dissertations.
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