Dr Wegerif is a Development Studies senior lecturer with the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities, at the University of Pretoria. He coordinates the development studies programme. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Wageningen University and a Master’s Degree (obtained cum laude) in Land and Agrarian Studies from the University of the Western Cape.
He has worked on development issues in a range of organisations for about 30 years. Land and agrarian reform issues have been a focus for over 20 years. He was the Land Rights Policy Lead with Oxfam responsible for global advocacy and coordination of the organisation’s land-related policy work. Other recent roles include managing several multi-country projects and international advocacy and campaigning on trade, climate change, and land and food policy. Previous experience includes extensive work with at range of South African non-government organisations, including starting and running several development organisations.
Dr Wegerif’s research interests are focused on the symbiotic and non-corporate means of production and distribution of food that exist in Southern Africa, with a focus on Tanzania and South Africa. This includes exploring what can be learnt from people’s existing everyday practices, with the aim of achieving the right to food and a more human economy.
