Lulama Ndibongo Traub

I hold a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University (MSU). As part of my MSc Thesis; I developed an econometric model to test the effect of maize market reform on milling margins within South Africa. The results from this study found non-competitive behavior along the maize value chain and were subsequently presented to (and not well-received by) the South African Chamber of Millers. Through this experience I realized; in order to “speak truth to power” in Africa, I would need to return home. And so, began the journey to find the appropriate institutional affiliation. In 2010 I joined the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University and in 2017 I enrolled in their Ph.D. program. I am currently finalizing my dissertation which examines the employment effects of food exports in Sub-Saharan Africa.