During the week of 23–27 March 2026, the Department of Agricultural Economics had the privilege of hosting Prof Edward Mabaya from Cornell University, who visited the AgriSciences Faculty and presented a lecture on digital agriculture to the postgraduate agricultural economics students. His lecture, drawing on global developments in digital agriculture, highlighted the growing role of data, mobile technologies, and digital platforms in transforming agri-food systems, particularly in the Global South.

Dr Melissa van der Merwe, coordinator of the supply chain module in the Department, said: “The inclusion of international scholars in our classrooms provides valuable opportunities to expose students to global perspectives, the latest research, and diverse methodological approaches”. In this instance, the course extended beyond traditional lectures. Students participated in a mini hackathon, where they were challenged to identify existing technologies and explore how to adapt them to address pressing agricultural challenges in South Africa. The exercise encouraged creative thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of theoretical knowledge. As one student noted, “Engaging with an international scholar like Prof Mabaya provided us with a fresh perspective on how global innovations can be applied locally. It really challenged us to think differently about solving agricultural problems in South Africa.”

Initiatives such as these underscore the importance of fostering international collaboration within the various ecosystems of Stellenbosch University. They not only enrich the student learning experience but also contribute to the development of a globally connected and contextually relevant agricultural economics programme.