Walking the Fields of Impact: On-Site Experiences and Lessons from LDF Internship
Embarking on an internship with the organization that not only fueled my academic journey but also fueled my passion for transformative change was an opportunity that proved to be a dynamic extension of my studies in MSc Evidence-based Social Interventions and Policy Evaluation. My tenure with the Louis Dreyfus Foundation (LDF) was a journey that seamlessly provided hands-on experience to the theoretical training I received while studying at the University of Oxford all while offering an in-depth exploration into the world of smallholder agriculture and agricultural education.
One of the core tasks of my internship was to produce a country study focused on understanding the intricate landscape of the smallholder agriculture sector in South Africa. This activity sought to unveil the vital contributions of these farmers to the national economy, examining the stark gaps that exist between smallholder and commercial farmers and understanding what policies and programs have been spearheaded by the government to address the gaps. In this study, I also identified work done by the private sector and non-government organizations to fill the gaps. A thorough analysis of both existing literature and a field visit engaging with farmers on the ground provided me with a profound understanding of the challenges faced and ideas for where efforts need to be targeted to make a meaningful impact within the sector.
Farai Mzungu, LDC colleague Dian Muller, and LDF South Africa project beneficiaries
In the end, the study was a collaborative effort between myself, the LDC team in South Africa that provided expert insights and directed me to resources used to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about the agriculture sector, and the LDF team that provided great support with structuring and reviewing the report. This was not merely a research exercise but a practical exploration of the real-world implications of agricultural policies and private and public sector efforts in uplifting communities through agriculture. In this study, I gave recommendations on future priority areas and partners for programs that are designed to empower smallholder farmers in South Africa.
Yet, the scope of my internship did not end there but extended far beyond the borders of South Africa. I had the privilege of evaluating agricultural education projects implemented by LDF with LDC country offices in Bolivia, China, Brazil, and Colombia. Following the OECD DAC framework, I assessed various dimensions of these projects, from their relevance, efficiency and effectiveness to their impact, community engagement, gender empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Collaborating with various teams that manage the end-to-end processes from LDC and LDF team members and LDF project partners in various countries, I gained a holistic understanding of the enormous agricultural international development efforts that LDC and LDF invest in. Rightfully, the evaluation results demonstrated the strength and quality of the outputs of these efforts.
The most memorable part of my internship, however, manifested during the on-site visits. Walking alongside South African project implementation partners and beneficiaries on the participants’ farms, I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of LDF's initiatives. The project's support, providing training and loans in the form of farming inputs and machinery, emerged as a catalyst for positive change. It was incredible to hear that the end goal was not just about increasing farming outputs; it was about empowering individuals and communities, and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural landscape.
In retrospect, my internship with the LDF was not just a professional experience but also an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, collaborate with international teams, and witness the real-world impact of interventions. It has not only enriched my academic pursuits but also has left an indelible mark on my commitment to basing social interventions on evidence and the evaluation of policies to make a true and meaningful impact. As I move forward, I carry with me not just refined skills but a profound sense of purpose and inspiration to drive positive change around me.
