email:                 [email protected] Tel:                    +27 (0) 12 420 2882 Office:               Geography Building 2.1-1

Research profile

My primary research focuses on assessing the overall feasibility and merits of South African rural development policy. In terms of my research output to date, my work has highlighted the consequences of land reform partnerships (business models) from the perspective of poverty alleviation and agricultural value chain considerations. 

Linked to my need to develop a better understanding of land-based livelihoods, I am also starting to incorporate a focus on the adaptation strategies deployed by rural land inhabitants, specifically large scale commercial and small holder famers in their various production contexts. In this regard, my post-PhD research focus incorporates issues relating to climate variability and policy interventions against the backdrop of broader poverty alleviation imperatives.

My secondary research interest involves examining aspects of pro-environmental behaviour and the role of media, education and perceptions. 

Qualifications

• BA Geography – University of Pretoria, (1994)
• BA Hons. (Geography) – University of Pretoria, (1995)
• MA (Rural Development) -University of Sussex) UK (1998)
• PhD - University of the Western Cape, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (2014)

Courses presented

• ​GGY 156 – Aspects of Human Geography
• GGY 356 – Sustainable Development
• GGY 823 – Environment and Land Reform
• GGY 793 – Geography of Land Reform

Research publications

ORCID ID

• Lekgeu, S. & Davis N.C. (2017). Perceptions of Climate Change among Grade 11 learners in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng Province, South Africa.  South African Journal of Environmental Education. 33, 52-70. DOI:  10.4314/sajee.v.33i1.5  
• Davis, N. (2006). An Introduction to Human Geography: Issues for the 21st Century, Daniels, P., Bradshaw, M., Shaw, D. & Sidaway, J. Book Review. South African Geographical Journal, 88(2), 220-221. 
• Davis, N.C.,Horn, A.C & Govender Van Wyk, S. (2004). Invisible women, making the case for a gender targeted, class-based and supply led redistribution pogramme. Geoforum. 61, 273-279.
• Nicolau, M. & Davis, N.C. (2002). Restructuring South African Geography. South African Geographical Journal, 84, 11-19.

Research publications (book chapters, research reports, theses)

• Davis, N.C. (2018). Inclusive business models in South African land reform: great expectations and ambiguous outcomes in the Moletele land restitution land claim, Limpopo.  :In Brandt, F (Eds):  Reflections on South Africa’s agrarian questions after 20 years democracy. University of Cape Town. Brill Publications, Netherlands. (Double blind peer-reviewed)
• Davis, N.C & Chamberlain, W.. (2017). A community-based inclusive business model combining an ownership and management approach, the cases of New Dawn, Dinaledi and Batau. In: Anseeuw, W. & Chamberlain, W. (Eds). Inclusive Businesses in Agriculture – What, how and for whom? Critical insights based on South African cases. African Sun Press. ISBN 978-1-928355-08-3 (Double Blind peer reviewed)
• Chamberlain, W. & Davis, N.C. (2017). Richmond: A community private partnership centred around a lease agreement. In: Anseeuw, W. & Chamberlain, W. (Eds). Inclusive Businesses in Agriculture – What, how and for whom? Critical insights based on South African cases. African Sun Media press. ISBN 978-1-928355-08-3 (Double Blind peer reviewed)
• Ramutsindela, M., Davis, N.C. & Sinthumule, I. (2016). Diagnostic Report on Land Reform in South Africa Land Restitution Commissioned report for High Level Panel on the assessment of key legislation and the acceleration of fundamental change, an initiative of the Parliament of South Africa. September 2016. www.parliament.gov.za
• Anseeuw, W., Greguin-Gresh, S.. & Davis, N.C. (2015). Contract Farming and Strategic Partnerships: A Promising Exit or Smoke and Mirrors? In: Anseeuw, W. Chapter 13. HSRC Press. (Double Blind peer reviewed) 
• Davis, N.C. (2013). Actors, agency and innovation in the citrus value chain: lessons for land reform from the Moletele land claim, Limpopo Province. In: Greenberg (Eds). Value chain analysis and small holder farming. UWC: PLAAS. (Double blind peer reviewed) 
• Lahiff, E. Davis, N.C. & Manenzhe,T. (2012). Joint ventures in agriculture: Lessons from land reform projects in South Africa. International Fund for Agricultural Development: London/Rome/Cape Town.
• Makhanya,E.M. & Davis, N.C. (2008). Communal Property Associations and the sustainability of rural systems in South Africa. In: Bryant, C., Makhanya, E.M. & Hermann, T.M. (Eds). The Sustainability of Rural Systems in Developing countries.  Laboraoire de Development et dynamique territoriale. Universite de Montreal.