ABOUT US

Shaping Africa’s Agricultural Future – Together

At BFAP, we believe agriculture is more than an industry—it’s the lifeblood of thriving economies, resilient communities, and food-secure nations. Since 2004, we’ve been at the forefront of transforming Africa’s agri-food systems through data analysis, insight, foresight and partnerships.

We connect the dots between people, policy, profitability, and sustainability.

Our Story

It all started with a simple yet powerful idea:
“If we can understand agriculture better, we can shape it for the better.”

From this vision, the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) was born—an independent research organisation with a mission to inform and influence agricultural policy, investment, and innovation across Africa.

What began as a collaborative research effort is now a multi-disciplinary, mission-driven team of economists, analysts and strategists—working across borders, sectors, and systems.

Today, we serve as a trusted knowledge partner to governments, industry leaders, international organisations, and investors—helping them navigate change and unlock opportunities for inclusive, sustainable growth.

Our Purpose

We exist to inform better decisions, empower change-makers, and transform agriculture for the benefit of all.

We bring evidence to the table—wherever critical decisions are being made. Whether it’s policy changes, investment decisions, risk mitigation or impact assessment—we’re there to guide strategy with data, context, and clarity.

Our Approach

We integrate:

Economic commodity modelling and foresight
Farm- and production analytics
Consumer and food insights
Value chain and policy diagnostics
Agri-Socio economic impact realities
Geospatial data

Through:

Systems data
Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)
Digital tools and tech-enabled platforms

With this, we help stakeholders across the food system:

Forecast, plan and strategies
Make evidence-based policy and investment decisions
Track performance and impact
Respond to emerging risks and shocks

We don’t offer one-size-fits-all answers.

We identify the right questions with you —and help you find the best path forward.

Who We Work With

We work across all spheres of the agri-food ecosystem:

National and regional governments
The private sector (agribusiness, farmers, retail, processing, financial services)
Development partners and donors
Research and academic institutions
Non-profits and civil society organisations

Our work focusses on Africa, with local depth and global reach.

Our Values

These values guide everything we do:

Integrity – We speak facts and lead with grace, trust and humility.
Collaboration – We work together for greater impact.
Excellence – We pursue rigour and relevance in everything.
Innovation – We challenge, reimagine, and adapt.
Impact – We measure success by the difference we make.

What Makes Us Different

Our Vision

To be a leading force in transforming Africa’s agri-food systems for a sustainable and resilient future.

Meet The Team

Behind BFAP’s research, modelling, and strategic insights is a diverse, multidisciplinary team of economists, data scientists, engineers, policy analysts and agricultural specialists. With deep expertise and a shared passion for transforming Africa’s agri-food systems, our team works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver high-impact, evidence-based solutions. We are united by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and driving meaningful change in every project we undertake.

Our Divisions

COMMODITY MARKETS & FORESIGHT

In the dynamic agricultural marketspace, our team of commodity modellers and market analysts combine quantitative modelling techniques and sector expertise to generate insights to inform strategic decision-making. We generate insights to facilitate sustainable growth and provide custom solutions through scenario development to quantify a range of future outcomes, evaluate risk, identify growth opportunities and assess impacts of changes and external influences in the macro-economic, business and policy environment.

FARM AND PRODUCTION ANALYTICS

Our farm and production specialists generate intelligence and actionable insights through the continuous collection, contextualisation and integration of farm and primary production data in a changing and uncertain environment. We generate substantive value through our in-depth understanding of the interdependence between primary production and input-output markets, farming systems and the business domain.

CONSUMER & FOOD ECONOMICS

The Consumer and Food Economics Division of BFAP provides our clients with fact-based consumer insights, within the context of South Africa and Africa’s food and agricultural sectors. Our client solutions span both the commercial sector and the public health focus of food and nutrition security and food affordability.

WATER, ENERGY, FOOD & LAND

Equipped to identify and analyse the interconnectedness of Water, Energy, Food and Land, our team focuses on resource modelling and data integration aimed at achieving economic and sustainability goals. Through research and quantitative techniques, topics such as renewable or green energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, decarbonization, Net Zero, and regenerative agriculture are analysed across the agriculture and processing value chain.

DATA SCIENCE

Our Data Science Division transforms complex datasets into actionable insights that shape the future of agriculture and food systems in South Africa. By integrating advanced analytics, spatial intelligence, and custom methodologies with BFAP’s broader research expertise, we empower evidence-based decision-making for policymakers, agribusinesses, and development partners. Precision agriculture trials to national land capability mapping deliver scalable, real-world solutions for a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.

VALUE CHAIN ANALYTICS

We have developed a holistic market-led approach (https://ppvc.bfap.co.za/) which combines classic value chain frameworks with empirical models that are anchored in pragmatic ground-truthing. We provide insights that incorporate the interconnectedness of agricultural industries within the broader economy.

AGRI-SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS

As thought leaders, we facilitate the conceptualisation of frameworks that enable planning, support in defining key performance criteria, structure data requirements and processes, and resource requirements to ensure sustainable implementation of development initiatives in public and private spheres.

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS

Our systems solutions offer strategic decision-making support, along multi-dimensional value chains, through the integration of data, spatial tools, business intelligence tools and systems-solutions to articulate informed insights. Define your need. Integrate data. Assess your impact.

Our Current Footprint

BFAP’s reach extends across a significant part of the African continent, reflecting our commitment to supporting agriculture beyond South Africa’s borders. While headquartered in South Africa, our work and partnerships span across numerous countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Swaziland and Lesotho. This broad geographical footprint and collaboration with country associates allow us to gather diverse data, understand regional nuances and provide valuable, context-specific insights to stakeholders across agricultural landscapes.

Board of Directors

Adv. Annamarie van der Merwe

Adv. Annamarie Van Der Merwe (Chair) brings a crucial independent viewpoint and legal acumen to the BFAP Board. Her background as an Advocate provides a strong foundation for ensuring robust governance, regulatory compliance, and meticulous risk management oversight – essential elements for BFAP’s operational integrity. Her independence allows for objective assessment of strategies and performance, contributing to sound decision-making processes. Experience gained through roles such as active contributing to the writing of King III, and serving on the Ithemba Advisory Committee, and other large private sector boards, further sharpens her governance expertise. Adv. Van Der Merwe’s contributions are vital in upholding the highest standards of corporate conduct and ensuring that BFAP operates within all relevant legal frameworks, thereby safeguarding the organization’s reputation and its commitment to its stakeholders.

Prof. Ferdinand Meyer

As a founding member and the current Managing Director of BFAP, Prof. Ferdinand Meyer possesses unparalleled institutional knowledge and provides pivotal leadership. With over two decades dedicated to agricultural economics, his experience spans market modelling, policy analysis, and strategic foresight. Prof. Meyer skillfully guides BFAP’s operations, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of agricultural analysis and information dissemination. His concurrent role as a Professor Extraordinary at Stellenbosch University bridges the gap between cutting-edge academic research and practical application, enriching BFAP’s analytical capacity. His leadership is instrumental in shaping BFAP’s strategic direction, fostering key partnerships, and maintaining its reputation as a trusted source for insights into the agricultural sector, both locally and internationally.

Dr. Mmatlou Kalaba

Dr. Mmatlou Kalaba serves as a vital member of the BFAP Board, bringing a wealth of experience as a senior analyst and respected academic. His affiliation as a research fellow at Stellenbosch University underscores his deep grounding in rigorous economic analysis. Dr. Kalaba’s expertise is particularly strong in trade and market analysis within the agricultural sector, providing critical insights that inform BFAP’s strategic outlook. His past leadership role as President of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) highlights his standing within the professional community. Furthermore, his advisory work for the Limpopo Provincial Government on economic growth demonstrates his ability to translate complex economic principles into practical policy advice, adding significant value to BFAP’s mission of supporting diverse stakeholders.

Dr. Tracy Davids

With a PhD in Agricultural Economics and over a decade of dedicated industry experience, Dr. Tracy Davids leads the Commodity Markets and Foresight programme at BFAP. Her profound passion for strategic foresight and its practical application drives her work, informing critical strategy and investment decisions for both public and private sector stakeholders. Dr. Davids possesses deep specialisation in commodity market modelling, assessing competitiveness, scenario planning, and policy analysis across a diverse array of agricultural value chains. She has fervidly spearheaded numerous capacity development initiatives throughout the African continent, focused on expanding analytical tools and expertise in various regions. A frequent contributor to international outlook publications and a Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, Tracy is also a regular and acclaimed speaker at local and global events.

Dr. Gerhard Coetzee

A leader in international financial inclusion with 40+ years of experience serving low-income and underserved customers, especially women. His career includes government, economic development, academia, banking, and consulting roles. Over the past decade, he has shaped policies and strategies related to financial inclusion, consumer protection, customer-centric models, and women in agricultural finance. Gerhard holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Pretoria and is known for bridging the gap between policy and practice. He has published widely and contributed globally, including serving as the Secretary of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Rural Finance under President Mandela, mentoring numerous students and future leaders, managing five million low-income clients at Absa, and co-designing and leading the CGAP Customer-Centric Guide.

Mr. Wandile Sihlobo

As the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), Mr. Wandile Sihlobo is a highly respected and influential voice in the nation’s agricultural landscape. He provides critical analysis and data-driven insights on agricultural market dynamics, policy developments, and broader economic trends impacting the sector. Mr. Sihlobo is renowned for his ability to communicate complex economic issues clearly and effectively to a wide audience, including farmers, agribusiness leaders, policymakers, and the general public through his regular columns, media appearances, and publications. He is the author of the acclaimed book “Finding Common Ground,” which delves into critical issues of land, equity, and agriculture in South Africa, further cementing his position as a leading thinker and shaping crucial dialogue within the industry.

Let's Collaborate

In an ever-changing world, we help you navigate complexity and flourish in Africa’s agriculture, agro-processing and food sectors.