Elke Matthaei

  • AgriTech Enthusiast , Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
  • Stellenbosch University, Social Sciences
 

Biography

Elke is a proud Namibian, currently based in Germany. Having stumbled into the land reform sector after completing her MPhil, Elke went on to work in land management and write her PhD thesis on land reform in Namibia. Through her work and research, Elke has presented at two World Bank conferences in Washington DC and published on various other development platforms. She cites the process of completing her PhD as the toughest mental challenge she has had to endure. Elke is currently working at The German International Development Cooperation as an advisor on land management and contributing to dialogues on national and global levels.

Elke has published widely on issues of Communal Land use and the Rights of Women Farmers in Namibia and problems caused by Land Rush in Africa.

 

Greatest Achievement

Successfully juggling a PhD and full-time work for several years, whilst trying to make the most of life and push forward.

Professional Interests

Land management, rural development and food security.