I have recently completed my PhD entitled 'Loosening the ties that bind: institutional analysis of young people’s livelihoods on smallholder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe’. My research was linked to an ACIAR-funded project ‘Transforming irrigation in southern Africa’ (TISA), which I participated in as a part-time research assistant. TISA has transitioned into a new project focusing on introducing circular food systems to smallholder irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. My role in this new project is research support and Theme Leader for Social Inclusion, and activities include coordinating gender, youth and inclusion analysis to inform project implementation and support research on changes arising from inclusive design. This postdoctoral position will allow me to also scope additional research, and I anticipate a focus on young people's perspectives on what constitutes an attractive livelihood around smallholder irrigation schemes and their engagement in local savings and loans groups. I am fortunate that my role requires me to make research trips to southern Africa on a regular basis.

Doctor of Philosophy (University of South Australia); Master of Arts (Knowledge Management) (University of South Australia); BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Liverpool John Moore’s University); Diploma - Environmental Management (Douglas Mawson Institute of TAFE); Certificate in Professional Editing and Proofreading (Open Colleges).

Youth livelihoods; institutional analysis; adpative and innovation capacity; equity and inclusion; rural development; southern Africa