Miss MIYELANI MASWANGANYE
About me
Miyelani Maswanganye is a South African development researcher and Chevening Scholar currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Development Studies at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. She previously completed a Master of Arts in Rural Development with distinction at the University of Venda, South Africa. Her research/ dissertation focused on the contribution of village chickens to household income in resource-limited communities.
Her research interests include food security, rural livelihoods, climate change, social protection, poultry farming, agricultural economics, and sustainable development in resource-limited communities. Miyelani is passionate about generating evidence that informs policies and programmes aimed at reducing poverty, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing resilience to climate change across developing countries.
Miyelani Maswanganye is a South African development researcher whose work focuses on advancing sustainable rural development and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. She completed a Master of Arts in Rural Development with distinction at the University of Venda and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, United Kingdom, as a Chevening Scholar.
Her research interests include food security, climate-smart agriculture, social protection, sustainable livelihoods, economic agricultural development, poverty reduction, and rural resilience. Her master's research examined the contribution of village chicken production to household income in resource-limited communities, providing evidence to support inclusive rural development strategies.
Miyelani has received several academic awards in recognition of her outstanding performance, including Best Student in Development Studies, Best Student in Public Policy Analysis of Development, Best Student in Social Change and Development, and Best Student Welfare Contributor at the University of Venda. Beyond her academic achievements, she has contributed to student leadership, tutoring, and research collaborations, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement and knowledge sharing.
Her long-term goal is to contribute to evidence-based policies and innovative development interventions that promote sustainable development and poverty reduction across Africa and other developing regions.
Degrees:
Maswanganye, M., Mkwanazi, V.M., Mwale, M., Dos Anjos, F., Chimonyo, M. (2025).
The contribution of village chickens to household income and livelihoods in resource
limited communities of sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review, Animal Bioscience
(Submission ID: AB-25-0637; Under review).
2. Maswanganye, M., Mkwanazi, V.M., Mseleku, C., Mwale, M., Chimonyo, M. (2025).
Factors influencing the contribution of village chickens to household income in
resource-limited communities, Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science (Submission ID:
RBCA-2025-2205; Under production).