Jabulani Garwi is a distinguished academic researcher, diplomat, and development practitioner, specializing in sustainable development and African rural studies. With a robust interdisciplinary background, he has attained significant academic achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in Economic History from the University of Zimbabwe, a Master of Arts degree in Development Studies from Midlands State University, and a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from Bindura University of Science Education. Additionally, Dr. Garwi has completed postgraduate diplomas in Sustainable Development and Sustainable Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation. His academic journey culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of the Free State, South Africa. Dr. Garwi's research expertise spans across various critical domains, including sustainable development, agri-tourism, rural development, livelihoods, poverty dynamics, agrarian systems, environmental management, project management, marketing, food security, and the intricate relationship between climate change and agriculture. One of his notable areas of focus is contract farming, where he has explored its significance as a mechanism for linking smallholder farmers with agribusinesses, thereby enhancing their market access and resource availability. Through his academic endeavors, Dr. Garwi has made substantial contributions to the field, publishing scholarly articles, presenting his work at international conferences, and engaging in policy dialogues with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. His research provides invaluable insights and evidence-based recommendations, which serve to inform decision-making processes, shape policy frameworks, and facilitate effective interventions for promoting inclusive and sustainable development in rural Africa. Furthermore, Dr. Garwi demonstrates a deep commitment to bridging the gap between academia and practice through his active involvement in diplomatic and development initiatives. His dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering practical solutions is evident in his publications in reputable and indexed journals, as well as in his contributions to book chapters and books. Mufaro Dzingirai (Ph.D) is a full-time lecturer in the Department of Business Management at Midlands State University. He is also currently a Senior Fellow at the Nexus Think Tank (Zarawi Trust). Interestingly, he received the Best Paper Presentation Award from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2022. In 2013, he received the MSU Book Prize as the best-graduating student. His research interests include Higher Education, Strategy, Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Development. He publishes in high-impact journals accredited by Scopus and also reviewed many scientific papers in databases like Emerald Insight. More interestingly, he has been hired as a research consultant by both private
