Field Research

Research that reaches policy.

Our sociological and biochemical research is designed to move from field study to institutional and legislative outcome.

Sociological Research

Two studies, two policy outcomes.

Temporary Farmwork Employment

Sequential InterviewFocus GroupLarge Survey

Finding: 95% of temporary farmworkers received no certified training from the state, due to a conceptual gap in legislation.

Outcome: Informed the South African Agricultural Sectoral Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) to enable the state to reconceptualise employee education and training to be inclusive of temporary workers.

Deliverables: Community Stakeholders presentation, AgriSETA AGM presentation, Research Report, Research Brief, Journal Article.

Work in Farmworker Homes

Matched ComparisonLongitudinalCase Study

Finding: Town-dwelling homes receive no state after-school childcare services, due to a nexus of theoretical, policy and state gaps.

Outcome: Informs social theory, policy and practical solutions to social insecurity and child neglect in homes.

Deliverables: City of Cape Town presentation, Langeberg Municipality presentation, Research Report, Policy Brief, Journal Article.

Biochemical Research

Nanobubble Farming

Nanobubble technology — injecting oxygen or other gases into water as nanoscale bubbles — is still niche in agriculture, but the early results are hard to ignore: better crop growth, healthier soil, less need for chemical inputs. We apply it, along with biomimicry more broadly, in aquaculture, agriculture, mining and land/water remediation.

Downloadable Reports

Full reports & presentations

Available on request via contact.

Labour Turnover and Certified Skills

Temporary off-farm workers in the deciduous fruit sector, Ceres. Dr Anne Wiltshire, Dept. Sociology & Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University. Commissioned by Koue Bokkeveld Opleidingsentrum; funded by AgriSETA & Horticultural Knowledge Group. December 2015. Full report and brief versions available.

The State of Child Neglect in South Africa

Policy Brief, March 2025, presented by Dr Anne Hilda Wiltshire. Full report and brief versions available.

Municipal & Stakeholder Presentations

City of Cape Town Meeting Slides · Langeberg Municipality Meeting Slides (Mayoral presentation) · AgriSETA AGM · Community Stakeholders.

In The Works

Research topics

Lightweight notes on what we're currently investigating, ahead of a full report.

No topics posted yet. Check back soon.