Stuart Coupe formerly International Projects Manager of the Reducing Vulnerability Team at Practical Action, an international NGO active on agricultural biodiversity and Farmers' Rights issues, has a background in Southern African Studies, including doctorate study and published works since 1992. Jon Hellin was recently an International Team Leader of ITDG's programme on markets and livelihoods, and an Honorary Research Associate at Oxford Brookes University. Absolom Masendeke is the Southern Africa Team Leader for ITDG's programme on reducing vulnerability. Elijah Rusike, a former Food Security Project Manager with ITDG Southern Africa, is currently an independent consultant.