“If we aren’t contributing to rural development – which is not separate from ecological stewardship – and the economic inclusion of previously marginalised communities, then what are we actually doing?”
Travis Bailey is Siyazisiza Trust’s Eastern Cape Provincial Manager and works closely with the wider Farmer Extension & Support Services (FESS) team to strengthen programme implementation, farmer support systems and rural development initiatives across the organisation. He brings extensive experience in rural development, community-based enterprise development, training and agri-enterprise infrastructure, with longstanding ties to the Eastern Cape Wild Coast. Travis is known for his strategic thinking, practical problem-solving and deep respect for the knowledge, experience and realities of rural communities, and values collaborative, grounded approaches to development work.