OFER
Project Principal Investigator
Ofer is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast. His research challenges traditional views of markets, consumers, and brands, focusing instead on dynamic and inclusive approaches. A key part of his work promotes market inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in emerging economies. He examines how informal networks and advances in digital technology can help SMEs overcome barriers to internationalization, aiming to create digital ecosystems that allow small businesses in remote areas to compete on a global scale.
With over 12 years of experience in research and corporate training, Ofer’s expertise spans Visual and Participatory Research, Anti-Essentialist Marketing, Mass Customization, Co-Branding, and Consumer Decision-Making. His practical approach links business strategy with market insights, equipping business leaders to make informed decisions in today’s complex market landscape.
Contact: O.DEKEL-DACHS@QUB.AC.UK
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ofer-dekel-dachs-8b808523/?originalSubdomain=uk
MARGARET
Project Coordinator
Margaret Nankinga is the Chief Executive Director (CEO) of Vision For Empowerment Center and Capacity Building (VECECAB), a Ugandan NGO founded in 2009 to uplift youth and families in extreme poverty. Margaret oversees project coordination, monitors progress, manages finances, and leads fundraising initiatives for the organization.
Under her leadership, VECECAB tackles pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, food insecurity, poor health, and environmental degradation.
Contact: Sharonalela98@gmail.com
BASIL
Associate professor of agricultural economics at Gulu University
Basil Mugonola is an associate professor of agricultural economics at Gulu University. He has over 20 years’ experience in agri-value chains development including supporting local seed businesses in rice, ground nuts and soybeans. He is the PI on several projects: the refugee and host community youth empowerment and transformation Initiative (RETI). the Community Action Research Program on upland Rice production and marketing in northern Uganda, the out of school youth-TVET engagement project and a co-PI on a climate Smart agriculture project implemented in Aleptong district, among others.
Contact: B.mugonola@gu.ac.ug
Mobile: +256 772 459745
WENDY
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Contact: wendy.maltet@gmail.com