PLAAS, which stands for the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, is a renowned independent Policy Research Institute located at the prestigious University of the Western Cape. Their mission is to conduct in-depth research, engage with policymakers, and provide training on the dynamics of chronic poverty in Southern Africa. With a strong focus on the role of land, agriculture, and natural resources, PLAAS aims to understand and address the economic marginalization and structural inequality faced by vulnerable populations.

Through their research and policy engagement, they seek to create positive change and promote social justice in the region. Their research projects cover a wide range of critical topics such as agriculture, fisheries, food systems, natural resource management, and poverty and social policy. They also explore pressing issues like livestock, climate change, land reform, and women's land tenure security.

With a dedicated team of experts and scholars, PLAAS continues to contribute valuable insights and knowledge to inform evidence-based policies and strategies for sustainable development in Southern Africa