As an alumnus of Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), I want to encourage you to embrace the journey of research and discovery with courage and curiosity. I graduated from MUAST in 2022 with a BSc Honours in Agronomy—my own path to the M.Sc. Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences programme in Canada has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.

This journey has taken me from provincial agricultural symposiums to the global stage at the Soils for Our Future conference. Each experience has reminded me that science is not just about data—it’s about people, communities, and the land we depend on.

Relocating from Zimbabwe to Newfoundland was challenging—initially, the weather was pleasant, but then winter arrived, bringing the coldest conditions with wind, snow, and rain. The cost of living is high, and the pace of learning is quick, involving lectures, labs, and fieldwork. However, with the support of my research group, my supervisor, Dr. Yeukai Katanda, and the welcoming community and church, I found resilience and strength. These challenges helped me become a better researcher and a stronger person.

To my fellow academics and future leaders, embrace the challenges; they will refine your character. Value collaborations; they will deepen your knowledge as you share with others. Stay curious and persistent—your work can transform communities and ecosystems.

Remember, the journey of research is not just about academic achievement; it is about contributing to a better future for our planet.

With encouragement,

Kelvin Geza

My passion for agriculture began in my youth, leading to a role as an agronomist trainee at CP Chemical Pvt Ltd in 2017. This inspired me to pursue a BSc Honors degree in Agronomy at MUAST, which I completed in 2023. Despite challenges, I excelled with support from excellent lecturers. CP Chemicals recognized my skills, promoting me to full-time agronomist and later branch manager in Karoi. Three years later, I transferred to our new branch in Chinhoyi. My time at MUAST was truly rewarding.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Animal Science and Technology from MUAST in December 2023, I have secured employment as a Swine Technician at Livingstone Enterprise Inc, a commercial pig producer with 35000 pigs located in Fairbury, Nebraska, USA. Ever since I secured my employment in April 2024, I have been applying the knowledge and skills I have gained at MUAST, thereby contributing to the success of the pig production operations. I am glowing here in the States because of MUAST's excellent education.

I graduated with a BSc Honours in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Degree from MUAST in 2023. After graduation, I assumed the role of Agronomy Graduate Trainee at CP Chemicals Pvt Ltd for 1 year and now I am an Agronomist at the Karoi Branch with a nomination as the Branch Supervisor. I have been involved in writing articles and have published in the Farmers Guide Magazine of 2025 and also wrote in a Scoping review protocol with the title "How do neglected and underutilized crops (NUCS) in Africa contribute to food security, nutrition and climate change outcomes." All this has been made possible with the skills and knowledge that have been imparted to me by the support and assistance from the MUAST team and CP Chemicals.