Loading...

Climate Change and Food Security Institute

Dr. Esther Nyaradzo Masvaya
Dr. Esther Nyaradzo Masvaya

Academic Executive Director

Overview

The Climate Change and Food Security Institute (CCFSI) is a multidisciplinary research institute of Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) dedicated to advancing climate-resilient, technology-driven, and sustainable agrifood systems.

The Institute serves as a centre of excellence for research, innovation, capacity development, policy engagement, and community outreach that address the interconnected challenges of climate change, food security, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihoods. Through strategic partnerships with government, industry, development partners, communities, and academia, CCFSI generates evidence-based solutions that contribute to Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063.

CCFSI's work spans climate-smart agriculture, sustainable natural resource management, carbon farming, soil health, indigenous food systems, agricultural innovation, food systems transformation, climate finance, and resilience building. The Institute also coordinates multidisciplinary research projects, postgraduate training, technology transfer, and resource mobilisation in support of MUAST's Education 5.0 philosophy.

Our Vision

To be a leading institute in the development of climate resilient, transformative and sustainable, participatory research-based solutions that enhance nutrition, health, livelihoods, and the environment through improved food systems.

Mission

To generate knowledge, develop innovations, build capacity, and foster partnerships that deliver sustainable, climate-resilient and food-secure agricultural systems for national, regional and global development.

Function

Contribute to the overall richness and variety of the mission of MUAST by:

  1. Conducting cutting-edge, forward-looking research.
  2. Providing service to individuals and the community through technical backstopping and participatory research.
  3. Participate in the education of graduate students, fellows, and others.
  4. Fostering educational opportunities for students.
  5. Resource mobilisation.

Values

  • Excellence – Pursuing the highest standards in research, innovation, and service.
  • Integrity – Upholding honesty, accountability, and ethical conduct.
  • Innovation – Developing transformative solutions to emerging challenges.
  • Collaboration – Building strong partnerships across disciplines and sectors.
  • Sustainability – Promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources for future generations.
  • Impact – Delivering research that informs policy, transforms communities, and advances sustainable development.

Activities

Current Research Projects

1 Fostering resilient fruit value chains to enhance rural livelihoods in the Zambezi Valley Funder: OCP Foundation, Morocco

Supporting women and youth through climate-resilient tamarind value chains, irrigation development, value addition and sustainable livelihoods.

2 HARNESS Zimbabwe: Harnessing Agrivoltaics and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agroecosystems Funder: OCP Foundation, Morocco

Developing carbon-smart agriculture, indigenous fruit tree systems, climate finance, conservation agriculture and agro-photovoltaic technologies.

3 Soil organic carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions under low and high density livestock management systems in sub-humid Zimbabwe Funder: Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases / RUFORUM

Generating scientific evidence for national greenhouse gas inventories and climate-smart agriculture.

4 Agroecology Network for Southern Africa Funder: European Union

Supporting resilient agri-food systems through climate-smart agriculture, digital innovation and capacity building.

5 Transforming Africa's Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0): Agri-food systems Community Action Research and Entrepreneurship Development for Youth Employment in Zimbabwe Funder: Mastercard Foundation

Building climate resilience, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods among smallholder farmers.

Contact Us

Climate Change and Food Security Institute

Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

Our Team

Prof. Justice Nyamangara
Prof. Justice Nyamangara

Research Professor

Dr. George Tonderai Mudimu
Dr. George Tonderai Mudimu

Research Associate

Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and updates from us.