Chairperson:
Dr Justin Chipomho
Email:jchipomho@muast.ac.zw
Overview:
The challenge of Crop Scientists today is to implement crop, water and soil management strategies that maintain and increase production, while at the same time preserve the delicate balance in the agro-ecosystem. Continued increases in food and fibre production are essential for the future of mankind. Yet increased production places increased pressure on our soil, water and other finite resources.
To address the above challenges the department offer Honours degrees in Crop Production and Technology, Horticulture, and Plant Breeding and Biotechnology. These programmes have a strong industrial attachment component. Our programme also offers students to engage in in-depth research to address current challenges facing crop production value chains. The department takes value in its experienced staff that foster collaborations and co-operations with all stakeholders in providing innovative teaching, research and extension that leads to industrialization. Our students exit with competitive analytical and entrepreneurship skills and they are well grounded in applications of biotechnology and information technology (ICTs). With these exit skills, our graduates become Agronomists, Horticulturalist, Plant Breeders, Biotechnologists, Extension Specialist, Conservationist and Agropreneur.
In addition the department offer exciting postgraduate taught Masters in Crop Protection and Crop Science (Agronomy/Plant Breeding). Masters by Research (MPhil) programme is also offered.
Vision
The Department of Crop Science seeks to be a centre of innovation and excellence in teaching, research and extension services nationally, regionally and internationally.
Mission
The Department of Crop seeks to nurture competent crop specialists who can generate, analyze and implement sound scientific principles in the practice of caring and generation of new plant varieties in climate smart and sustainable agriculture.
Bachelor of Science Honours in Natural Resources Management
Entry Requirements
– Passes at General certificate in Education at Advanced Level (GCE ‘A’ Level) in any two of the following subjects Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Divinity, Sociology, Geography, Management of Business, Economics, Literature in English, Agriculture
Senior Lecturer:
Dr Nyamande Mapope
Qualifications
Doctor of Technologies (Crop Science), Tshwane University of Technology
MSc Crop Protection, University of Zimbabwe
BSc Honours Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe
Email:nmapope@muast.ac.zw
Lecturer:
Dr Kenedy Simango
Qualifications
PhD in Plant Pathology (University of Pretoria, 2018)
Master of Science (MSc) in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems (University of Zambia, 2010)
Bachelor of Science BSc. Agriculture (Crop Science) (UZ, 2004)
Email:ksimango@muast.ac.zw
Lecturer:
Dr Fortunate Makore
Qualifications
PhD, Plant Breeding, University of Zimbabwe
MSc Crop Science (Agronomy), University of Zimbabwe
BSc Honours in Agriculture (Crop Science), University of Zimbabwe
Diploma in Marketing, IMM South Africa
Diploma in Agriculture, Gwebi College of Agriculture
Email:fmakore@muast.ac.zw
Lecturer:
Mr Solomon T Mupeti
Qualifications
DPhil (Current Area of research: Biological Pesticides)
MSc. Crop Protection (1983), Reading University, UK
BSc. Agriculture Crop and Animal Production, University of Zimbabwe (1980)
Email:stmupeti@muast.ac.zw
Lecturer:
Mr Cephas Sithole
Qualifications
MSc Plant Breeding, University of Zimbabwe
BSc Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe
Email:csithole@muast.ac.zw
Lecturer:
Ms Varaidzo Odette Gwatidzo
Qualifications
MSc Crop Science, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST).
BSc Honours Degree in Agriculture -Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
Email:vgwatidzo@muast.ac.zw
Technician:
Mr Yeukai Mashura
Qualifications
Master of Science in Crop Protection, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Management degree, Zimbabwe Open University.
Higher National Diploma in Applied Biological Technology, Harare Polytechnic College.
National Diploma in Applied Biological Technology, Harare Polytechnic.
National Certificate in Science Technology, Harare Polytechnic.
Bronze Diploma in Professional Storekeeping, Transworld Education College, UK.
Email:ymashura@muast.ac.zw
Contact details
Phone:+263 715 182 219
Cell: jchipomho@muast.ac.zw
Career opportunities (One can be employed as):
-natural resource entrepreneurs;
-environmental advocates;
-forest and wildlife officers;
-researchers;
-natural resource planning officers;
-conservationists;
-rural livelihood officers;
-environmental consultants and
-project monitors and evaluators.
-Graduates can open up consultancy firms in their respective ares of specialization
-Graduate can also further their studies by enrolloing for Master’s degrees and then PhD.