Director:
Dr Lesley Macheka
Qualification
PhD in Food Logistics and Quality Management (Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, 2018).
MSc degree in Food Quality Management (Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, 2010).
BSc Honours degree in Biological Sciences (University of Zimbabwe, 2003).
Contact Details
Cell: +263 772 807 739
Email:lmacheka@muast.ac.zw
Skype: lesley.macheka
Brief Profile:
Dr Lesley Macheka is a holder of a BSc Honours degree in Biological Sciences (University of Zimbabwe, 2003), MSc degree in Food Quality Management (Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, 2010) and a PhD in Food Logistics and Quality Management (Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, 2018). Lesley has sixteen years working experience and previously worked for Plant Protection Research Institute as a Research Officer (2003-2004), Grain Marketing Board as a Senior Quality Assurance Officer (2004-2008) and Chinhoyi University of Technology as a senior lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology.
Selected Publications
1. Muusha, L.G., Mashingaidze, A.B., Macheka L (2019). Effect of Drying Techniques and Storage Conditions on Quality and Incidence of Aflatoxins in Dried Chillies (Capsicum frutescens) in Zimbabwe. Acta Scientific Agriculture 3 (7), 21-25
2. Murefu, T. R., Macheka, L., Musundire, R., & Manditsera, F. A. (2019). Safety of wild harvested and reared edible insects: A review. Food Control, 101, 209-224
3. Macheka L, Spelt E, Bakker, E, van der Vorst J. G. A. J, Luning P. A (2018). Identification of determinants of postharvest losses in Zimbabwean tomato supply chains as basis for dedicated interventions. Food Control 87 (C), pp 135-144
4. Macheka L, Spelt E, van der Vorst J.G.A.J, Luning P. A (2017). Exploration of logistics and quality control activities in view of context characteristics and postharvest losses in fresh produce chains: A case study for tomatoes. Food Control 77 (C), pp 221-234
5. Musundire R, Zvidzai CJ, Chidewe C, Ngadze RT, Macheka L, Manditsera FA, Mubaiwa J, Masheka A, 2016. Nutritional and bioactive compounds composition of Eulepida mashona, an edible beetle in Zimbabwe, Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 2 (3) pp. 179 – 187.
6. Musundire R, F Mazodze F, Macheka L, Mubaiwa J, Manditsera F (2015). Eucalyptus grandis and Tagetes minuta leaf powders effectively protect stored maize against Sitophilus zeamais without affecting grain organoleptic properties. African Journal of Agricultural Research 10 (2), 49-57
7. Macheka. L, Ngadze. R, Manditsra. F, Mubaiwa. J. (2013). Barriers, benefits and motivation factors for implementation of food safety management system in the food sector in Zimbabwe. Food Control 34 (2), pp126-131
8. Macheka. L, Ngadze. R, Manditsera. F, Mubaiwa. J, Musundire, R (2013). Identifying causes of mechanical defects in banana fruit supply chain and establishment of critical control points to prevent incidence of the defects, Accepted for publication in International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 3 (2), pp109-120.
9. Macheka, L. and Kockelkoren, M. (2012) ‘Realising added value of investing in cold chain management in cut flower supply chains: an overview’, International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2 (4), pp.345-360.
Conference Paper
1. Tatenda Rumbidzai Murefu and Lesley Macheka, Mapping of the value chain for wild harvested edible insect. Paper presented at the 2nd Jooust International Conference, 26th February – 1st March 2019, Grand Royal Swiss Hotel Kisumu, Kenya
2. Macheka L, Luning P.A,. van der Vorst J.G.A.J (2014). A Hierarchical Framework on Quality and Logistics Management Decisions Affecting Postharvest Losses in Fresh Food Supply Chains. Paper presented by Lesley Macheka at the Postharvest Unlimited Conference in Cyprus (10-12 June 2014).
3. Kockelkoren Michel, Macheka Lesley & Van der Vorst Jack. Investigating causes of high temperature in the international cut flower cold supply chain. Paper presented by Michel Kockelkoren at a Cool Logistics conference/seminar in Antwerpen, Belgium (08.08. 2011).
Books
1. Understanding the influence of context characteristics, logistics control and quality control on postharvest losses: a case of Zimbabwean tomato supply chains. Macheka. L (2018). ISBN: 9789463432917; 9463432914, PhD Thesis, Wageningen University
2. Musundire R, Mashingaidze AB, Macheka L. 2014. Manual for improved cereals and legumes postharvest systems in Zimbabwe: Enhancing household food security for smallholder farmers through better postharvest management. FAO publication.
Grants Awarded
1. Awarding body: Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) (October 2019-October 2022)
Title of project: Upscaling edible insect-based porridge to improve health and nutritional status of Primary School children in Zimbabwean low socio-economic communities
Amount awarded: £998,801
Role: Co-applicant and Country Coordinator
2. Awarding body: Wellcome Trust – United Kingdom (March 2019)
Title of project: Climate adaptation and sustainable rural health outcomes in Zimbabwe
Amount awarded: ZAR 3,551,839
Role: Co-applicant