The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) is set to transform Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape with the launch of its innovative agricultural science technology programme, approved by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education. This initiative is poised to begin in March 2025, marking the establishment of a new Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology. It aligns seamlessly with the government’s vision of integrating advanced agricultural technologies to bolster productivity and enhance food security in the country.
Unlike many other tertiary institutions that predominantly focus on crop-related studies, Nust’s programme will delve into the mechanical aspects of agriculture. This unique approach emphasizes the role of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and drone technology in farming practices. Acting executive dean Professor Allan Sebata articulated the programme’s goal: to increase agricultural production while simultaneously reducing labor requirements. By harnessing these technologies, Nust aims to facilitate precise nutrient and moisture application to crops, ultimately improving yields.
The programme’s introduction is groundbreaking, as it is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe, aiming to enhance efficiency through technological applications. Nust plans to establish agro-industrial parks that will serve as innovation hubs for agricultural production, further extending the programme’s impact beyond academic confines. The university’s own farm will serve as a practical teaching ground, allowing students to experience firsthand the application of these technologies in real-world settings. Additionally, Nust is committed to engaging with the farming community, ensuring that the benefits of the programme reach local farmers.
Professor Sebata emphasized the importance of modern technologies in agriculture, stating that correct nutrient and moisture application is vital for improving crop yields. The university’s ambition is not limited to production; it also seeks to focus on value addition, addressing the stagnation often faced by the agricultural sector. Nust’s programme will explore manufacturing stock feed and processing crops like tomatoes into marketable products, enhancing the potential for export to regional markets.
In light of ongoing water shortages affecting crop production, the programme will also prioritize water management strategies. Collaboration with the private sector is deemed essential for the successful implementation of these initiatives, with Nust actively seeking partnerships to bring modern technologies into the agricultural fold.
The new faculty will encompass five departments, targeting a first intake of 40 students. These departments will cover a range of critical areas, including Sustainable Food Production, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Information Technology, Agricultural Genetics and Cell Technology, and Agribusiness, Economics, and Management. Each department will address specific challenges within the agricultural sector, from sustainable practices to marketing hurdles faced by farmers.
As Nust prepares for its first cohort, the implications of this programme could be far-reaching. By integrating technology into agriculture, the university not only aims to enhance productivity but also to create a more resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting the demands of a growing population. The programme stands as a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s agricultural future, promising to equip the next generation of farmers with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
