Department Chairperson – Dr. Admore Mureva
The Department of Natural Resources was introduced in 2000. It was the first department to form what is currently known as the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science. Department of Natural Resources strives to be a centre of excellence in natural resources research, training and extension. As educators and researchers with broad concerns about the future of the earth, and concerns about the multiple aspects of human/society/nature interactions, the departmental values are centered on a commitment to the stewardship of nature. The Department boasts of a high number of students, both undergraduate and postgraduate as well as competent academic and support staff. Department of Natural Resources has three Units: Forestry, Natural Resources Management and Wildlife.
Natural Resources provides strong preparation for employment in natural resource fields through science training focusing on reasoning, analysis and management skills that involve natural processes and in-depth training in theory and practice.
Vision
The department‘s Vision and Mission are in line with the University and Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science. By subscribing to the general principles of Bindura University of Science Education Vision and Mission, the department is similarly committed to upholding its core values.
Objectives
- To coordinate instruction, research and extension initiatives in environmental sciences as well as provide mechanisms for linking up these initiatives with global and regional environmental programmes.
- To serve as an institutional space that would coordinate environmental sciences with other existing programmes.
- To create a network that cooperatively promotes the advancement of environmental education in all levels and sectors.
- To provide a home for student organizations and activities that promotes environmental initiatives locally, nationally and internationally.
- To develop collaborative activities leading towards the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
Undergraduate
The Department of Natural Resources offers three undergraduate degrees:
- BSc. Honours Degree in Natural Resources Management
- BSc. Honours Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management
- BSc. Honours Degree in Forestry and Environmental Management
Postgraduate
- MSc. Degree in Agroforestry
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
CURRENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION THEMES
- Forest Microbiology/Metagenomics
- Ecological niche modelling
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Local knowledge on use of wild food and medicinal plants
- Apiculture trainings
- Aquaculture trainings
Recent Publications (2020)
- Kodzwa, J. J.; Gotosa J.; Nyamangara J. (2020). Mulching is the most important of the three conservation agriculture principles in increasing crop yield in the short term, under sub humid tropical conditions in Zimbabwe. Soil and Tillage Research 197https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2019.104515
- Rashidi M, Mhlanga W, Tiki M, Svosvai C 2020. Small-Scale Fisheries Production andRural Livelihoods: A Case of Lake Mutirikwi (Lake Kyle), Zimbabwe. J Aquac. Fisheries 4: 030. DOI: 10.24966/AAF-5523/100030
- Musiwa A. R., Mhlanga W. 2020. Human Wildlife Conflict in Mhokwe Ward, MbireDistrict, North-East Zimbabwe. African Journal of Ecology. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/aje.12774
- Mujuru L., Jimu L., Mureva A., Mapaura A., Nyakudya I. W. & Muvengwi J. 2020.Diversity of local knowledge on use of wild food and medicinal plants in communities around five biodiversity hotspots in Zimbabwe. Advances in Traditional Medicine. DOI10.1007/s13596-020-00512-z
- Gotosa, J., Kodzwa, J., Gwenzi, W. et al. Maize nitrogen uptake and productivity under reduced and conventional tillage. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst (2020).6.
- Jimu, L., Nyakudya, I. W., Magogo, C., & Mureva, A. (2020). Impact of pine plantation establishment on soil properties and fungal communities of natural forests in Zimbabwe. Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science, 82(3), 263-270.
AFFILIATED COLLEGES
- Zimbabwe College of Forestry (ZCF)
- Forest Industries and Technical College (FITC)
Academic Staff
- Dr. Admore Mureva – Chairperson
- Prof. Luke Jimu – (Associate Professor)
- Dr. Lizzie Mujuru – (Senior Lecturer)
- Dr. Jephita Gotosa – (Senior Lecturer)
- Ms. Chipo Masona
- Mr. Alfred Kundhlande
- Mr. Wilson Mhlanga
Academic Support Staff
- Mr. E. Matuvhunye
- Mr. M. Musodza
- Mr. B. Gurupira
- Mr. P. Mbendera
- Ms. Edina Tsambatare (Senior Secretary)
The department is located at Astra Campus, along Trojan to Harare Road.
Physical Address
Department of Natural Resources
Bindura University of Science Education
Astra Campus
Along Trojan Road
Bindura
Zimbabwe
Postal Address
Department of Natural Resources
Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science
Bindura University of Science Education
P. Bag 1020, Off Trojan Road
Astra Campus
Bindura
Zimbabwe
Enquiries
Departmental Secretary
Cell: +263772757947
Email: tsambataree@gmail.com