Our “Green” Team
CTAFS makes a significant contribution to building capacity in agricultural, water, climate and food sciences. There are 10 academic staff members, 9 postdoctoral fellows, 10 PhD students, 20 MSc students, and more than 50 undergraduate students who have undertaken research within the realm of this Centre. Currently, there are four PhD students, eight MSc students and 10 Honours students working on the projects taking place within this Centre.
Our researchers boast an impressive track record, with a combined H-index of 95, more than 100 publications to their names, and many of them featuring regularly in UKZN’s list of its top 30 published researchers across the institution.
Leadership
Prof Albert Modi
Director – CTAFS
modiat@ukzn.ac.za | 033 260 5199
Professor Albert Modi is currently the Deputy-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture Engineering & Science. He was the Dean and Head of School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences from 2011 – 2016. He was employed by the then University of Natal in 1996 and has been associated with UKZN since then. Before joining the University, he was provincial agronomist for PHI-Hibred International, a job that exposed him to the agronomy and rural development issues. He has also worked as a CEO of the Moses Kotane Institute for Science and Technology, which he established in 2008, while he was adjunct Professor at UKZN. He also established the Ezemvelo Farmers Organisation (EFO). His agronomy research focuses on traditional/indigenous crops. He has established curricula focused on Seed Science and Technology, and Sustainable Community Agriculture.
He has served on the Board of the South African Society of Crop Production, as President for two terms, and he has been a member of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the New York Academy of Sciences, and the Young Academy of Sciences of South Africa. He is an NRF-rated (C2) scientist, a member of SACNASP and Assistant Editor of the South African Journal of Plant and Soil. He is a regular reviewer for national and international ISI journals and institutions of higher learning.
Professor Modi is a Senior Fellow of Green Matter, an Honorary Fellow of Mangosuthu University of Science and Technology Faculty of Natural Sciences, and has been awarded a WRC Research Award for Human Capital Development in the Water and Science Sectors. He is a Director of Jive Media Africa and the YAZI Centre for Science and Society in Africa (Non Profit), and till carries an active teaching load in the Agricultural Sciences Programme as well as supervising postgraduate students. In 2016 he was awarded the UKZN Distinguished Teacher Award.
Prof Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi
Co-Director – CTAFS
Mabhaudhi@ukzn.ac.za | 074 130 9845
Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi is a Research Associate Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Co-Director for the Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, South Africa. He holds a BSc Honours Crop Science from University of Zimbabwe, and an MSc and PhD in Crop Science from University of KwaZulu-Natal with specialisation in crop ecophysiology (plant-water relations) and crop-climate modelling. His primary goal is to work on research and development that is dynamic, transformative, informs policy and achieves real life impacts within poor communities. His research has evolved from focusing on crop water use and crop modelling to multi- and transdisciplinary research covering food systems, global environmental change and the water-energy-food nexus. He is interested in working with multidisciplinary teams to conduct research and development related to global grand challenges such as food and nutrition insecurity, climate change and sustainability, and the WEF nexus. He is also interested in research translation, i.e. the application of research outcomes into practice on the ground to achieve real life impact. In that regard, he is very closely linked with multiple policy stakeholders in South Africa and the region at various levels and regularly contributes to evidence-based policy making.
Academic and postdoctoral members
- Professor Rob Slotow (Pro-Vice Chancellor, African Cities of the Future)
- Professor Onisimo Mutanga (SARCHI Chair in Land Use and Management)
- Professor Muthulisi Siwela (academic)
- Professor Samson Tesfay (academic)
- Dr Alfred Odindo (academic)
- Dr Laurencia Govender (academic)
- Dr Vimbayi Chimonyo (postdoctoral)
- Dr Sithabile Hlahla (postdoctoral)
- Dr Mbulisi Sibanda (postdoctoral)
- Dr Serge Kiala (postdoctoral)
- Dr Cecilia Mulukwane (postdoctoral)
- Dr Admire Shayanowako (postdoctoral)
- Professor Festo Massawe (Honorary Professor)
- Professor Mike Jacobson (Honorary Professor)
- Dr Pauline Chivenge (Honorary Research Fellow)
- Dr Luxon Nhamo (Honorary Research Fellow)
- Dr Joel Botai (Honorary Research Fellow)
- Dr Michael Mengistu (Honorary Research Fellow)
- Dr Mary-Jean Bopape (Honorary Research Fellow)
- Dr Pauline Scheelbeek (Honorary Research Fellow)
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr Takudzwa Mandizv
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Takudzwa Mandizvo holds the position of Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Transformative Agricultural & Food Systems (CTAFS). With an extensive background spanning 7 years, Dr. Mandizvo has conducted research in seed science, plant physiology with a particular emphasis on biotic stress, and crop production. His scholarly pursuits are centered on advancing knowledge in critical areas such as the circular economy, food systems, and the specialized domain of Bambara groundnut breeding. Notably, Dr. Mandizvo has contributed to the scholarly discourse through the co-authorship of 11 articles in esteemed peer-reviewed journals.
Takudzwa oversees the Bambara Breeding Initiative (BBI) project titled “Marker Trait Mapping for Hard-to-Cook Traits in Bambara Groundnuts (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc),” funded by the Kirkhouse Trust. This initiative is dedicated to the advancement of Bambara groundnut varieties, aimed at enhancing agronomic characteristics and reducing cooking time. The project’s overarching goal is to contribute to the development of improved Bambara groundnut varieties with superior agronomic performance and shortened cooking durations.
Areas of expertise: Seed science, plant physiology with a particular emphasis on biotic stress, and crop production.
Dr Mendy Ndlovu
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr Mendy Ndlovu is a PhD candidate currently finalising her work for submission and a dynamic and interdisciplinary natural scientist with over five years of experience in academic research, community engagements and facilitation and marginalised community capacity development for climate change adaptation and building sustainable resilience, especially in agricultural systems to climate change. Mendy has worked with higher education institutions and public and private organisations (specific projects) in South Africa and rural communities. Mendy is passionate about research that looks into the future, under different scenarios and from multiple perspectives, to inform appropriate, contextualised and feasible adaptation in the present time. Briefly, her research seeks to inform counteracting food poverty and insecurity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, rural development and climate change capacity development. Her current research (As a PhD candidate) focused on Climate-Crop-Nutrition (and food security) modelling. She hopes to inform differentiated policy recommendations to help move closer to achieving food justice and sovereignty and food and nutrition security, especially in rural areas, in anticipation of climate change.
Areas of expertise: Climate-Crop-Nutrition (and food security) modelling.
Dr Wadzanai Mafunga
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr Wadzanai Mafunga is a results-driven professional who is passionate about solving the food insecurity crisis amongst communities and contributing to achieving zero hunger (Sustainable Development Goal 2). She has over 10 years working experience covering research, lecturing, and industry involvement which has equipped her with a diverse skill set. In addition, this experience has enhanced her professional growth and capacitates her to thrive in dynamic environments where diverse perspectives come together. Collaborating with individuals from various departments has not only expanded her adaptability but also reinforced her belief in the power of collective problem-solving.
Overview of project
The Food Imbizo is an initiative of the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security which convenes multi-stakeholder dialogues for democratic food governance in South African cities and towns. Its membership exceeds 1200 people, including state officials, NGO workers, civil society representatives, academics, artists, faith leaders and food worker representatives. The food imbizo has been active primarily in the Western Cape, and to a lesser extent in Gauteng. To this end, Dr Wadzanai Mafunga, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is a postdoctoral researcher appointed to help establish a network of stakeholders concerned with food governance in KwaZulu-Natal, to chart the landscape of relevant policy and institutions, to convene stakeholder meetings and to help identify key issues of concern.
Areas of expertise: Solving the food insecurity crisis amongst communities and contributing to achieving zero hunger (Sustainable Development Goal 2).
Dr Trylee Nyasha
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr Trylee Nyasha, a dedicated Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, brings forth over five years of valuable experience in the field of Environmental Science. His specialization lies in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with a focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities related to land use planning and precision agriculture in small scale holder farmers in South Africa. Trylee’s expertise extends to the application of advanced technologies in mapping and monitoring land use patterns. He is particularly dedicated to contributing insights that facilitate sustainable land management practices and the implementation of precision agriculture techniques. His commitment to leveraging Remote Sensing and GIS in innovative ways underscores his dedication to advancing environmental science research and promoting informed decision-making in the field of land use planning. Currently, Trylee actively supervises Ph.D. and MSc students in academic institutions across Africa and Southeast Asia, contributing to the development of the next generation of scholars and professionals in the field.
Brief overview of the project under your management.
Title of the Project: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle High-Throughput Phenotyping of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUS) for Improved Water Use and Productivity in Smallholder Farms.
Brief Overview: Our project focuses on employing advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology for high-throughput phenotyping of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUS) in smallholder farms, specifically within the study area of Swayimane. The primary objectives of the study are:
- Spatial Mapping and Health Assessment: Utilize UAV data to map the spatial distribution and assess the health of neglected and underutilized crop species in smallholder farms.
- Relationship Between Productivity and Edaphic Factors: Investigate the relationship between variations in NUS crop productivity and key edaphic factors, including soil moisture, temperature, and salinity, within smallholder farms.
- Canopy Crop Water Status and Yield Evaluation: Evaluate the utility of UAV platforms in quantifying the spatial and temporal variability of canopy crop water status and yield by NUS crops in smallholder farms.
- Potential of UAV High-Throughput Phenotyping in Yield Estimation: Assess the potential of UAV high-throughput phenotyping data in estimating the yield of neglected and underutilized crops in smallholder croplands.
Our research team comprises 2 Ph.D. students and 1 M.Sc. student, all actively engaged in investigating and addressing the outlined objectives. The project is generously funded by the Water Research Commission, underscoring our commitment to advancing knowledge and sustainable practices in agricultural water use and productivity. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute valuable insights that can positively impact smallholder farming communities in the Swayimane region.
Areas of expertise: Environmental Science
Dr Tsitsi Bangira
Postdoctoral Fellow
tsitsibangira@gmail.com
Dr Tsitsi Bangira received a PhD in 2019 from the faculty of science at the University of Stellenbosch. She also holds an MSc in GIS and Earth Observation for Water Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Twente, Faculty Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands. Dr Bangira joined CTAFS in 2021 as a postdoctoral fellow. She has a multi-disciplinary research background that cuts across food systems, climate change, natural resources management and water, energy and food nexus. Her research interests focus on the utilisation of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and remote sensing tools to monitor floods and droughts, spatial and temporal changes in water resources, water quality, grasslands and crops, specifically in heterogeneous environments and data scarce areas. Currently she is working on assessing the utility of drone technology in monitoring water availability and quality in irrigation canals and dams for improving crop water productivity and enhancing precision agriculture in smallholder farms. She is also working on the OpeN source Nexus modelling tools for Planning sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (ONEPlanET) project. ONEPlanET will co-design and test a Toolkit, built upon existing WEF Nexus models and methodologies, that allows to simulate scenarios optimizing existing resources with the most appropriate policies considering social, climate, economic and biophysical constrains.
Areas of expertise: Integration of optical and radar sensors for surface water dynamics, grasslands, and land use mapping, water, energy and food nexus.
Dr Wendy Geza
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr Wendy Geza’s journey to her PhD in Food Security began in UKZN’s Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management (AERRM) programme. Her research focuses on understanding the role of youth in transforming food systems under climate change. Her interests include youth inclusion in food systems, socio-economic transformation, food systems research and food policy analysis. She is a postdoc researcher under the Food Environments in Transitioning Economies (FETE) project. Through her work, her goal is to contribute to transdisciplinary research and development that supports capacity building, inclusion, and equity in the food system environment for marginalised people.
Brief overview of the Food Environments in Transitioning Economies (FETE) project
The Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems (CTAFS) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal has partnered with the University of Nottingham in Malaysia (UNMC), Thünen Institute (Germany), CSIR (Ghana) and Sokoine University (Tanzania) to form the FETE transdisciplinary research consortium. It aims to establish a shared understanding and to develop solutions to shape food environments in transitioning economies to drive nutritious food consumption for better health outcomes. The project utilises a variety of approaches to study dietary habits, consumer and food supply trends and policies to develop evidence-based policy recommendations to transform food environments, targeting poor urban communities in all partner countries.
Areas of expertise: Her interests include youth inclusion in food systems, socio-economic transformation, food systems research and food policy analysis.
Dr Admire Shayanowako
Postdoctoral Fellow
ShayanowakoA@ukzn.ac.za/ shayanowako@gmail.com
Admire Shayanowako is the local breeder for the BamBREED project. The program aims to develop and release the first true Bambara breeding lines and cultivars. His other research interests are on improving indigenous underutilized crop species, including African leafy vegetables.
Areas of expertise: Plant Breeding
Dr Cecilia R Masemola
Postdoctoral Fellow
MasemolaC@ukzn.ac.za
Cecilia R Masemola is Post-Doctoral fellow working directly on the Adaptation fund funded project – uMgeni Resilience Project. She is an Applied Remote Sensing and GIS Scientist with expertise in big Earth observation data and various methods such as radiative transfer model (RTM), machine learning, deep learning, time series analysis, and geospatial services in the cloud for both spatial data acquisition and processing. Her principal interests are the development of GIS and remote sensing-based algorithms for modelling and mapping vegetation biochemistry and biophysical properties, and for discriminating invasive alien plant species from native vegetation communities, with extensive experience in Africa. She is currently leading work on integrating remote sensing data, advanced climate information, crop/agro hydrological models, automated geospatial artificial intelligence tools and frameworks for early warning systems, making informed decisions on climate risk management, climate change adaptation and food systems transformation at the farm to the policy level.
Areas of expertise: Expertise in advanced satellite imaging processing, land cover mapping, time series analysis and land use and land cover change analysis, Invasive alien plants discrimination and mapping. Proficiency in geospatial big data analytics, web-mapping applications using Google cloud API, JavaScript, CSS, HTML and Python programming.
Dr Mallika Sardeshpande
Postdoctoral Fellow
SardeshpandeM@ukzn.ac.za
Mallika Sardeshpande holds a doctorate in environmental science, and is a postdoctoral fellow working on biodiverse and edible urban landscapes. The project situates wild food foraging and food security in urban and peri-urban green spaces. Different combinations of ecosystem services, functionality, and governance are to be implemented and reflexively adapted to estimate optimal sustainable harvest and management regimes. In doing so, different types of agroecological and multifunctional urban landscapes will be developed, and information on underutilised food species will be generated. The project aims to contribute to alternatives for climate-smart, resilient, and sustainable food production. Mallika has experience and interest in community- and use-based biodiversity conservation, ecological economics, and urban green infrastructure. Her non-academic interests include reading, writing, art, craft, and outdoor adventure.
Areas of expertise: Commons, Conservation, Policy, Statistics, Outreach.
Dr Matilda NM Azong Cho
Postdoctoral Fellow
MasemolaC@ukzn.ac.za
Dr Matilda NM Azong Cho is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences. She has a multi-disciplinary research background which cuts across gender, application of GIS and remote sensing in natural resources management and vulnerability and adaptation to environmental changes. Dr Matilda Azong received a PhD in 2019 from the department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg. She also holds an MA in Planning and Coordination in Natural resources management from the International Institute of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands and a BA degree in Gender Studies from the University of Buea, Cameroon. Her research interests include environmental planning and coordination, natural resources management, vulnerability, resilience and adaptation to climate change and gender and development. Her current research examines the integration of participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) in land use planning with the aim of enhancing local rangeland users’ participation in the planning and management of rangeland resources. She also seeks to investigate how PGIS can contribute to the integration of gender and climate change to further understand rangeland planning and management challenges and how the challenges could be mitigated.
Areas of expertise: The integration of PGIS, climate change and gender mainstreaming in rangeland use planning and management
Dr Mbulisi Sibanda
Postdoctoral Fellow
sibandambulisi@gmail.com
Mbulisi Sibanda is Post-Doctoral fellow working directly on the WRC drones project. He is a GIS and Earth Observation scientist (South African NRF-rated researcher) (+10 years of experience) currently working as a Post-doctoral Fellow at CTAFS. He focuses mainly on ecological remote sensing applications. He does research on contemporary issues, focusing on the use of satellite-based EO technologies in monitoring and understanding various components of the vegetation ecosystems, hydrological cycle, climate change, invasive species bio-geography. Currently interested in the utility of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Areas of expertise: Ecological and Agricultural Remote sensing applications; GIS and Remote Sensing applications
Dr Shenelle Lottering
Postdoctoral Fellow
sewells@ukzn.ac.za
Shenelle Lottering is a Post-Doctoral research fellow working on the WOODRIGHTS and WEF Nexus projects. She specializes in Human Geography with a particular focus on socio-ecological systems. Her research is driven by her passion for working with people, specifically marginalized communities in rural and urban areas. Her research interests involve rural development, climate change resilience and social empowerment. Her current research focus is on bridging the gaps between social and ecological systems and empowering vulnerable communities through the planting and restoration of trees in society. She is knowledgeable in her field and has a good understanding of rural-urban dynamics and various socio-ecological factors both influencing and contributing to community resilience. Her main interests are the development of social cohesion, community empowerment and increased resilience amongst marginalized groups.
Area of expertise: Human Geography; Socio-ecological systems.
Dr Sithabile Hlahla
Postdoctoral Fellow
HlahlaS@ukzn.ac.za
Sithabile Hlahla is Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where she is working under the Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems (SHEFS) programme. Her current research focuses on the agriculture-environment-health nexus and the associated policy impacts of food production system transformation for low income groups in the rural areas of South Africa, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Her main research interests are on local responses to environmental impacts and climate variability and change, at community and government levels in both urban and rural areas.
Area of expertise: Environmental Science
Dr Vimbayi GP Chimonyo
Postdoctoral Fellow
schimonyov@ukzn.ac.za
Vimbayi Chimonyo is Post-Doctoral fellow working directly on the Adaptation fund funded project – uMgeni Resilience Project. She specializes in crop modelling (plant resource use), multicrop systems, crop production and seed technology. She is research and development oriented, with a huge passion for working with young scientists and communities. Her current research focus is on the use of integrated crop management to address issues of food security, climate change and rural development. She has a good understanding of resource use (water, soil nutrients and solar radiation) within the agricultural sector, the Soil –Plant-Atmosphere continuum, Water – Food – Nutrition – Health nexus, and the Water-Energy-Food nexus within food system landscapes, and the need for transformative strategies for inclusive food security. Her main research interests are on developing resilient cropping systems with an emphasis on sustainable intensification under climate variability and change.
Areas of expertise: Agronomy and Crop Modelling
Dr Zolo Kiala
Postdoctoral Fellow
KialaZ@ukzn.ac.za
Zolo Kiala is a post-doctoral research scientist on the Water Energy Food nexus toolkit (WEF-Tools) project, which is led by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and sponsored by the IHE Delft Partnership Programme for Water and Development (DUPC2). His background is GIS and Remote Sensing. He has a strong interest in using python programming for analysing GIS and remotely sensed data. He has used python for modelling the spatial distribution of invasive plant species and biophysical variables (leaf aerial index, biomass, etc). His current research focus is to assess interactions between water, food and energy for supporting sustainable and inclusive socio-development in water scarce regions.
Areas of expertise: Machine learning, cartography and environmental management
Postgraduate Students
Student Name | Study Level | Thesis Title |
Avrashka Sahadeva | Doctoral | Maize Seed Systems on Smallholder Farms in KwaZulu-Natal Province: Sustainability and Socio-Economic Impact of Landraces |
Busiso Mavankeni | Doctoral | Improving Fusarium wilt resistance in bambara groundnut |
Cuthbert Taguta | Doctoral | Implementation of the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus: Case Studies and Guidelines for Southern Africa |
Dhesigen Naidoo | Doctoral | The Water-Energy-Food Nexus – developing models, frameworks and guidelines to inform implementation in South Africa |
Dirwai Tinashe | Doctoral | Moistube™ irrigation technology influence on solute transport and yield response of Canola (Brassica napus l) under different fertigation regimes |
Geza Wendy | Doctoral | Youth vulnerability in agriculture |
Miya Slindile Precious | Doctoral | Seed quality of bambara groundnut |
Mohammed Maqsooda | Doctoral | Developing an environmental early warning system |
Mphatso Molota | Doctoral | Development and Assessment of a Water-Energy-Food Nexus Toolkit (WEF-Tools) for Water-Scarce Basins |
Mugiyo Hillary | Doctoral | Modelling and mapping underutilised crops for selected bio-climatic zones in South Africa |
Ndlovu Mendy | Doctoral | Modelling climate change impacts on selected indigenous crops, diets and nutrition in marginalised communities of South Africa |
Nokuthula Hlanga | Doctoral | Developing drought tolerant varieties of bambara groundnut |
Paul Mmtoni Barasa | Doctoral | Developing a drone technology adoption framework for smallholder farmers in South Africa |
Reddy Kyle | Doctoral | Estimation of water use efficiency of soybean (Glycine max.) for biodiesel production in KwaZulu-Natal |
Selala Sylvester | Doctoral | Developing a framework for guiding operationalization of WEF nexus approach for policy implementation: A case study in two district municipalities in South Africa |
Simphiwe Mhlontlo | Doctoral | Agronomic performance of selected Amaranthus varieties and phosphorus availability in animal manure amended and mycorrhizae enhanced acidic soils of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa |
Student Name | Study Level | Thesis Title |
Ayanda Dube | Masters | Assessing the commercial value of selected underutilised crops |
C Matambo | Masters | Measuring and modelling water use using AquaCrop |
Kiara Brewer | Masters | Testing the utility of multispectral and thermal drone technology to monitor crop health and water-stress |
Mikateko Sithole | Masters | Enhancing climate change adaptive capacity through the “local government climate change support programme”: case studies of eight district municipalities in the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces |
Senelisiwe Ndlela | Masters | Community perceptions of early warning: A case study of Swayimane, uMgungundlovu District Municipality’s multi-hazard early warning system |
Siphesihle Sithole | Masters | Developing an Air Quality Early Warning System for the eThekwini and Msunduzi Municipalities |
Thembelihle Nzimande | Masters | Application and evaluation of AquaCrop, DSSAT and SIMPLE model in NUS production |
Thobeka Kunene | Masters | Assessing Nutritional Water Productivity of Selected African Leafy Vegetables Under Varying Management Options |
Xola Nqabeni | Masters | Assessing the impact of project-based participatory interventions towards building resilience to climate change |