Summary of the Faculty
The Faculty of Agriculture was established in 2014 after it had existed as a Department in the Faculty of Science and Technology since 1997. The Faculty currently has one department but two more are planned after accreditation of new programmes. The mandate of the Faculty is to train and capacitate students and communities with knowledge and skills to support agricultural production in the country and beyond. Zimbabwe’s economy is agro-based with over 20 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coming from Agriculture. The heavy reliance of the Zimbabwean economy on agriculture and natural resources makes Agriculture an important discipline for sustainable national development through provision of the necessary raw materials for downstream industries. The Faculty promotes partnerships with various organizations to roll out innovative technologies that aim to mitigate the effects of climate change and global warming. Graduates from the Faculty are employed in international and local research and development organisations, private sector (co-operatives, consultancy firms and agribusiness), higher and tertiary education institutions, public sector and community based organizations. Graduates are also equipped with entrepreneurial skills that enable them to manage their own businesses.
Vision
To become a renowned centre of excellence in scientific research and community empowerment in the area of agricultural science geared to meet current and future challenges for sustainable development.
Mission
To develop globally competitive agricultural practitioners for sustainable development through provision of relevant programmes, teaching and learning activities, and practical and applied research and extension in Agriculture.
Core Values
Recognizing strength in team work
Facilitating applied and practical research in Agriculture
Valuing quality and delighting stakeholders through service delivery
Respectful and professional approach
Valuing transparency, integrity and professional ethics in its activities
- Studying with the Faculty
To be admitted to the programme a prospective student must have:
- At least 5 ‘O’ Level passes including English Language, Mathematics and
Science subject incorporating Biology and Chemistry (e.g. Integrated Science, General Science, Agriculture or Chemistry and Biology) at grade C or better,
- A Diploma in Agriculture or related field of study from a recognized institution.
- Special Entry
A prospective student may be admitted on special entry or through Accreditation of Prior Learning route in accordance with the University’s General Academic Regulations.
Delivery is through Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL ) route, using the myVista platform and other ICT affordances including Microsoft Teams, study guides, online tutorials and social media .
Departments
The Faculty currently has one department, the Department of Agricultural Management but is in the process of establishing the Department of Animal Production and the Department of Soils and Plant Sciences.
The Faculty is currently offering the BSc, Honours in Agricultural Management. New programmes being developed include the BSc in Crop Production, BSc in Horticulture, BSc in Agribusiness and BSc in Animal Production. These new programmes will be offered after accreditation by ZIMCHE. Students can also pursue MPhil and DPhil degrees with the Faculty.
The Faculty is housed at Corner House, 7th Floor, Corner Samora Machel Avenue and Leopold Takawira Street in Harare. Telephone +263242781128 email FacultyofAgriculture@zou.ac.zw
