Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MANICALAND State University for Applied Sciences is on a phenomenal growth trajectory, with its Headlands Campus witnessing increased crop production – notably in tobacco, maize, wheat, and soya beans.
The university has taken innovation a step further by utilising non-arable land to establish a game park spanning 1100 hectares.
The initiative will, not only generate revenue for the university, but also bolster tourism activities in the province, while providing students pursuing tourism and hospitality related courses with invaluable practical experience.
In an interview, MSUAS Vice Chancellor, Professor Albert Chawanda said since the establishment of the Headlands Campus in 2018, the university invested heavily in mechanising the farm.
This endeavour is part of their contribution to fulfilling the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 Curriculum, which emphasises research, innovation, industrialisation, and community service.
The Headlands Campus serves as the flagship innovation hub of Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, showcasing the transformative potential of higher education in Zimbabwe.
Located in Makoni District, the campus straddles 1 450 hectares within Agro-ecological Region Two – a naturally fertile area ideally suited for agricultural and ecological projects.
“Approximately 27 hectares of the total land area are under irrigation, supported by centre pivots and overhead sprinkler systems. An additional 1 100 hectares have been designated for a game park and conservancy, aligning with the university’s vision to integrate biodiversity conservation with academic and community development initiatives.
“Since its establishment in 2018, the Headlands Campus has implemented a diverse range of projects to support teaching, research, innovation, industrialisation, and community service – the five pillars of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework. Key projects include animal husbandry, game park and conservancy, maize farming (47 hectares), tobacco farming (58 hectares), soya bean production (seven hectares), wheat (40 hectares), and apiary.
“Despite these achievements, climate change-induced droughts have posed a significant challenge, impacting the university’s ability to scale up agricultural output. However, this adversity has driven innovation.
“MSUAS has adopted a deliberate mechanisation strategy, investing in modern irrigation infrastructure – including centre pivots – to reduce dependency on rain-fed agriculture and ensure productivity. Through its dynamic projects and strategic responses to environmental challenges, the Headlands Campus exemplifies the university’s commitment to sustainable development, rural transformation, and national food security,” said Professor Chawanda.
Professor Chawanda further revealed that the relevant authorities have cleared the university to establish a game park, and they are currently in the process of stocking the park with wild animals.
Additionally, the university’s master plan includes the provision for a five-star hotel at its Vumba Campus.
“We are an ambitious university with a forward-looking vision. At MSUAS, we believe that Manicaland is blessed with stunning landscapes and favourable climate – natural assets that we are determined to harness. In line with this vision, we have strategically established a game park that serves, not only as a centre for biodiversity conservation and research, but also as a platform for eco-tourism, education, and sustainable development.
“This initiative directly supports our applied sciences mandate, particularly through our Tourism and Hospitality Management programme, by providing students with invaluable hands-on experience.
“However, our ambitions do not end there. Our institutional master plan outlines the development of a five-star hotel at our Fernhill Campus in Vumba – a bold step aimed at unlocking the region’s full tourism potential. These projects reflect our commitment to driving academic innovation, economic growth, and national development.
“The university has secured the reserved area with a game fence. Last year, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, together with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, inspected the area, including the fence.
‘‘We are pleased to report that the park was approved, with all animal species cleared for introduction, except lions and elephants. We are now in the process of stocking the park with the approved species,” said Professor Chawanda.
Online Reporter