Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has broken new ground in the livestock sector by developing affordable, high-protein stock feed from indigenous fruits and insects, a move expected to improve animal health, reduce production costs and strengthen Zimbabwe’s food security.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Professor Phineas Mogorosi Makhurane Technovation Centre, aligns with the national drive to modernise agriculture and promote import substitution by using home-grown solutions to address feed shortages, especially during dry seasons.
Speaking during Nust’s 31st graduation ceremony in Bulawayo on Friday, Vice Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo said the university is leveraging science and technology to make high-quality, sustainable feed available to farmers while reducing environmental impact.
“We are proud to have developed two innovative types of stock feed derived from indigenous fruits and insects. The first involves a partnership with villagers in Thekwane, Plumtree to produce cattle feed from indigenous fruits,” said Prof Dlodlo.
“This initiative not only lowers reliance on commercial feeds but also provides essential nutrients such as protein and energy during dry seasons. It promotes sustainable food security, reduces production costs and creates economic opportunities within rural communities.”
The second innovation, known as the Pa-Morsh livestock feed, is derived from the breeding of Black Soldier Fly larvae, a rich and sustainable source of protein used in livestock, aquaculture, and pet food production.
“The insects convert organic waste into a high-value protein ingredient, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional feeds like soyabean and fish meal. This also helps reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the country’s environmental sustainability goals,” said Prof Dlodlo.
Nust’s innovations come at a time when Zimbabwe’s livestock sector — which contributes about 19 percent to the national agricultural GDP — faces challenges linked to drought-induced feed shortages, high input costs and climate change.
According to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Zimbabwe loses thousands of cattle annually during drought years due to lack of affordable feed.
The Government has therefore prioritised feed innovation, pasture development, and climate-smart livestock systems under the Livestock Growth Plan (2021–2025), a key pillar of the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy.
Nust’s breakthrough in using indigenous fruits and insect-based feed complements this national agenda, demonstrating how local research institutions can directly contribute to rural resilience, sustainable agriculture and Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
Prof Dlodlo said the university’s innovations extend beyond agriculture. Nust is now collaborating with Better Engines Performance (BEP) Pvt Ltd and Czech innovators on a green fuel additive project housed at its technovation centre.
He said this eco-friendly additive is being researched and tested to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from internal combustion engines. Its adoption will help local businesses lower fuel costs and carbon footprints.
“Energy is a foundational pillar of NDS 1 and a prerequisite for achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030. In support of this national priority, Nust is collaborating with Better Engines Performance (BEP) Private Limited and Czech innovators on a ground-breaking fuel additive project,” said Prof Dlodlo.
In addition, Nust is working with the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) to map and characterise the lithium value chain, aiming to support beneficiation and value addition of battery-grade minerals.
“We have also responded to the Second Republic’s call for beneficiation and value addition of our mineral resources.
“Nust is part of a consortium working with MMCZ to characterise the lithium value chain,” he said.
“This strategic initiative aims to shift Zimbabwe from a raw material exporter to a producer of high-value battery components, unlocking job creation, boosting tax revenues, promoting local industry, and securing global market access.”
The university has also collaborated with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services on developing a Green Internet Ecosystems Framework for Zimbabwe, integrating sustainable practices into digital infrastructure and scientific advancement.
“This project integrates sustainable practices into digital infrastructure and scientific advancement.
“Its major output, a comprehensive framework for a green internet ecosystem, was submitted to the Ministry of ICT, aligning Zimbabwe’s digital transformation with environmental stewardship,” said Prof Dlodlo.
In response to evolving national priorities, Nust has launched six new degree programmes this year — Agricultural Information Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Genetics and Cell Technology, Agribusiness, Economics and Management, Sustainable Food Production and Master of Business Leadership — to train professionals capable of driving innovation across key economic sectors.
Prof Dlodlo said as a national science and technology hub, Nust continues to align its research and teaching with the Second Republic’s vision of industrialisation, modernisation and sustainability.
