Story by Providence Maraneli
GWANDA State University is emerging as a key player in the drive for rural industrialisation in Matabeleland South Province.
With the province’s economy largely anchored on mining and agriculture, the university’s strategic focus on offering specialised degrees in these sectors positions it as a catalyst for local economic growth.
This deliberate academic approach is expected to significantly contribute to the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and support broader national development goals.
While innovations around animal and crop production have the potential to build resilience against climate change in the province.
“It is actually a blessing to have a University like Gwanda State University in the province because, you know, we are a cattle province and fields like stud breeding were a preserve for a few individuals, but with students coming from this institution, we are able to improve using the innovations that they have,” livestock farmer, Mr Obert Chinhamo said.
With a mining laboratory at the institution almost complete, miners are equally excited by the stance taken by the institution in pushing pragmatic degree programmes.
“This college now offers surveying and geomatics, which can help us in solving mining disputes and also save us a lot of capital because many times we just dig without knowledge, and you find that the returns are small and we do not grow,” a miner said.
“The mining laboratory will come in handy because sometimes we take samples to Harare, and it takes time,” a local miner said.
Striving to become a solution to mining and agriculture challenges, the institution has invested in agro-innovation hubs and massive crop production.
“As Gwanda state, we have moved miles in research and we are offering practical solutions to pests and other challenges. For instance, we are making inroads in providing solutions to Baboons, which is a challenge to farming. We have become a research hub for Matabeleland South,” Board Chairperson, Gwanda State University, Mrs Pricilla Musundire said.
The institution is expected to play an even more influential role in rural industrialisation.
“Mining and Agriculture drive Matabeleland South, and we need to make sure that we push STEM subjects in the lower rungs so that we industrialise our communities. We are pushing rural industrialisation and this Institution plays a pivotal role,” Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe said.
Gwanda State University has three faculties, which include Engineering and Environment, Natural Resources Management, Agriculture and Business Sciences and Management.
