ACENUB orients postgraduate students
The African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (ACENUB) says research and training in neglected and underutilised biodiversity will help to address a number of challenges in the region and beyond.
Speaking on October 6, 2023 during the orientation of international post-graduate students, who are on ACENUB Scholarship, the centre’s director Associate Professor Mavuto Tembo said food and nutrition insecurity are major development challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa because of over-dependence on few selected cereals and root foods.
“Our centre believes that training and research are a foundation of development. A clear and targeted research will unlock the potential of neglected and underutilised biodiversity,” he said.
Jesca John, a Master of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Science student from Tanzania, said her desire is to explore and learn the fisheries aspect.
“I would like to conduct research which I had no opportunity of doing as an undergraduate. There is need for sub-Saharan countries to utilise the resources and biodiversity for better welfare and commercialisation,” she said.
Another student, Sophie Kibebe from Kenya, said she enrolled for a Master of Science Degree in Transformative Community Development because she is passionate about the welfare of people in communities.
“Studying for a Master’s Degree will enable me to participate in transforming the Agri-food system in Malawi and Africa through value addition of neglected species, biodiversity utilization, and conservation. Mzuzu University is a prestigious learning hub right in the warm Heart of Africa which will provide the environment that I have been looking for to do research,” she said.
The students on ACENUB Scholarship are from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
ACENUB has supported the implementation of MZUNI’s Strategic Plan (2021 – 2030). One of the pillars of the strategy is Internationalisation and Cooperation. Through this pillar, MZUNI intends to reposition itself for global outlook as one of the key transformations of tertiary education. The University plans to integrate an international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions, or delivery of tertiary education.
