Research activities for Dr M. Sibanda and Mr G. Wilsenach
- Short title of Community Research Project: Improving household income potential through organised agriculture within the Mkhwanazi Tribal area (Not registered – concept stage).
Aim: The aim of this community research project is to improve household income through organised agriculture within the Mkhwanazi Tribal area.
Details of Research: Potential Impact/s
- Community needs assessment research/report.
- To organise individual farmers into a collective group.
iii. To facilitate the establishment of a co-operative that will provide services such as inputs, extension, implements and other agricultural inputs.
- Link collective group to appropriate markets.
- Short title of Research Project: ICT integration in Agriculture [To collaborate with Computer Science Department] (Not registered – concept stage).
Aim: To develop and promote simple user/appropriate technology that can be used by smallholder farmers to improve their production possibilities.
Details of Research: Potential Impact/s
- Needs assessment research/report.
- Apps/interfaces that will improve market access and information.
- Technologies that will inform smallholder farmers on short and long term weather conditions.
- Technologies that will inform smallholder farmers on soil fertility improvements.
- Technologies that will help in the identification of pests, diseases and control thereof.
- Possibility of attaching MSc/honours students (Agribusiness & Computer Science).
- Publications in accredited journals are expected.
- A series of training workshops within the study sites on how to use the developed technologies is also expected.