Chinhoyi University of Technology and Zimbabwe Open University Launch the UPLIFT-Agriculture Project with Purpose, Strengthening Agricultural Education in Zimbabwe

In April 2024, Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) joined forces with Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) to officially launch the UPLIFT-AG project in Zimbabwe. At a joint inception workshop held at the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM), 30 participants engaged in lively discussions on university-industry linkages, teaching methods, technology and innovation, and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture. Participants embraced the UPLIFT mission: to reform curriculum, empower educators, and make agriculture education more responsive to societal and market needs.

1.1 Industry Engagement in Action: Building Bridges beyond Campus

CUT identified 20 key industry players across Harare and Manicaland Provinces to participate in a baseline survey assessing university-industry collaboration. Though administrative delays impacted full participation, most organizations expressed strong interest in future engagement to improve agriculture teaching. Participating sectors included sugarcane, tea, bananas, irrigation, crop research, agrochemicals, and livestock partners.

Highlights from industry partners

• Academic programs must reflect emerging technologies.

• Internships and collaborative research are crucial.
  
  
• Recognition through certificates motivates participation.
  

  1.2 Rethinking Curriculum for the Next Generation

  As part of Work Package 3, CUT hosted a curriculum review for postgraduate agriculture programs. A bold reform is underway to introduce compulsory taught modules to strengthen students' analytical and research skills.

  Key reforms include:

  • Shortening curriculum review cycles from 5 to 3 years
  • Introducing innovative teaching methods such as flipped classrooms, gamified learning, and ICT simulations
  • Encouraging Lectures to obtain Instructional Development qualifications (IDQ) such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education

  These changes align CUT’s offerings with global standards and industry needs.

  1.3 Innovation You Can See: The UPLIFT Circular Food System demo farm

  At the heart of CUT’s UPLIFT project activities lies a powerful visual story: a circular farming demonstration plot that integrates Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, poultry, and vegetable production.

  1.3.1 How it works:

  • Canteen waste is used to feed Black Soldier Fly larvae.
  • Larvae become protein-rich feed for poultry and fish.
  • BSF frass is used as organic fertilizer for vegetables.
• The system runs on solar-powered irrigation in climate-controlled containers.
  
  
  The Circular Food system at CUT, Zimbabwe
  

  "This plot is a launchpad for ideas, we’re not just growing food; we’re growing solutions."

  1.3.2 Impact

  • The farm supplies fresh eggs, meat and vegetables to the local community
  • Trains students in insect farming and organic systems
  • Provides scalable ideas for industry adoption

  1.4 Communication That Connects

  As the lead institution for project dissemination (WP5), CUT drives strategic storytelling. Monthly updates via social media and institutional websites will capture project milestones, innovations, and events.

  Examples of storytelling highlights:

  • Circular food systems in action
  • Community access to nutritious produce
  • Innovation from waste management to organic fertilizer

  CUT has also engaged agri-entrepreneurs, associate partners like GrowNet, and government stakeholders in hands-on demonstrations and media interviews.

  1.5 What’s next for UPLIFT-AG at CUT?

  • Launch follow-up workshops based on baseline survey insights
  • Publishing change stories from faculty, students, and farmers
  • Strengthen industry co-creation of curricula and innovation
  • Extend the impact of the demonstration plot through piloting partnerships