Mzuyanda Christian, a professor in agricultural economics, advocates for sustainable practices in agriculture. His dedication to community development and humanitarian efforts is exemplified by the Dr Christian Foundation, which he founded to empower marginalised people. Mzuyanda has dedicated his career to minimising waste while maximising agricultural output through innovative, climate-smart practices. His involvement in a Water Research Commission project in the Eastern Cape promotes water use efficiency through innovative application of small-scale irrigation in smallholder agriculture. In collaboration with Nelson Mandela University and the Agricultural Research Council, Mzuyanda is leading a project focused on revitalising abandoned croplands in the Eastern Cape. Funded by the National Research Foundation, this initiative aims to address food insecurity through introducing climate-resilient crops to promote long-term agricultural sustainability. Mzuyanda is involved in the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Research Hub at the University of Mpumalanga. In addition, he has participated in several webinars focused on diversification strategies for creating new employment opportunities in emerging sectors. Most recently, Mzuyanda contributed to the Academy of Science of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition workshop held in September at the University of Mpumalanga, and the short-term private sector-led employment strategy for Mpumalanga in August. These workshops are part of ongoing efforts to explore sustainable economic alternatives.
Educational Qualifications
- PhD (Agricultural Economics), University of Fort Hare
- MBA, North-West University
- MSc (Agricultural Economics), University of Fort Hare
- BSc (Agricultural Economics), University of Fort Hare
Greatest achievements
- Established and revived the non-functional agricultural cooperatives in the Ngqamakwe area of the Eastern Cape.
- Assisted villagers in the Hlobo area of the Eastern Cape to establish community vegetable gardens, led by the young and unemployed.
- Assisted the Tshazibana and the Ukhozi Junior Secondary Schools to revive their gardens and grow crops that form part of their weekly diet.
- Currently working on a project that encourages rural communities to revive abandoned cropland for food security. In this project, we are aiming to introduce climate-resilient crops, enhance food security and empower local farmers through the transfer of knowledge and skills.
- Dr Christian Foundation has donated school uniforms, sanitary pads and basic learning materials to more than 300 learners.
- The foundation has conducted a career expo for rural communities (both online and physically)
- Assisted 50 learners from deep rural areas to complete application forms and assist them with application fees where necessary
What message or advice would you give to future generations?
Remember that caring for our planet is not just a responsibility but a crucial aspect for survival. Our natural resources are limited, and their depletion threatens food security and livelihoods, especially for vulnerable people. Let us all embrace sustainable practices in food production that prioritise environmental health and community resilience.Your actions today shape the world of tomorrow; choose wisely.