Ministry of Primary
and Secondary Education
ZIMBABWE
Research Agronomist
Benefits to primary industries
My research helps primary industries to be the most efficient and productive that they can be. I run different trials around the state to look at different growing conditions and crops. I work with a number of different industries to make sure that growers have access to local information that is relevant to their farms. In some trials I am looking at the pests and diseases of crops. Some trials are about soil health and moisture requirements. Others are about different crop varieties and the growing season.
Where do you live?
I live in a small town not far from the research station.
What are some important skills?
It’s important to be able to plan and conduct research trials making sure the science behind the trial is robust. It is also important to be able to communicate my research findings, so I need to be able to write scientifically. Public speaking is important as sometimes I present my papers at conferences, which isn’t my favourite thing to do, but I am getting better at it!
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love working outdoors and reporting on the research knowing that it will help our growers make decisions about their farming systems. I love how varied the work is and I get to travel across a lot of the state, which is great!
What are the main tools of the trade?
The most important thing I need is space or land to conduct my trials. Sometimes that is on a research station run by the government, sometimes it is on a farmer’s property, and sometimes my trials are in a greenhouse. I also need to record and analyse the information I have collected, so I use measuring tools, weather stations and I couldn’t do without my computer!
What training have you had?
I have a Bachelor of Science from university. I like to attend industry conferences and university seminars so I can learn about other research trials and what the industry is looking for in our work.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I think I will still be researching but our understanding of primary industries is changing with every study so I couldn’t even guess what the trials will be about!