Tag Archives: Malawi University of Science and Technology

Agriculture

Malawi University of Science and Technology develops innovative organic fertilizer

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has made a groundbreaking development in the field of agriculture with the introduction of an innovative organic fertilizer made from urine and special rocks.

The move is aimed at enhancing soil fertility and crop yields, providing a potential solution to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Malawi.

According to Dr. Jabulani Nyengere, a lecturer at MUST and the developer of the fertilizer, the granulated urine fertilizer shows promising results in trials currently underway at Bvumbwe Research Station. Dr. Nyengere believes that the product has the potential to offer smallholder farmers a cheaper and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers.

The development of this innovative fertilizer is a significant breakthrough for Malawi’s agricultural sector, which is heavily reliant on smallholder farmers.

The use of organic fertilizers can help improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce the environmental impact of farming practices.

The fact that the fertilizer is made from urine and special rocks makes it a unique and potentially game-changing product.

Dr. Nyengere’s enthusiasm for the project is evident in his comments, highlighting the potential for the fertilizer to make a positive impact on the lives of smallholder farmers.

He noted that the product could provide a more affordable and sustainable solution for farmers, enabling them to improve their crop yields and increase their income.

The MUST team has secured a FAR-LEAF II fellowship grant to scale up production of the fertilizer, which will enable them to further develop and refine the product.

This grant is a testament to the potential of the fertilizer and the innovative approach taken by the MUST team.

According to Dr. Nyengere, Malawi has the potential to produce high-quality fertilizer for all farmers across the country. This is a bold claim, but one that is supported by the promising results from the trials.

If successful, the widespread adoption of this fertilizer could have a significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector, enabling farmers to increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods.

The development of this innovative fertilizer is also a reflection of the growing recognition of the importance of sustainable agriculture practices in Malawi.

As the country seeks to improve food security and reduce poverty, the use of organic fertilizers and other sustainable practices can play a critical role in achieving these goals.

The introduction of this fertilizer also highlights the important role that universities can play in driving innovation and development in Malawi.

MUST’s commitment to developing practical solutions to the country’s challenges is evident in this project, and the university’s researchers are to be commended for their efforts.

As the trials continue and the production of the fertilizer is scaled up, it will be interesting to see how this innovative product is received by smallholder farmers and the wider agricultural community.

If successful, it could provide a valuable tool for farmers, enabling them to improve their crop yields and increase their income.

The development of this innovative organic fertilizer by MUST is a significant breakthrough for Malawi’s agricultural sector.

The potential for the product to provide a cheaper and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers is exciting, and the securing of the FAR-LEAF II fellowship grant is a testament to the potential of the project.

As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it contributes to the development of sustainable agriculture practices in Malawi and improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

The innovative approach taken by the MUST team is a reflection of the university’s commitment to developing practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

As Malawi seeks to improve food security and reduce poverty, innovations like this fertilizer can play a critical role in achieving these goals.

With the potential to improve crop yields and increase farmer incomes, this fertilizer could make a significant contribution to the country’s agricultural sector.

The impact of this project could be far-reaching, and it will be interesting to see how it is received by the wider agricultural community.

The use of organic fertilizers and other sustainable practices is becoming increasingly important, and innovations like this can help drive the adoption of these practices.

As the project continues to develop, it is likely that we will see significant benefits for smallholder farmers and the wider agricultural sector in Malawi.

Overall, the development of this innovative organic fertilizer is an exciting development for Malawi’s agricultural sector.

The potential for the product to improve crop yields and increase farmer incomes is significant, and the commitment of the MUST team to developing practical solutions to the country’s challenges is commendable.

As the project moves forward, it is likely that we will see significant benefits for smallholder farmers and the wider agricultural community.

Development, Education

MUST TO BENEFIT FROM FULBRIGHT AWARD

Maravi Post Reporter

posted by JAMES MPHANDE

Dr Zipangani Vokhiwa

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) will benefit from a Fulbright US Scholar award won by a Malawian academic currently working with Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement.

The awardee, Dr Zipangani Vokhiwa and her colleague, Dr Jacqueline Stephen, from the same college, received the Fulbright US Scholar Program awards to work in Malawi and Azerbaijan, respectively. The awards were given by the US Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

According to a new article from the Den Mercer of April 19, 2022 (https://den.mercer.edu/college-of-professional-advancement-faculty-receive-fulbright-awards-to-azerbaijan-malawi), Dr Vokhiwa, a professor of science, “will use the award to conduct research, teach undergraduate and graduate students, mentor junior faculty and assist in faculty, curriculum and program development at MUST”.

MUST recently launched 13 postgraduate programs at both masters and PhD levels and will thus benefit a lot from Dr Vokhiwa’s award which will also see him assist the university in developing and establishing a Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre “with a robust STEM Education and Innovation Lab (SEI Lab) that will be used for research by students and faculty”.

The article quotes Dr Vokhiwa as saying that it was an honour for him to be selected for the award and enable him teach, carry out research and help in establishing a STEM centre at MUST.

“After two years of remote learning, now having the opportunity to further the Fulbright Scholar Program’s goals of developing international understanding, open communication and long-term cooperative relationships is an incredible privilege. I am excited and proud to represent Mercer University and its commitment to international research and service by furthering STEM initiatives around the globe with this Fulbright Scholar award,” Dr Vokhiwa told the paper.

A holder of Diploma in Agriculture from University of Malawi, Dr Vokhiwa did both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Animal Science at Colorado State University and worked in several portfolios within Ministry of Agriculture in Malawi until his retirement.

Upon his retirement, Dr Vokhiwa joined Kennesaw State University as a faculty member before moving to Mercer University in 2007.

His research interests are in areas of sustainable watershed management, ecological monitoring, ecosystem approach and STEM initiatives.

In the US, he has served as principal investigator for a Fulbright Hays Group Projects Abroad grant awarded to Mercer by the US Department of Education in 2012; led a team of 10 teachers and two administrators from Metro Atlanta on a four-week trip to Malawi to collect data for a research project, titled “The Interaction of Environment and Culture in Malawi”; and led students on three Mercer On Mission trips to Malawi in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

Dr Vokhiwa currently serves as president of the Environmental Education Alliance (EEA) Board of Directors and previously served as president of the Fulbright Association’s Georgia Chapter in 2017 and 2018. He is also a member of Mercer’s Fulbright Selection Committee, which works with students applying for Fulbright Awards for various projects around the world.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Dr Vokhiwa will share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and Malawi. Such scholars also engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions.

On return to his base, he is expected to share stories and become an active supporter of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars to campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the US government and is designed to forge lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries, counter misunderstandings and help people and nations work together toward common goals.

Since its establishment in 1946, the Fulbright Program has enabled more than 400,000 dedicated and accomplished students, scholars, artists, teachers and professionals of all backgrounds to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and find solutions to shared international concerns. These include 61 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 76 MacArthur Fellows and thousands of leaders across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

The program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the US Congress to the US Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.

First Posted on must.ac.mw

Education, Obituaries

Malawian lady dies in road accident day after graduating with distinction

Richard Kayenda
Late Isha Senga

Isha Senga, a student who graduated with distinction at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Tuesday, has died in a road accident in Ntcheu.

According to a report from Ntcheu Police Station, the accident, which occurred at around 13:20 local time,  involved a motor vehicle, Toyota Atezza saloon, registration number BY 8379.

Facts of the incident are that the driver of the vehicle, a Mr Tarcizio Nkhoma, 28, was driving from the Balaka direction heading Ntcheu with three passengers on board. Upon arrival at the said area, he failed to negotiate a right bend due to speed and swerved to the extreme dirty verge where the vehicle overturned.

Due to the impact, the deceased sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead soon after arrival at Ntcheu District Hospital, while two passengers and the driver escaped with injuries of various degrees and were also admitted at the same hospital. The motor vehicle was irreparably damaged.

Senga was one of the fresh  graduates who have just completed their tertiary education at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) which President Lazarus Chakwera graced.

She passed on at the age of 26 and was hailing from Chiradzulu District.

Education, Malawi

Malawi President Chakwera installed as MUST Chancellor

Maneno Chimulala
Malawi President Chakwera installed as MUST Chancellor

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, has been installed as Chancellor for Malawi University of Science and Technology during a Virtual 2nd  Congregation of the University held at the university’s campus in Thyolo District.

The President was installed in a ceremony led by the University’s Vice Chancellor Address Malata.

“I accept to take the position of Chancellor of Malawi University of Science and Technology,” said President Chakwera as he got installed as Chancellor of MUST.

Chakwera said there is no single pillar of the Malawi 2063 which does not call upon university graduates, such as those from Must, to rise to the challenge.

He however said the science and technological skills the graduates have acquired have to be combined with entrepreneurial skills if they are to be fruitful.

According to MUST Act, there can be no awarding of certificates, diplomas and degrees if there is no Chancellor.

Speaking during the ceremony, which was virtual due to Covid-19 pandemic, Vice Chancellor Address Malata challenged the graduating students to be professional, saying they represent the university.

He further promised that the institution will strive to be a “solution-based university.”

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) was established by an Act of Parliament Number 31 of 2012 with the aim of promoting the development, adaptation, transfer and application of science, technology and innovation for macro- and micro-economic development of Malawi.

The University enrolled its first cohort of students in April 2014 but was officially opened on October 24, 2014 by His Excellency the President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who is also its first Chancellor. MUST has four operational schools: the Malawi Institute of Technology (MIT), Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences (NSCES), Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), and Bingu School of Culture and Heritage (BISCH). These schools are headed by Executive Deans.

Established in 2014, the MIT is currently offering seven undergraduate and two postgraduate academic programmes in areas of Engineering, Computer and Information Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The NSCES is currently offering seven undergraduate programmes in earth science, climate science, sustainable energy and water resources. The BISCH was operationalised in 2017 and is offering three undergraduate programmes in sports science, African Musicology and Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practice.

Malawi

MUST belongs to Malawi Government—Botomani

Maneno Chimulala
Mark Botomani (R): Information Minister

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Minister of Information, Mark Botomani, has categorically refuted allegations that Malawi University of Science and Technology is a property of the President Peter Mutharika’s family.

Featuring on Tchutchutchu programme on Times TV, parlaimentarian Yeremiah Chihana, a arofessional valuer who was hired by the government to assess Bingu wa Mutharika’s estate, revealed that the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) belongs to Bineth Trust, whose current administrators are President Peter Mutharika and Duwa, the late Bingu’s daughter.

Responding, the government has described Chihana’s remarks as a cheap propaganda.

In a statement released today Friday by the information minister Botomani, government says late President Bingu wa Mutharika donated part of his Ndata farm to the government as the proposed site for the construction of the University.

“The University has been processing title deed for the land. All processes were completed and the Ministry of Lands shall be issuing the title deeds in due course.

“The University is run by a Council and no member of the Mutharika family is affiliated to the council in any way,” reads the statement.

Botomani has further described Chihana’s remarks as disturbing, saying such lies do not befit a person who is representing people in the National Assembly.

“As these facts show, Government is deeply worried that an Honourable Member of Parliament who is supposed to speak the truth at all times decided to do the dishonourable thing of telling people lies, probably to feed his political interests.

“The Malawi University of Science and Technology is a public institution and details of its ownership are public record. It is, therefore, disturbing that a Member of Parliament should resort to peddling cheap propaganda, instead of producing factual information by checking the readily available records from the right offices,” the statement further reads.

Allan Ntata, who was Bingu’s Legal Advisor, also took to social media trashing Chahana’s assertions.

“The legitimate owner of MUST is Malawi Government. I personally conducted the legal annexing and conveyancing where late Bingu annexed part of Ndata Farm and donated it to the government of Malawi as the proposed site for the construction of MUST. MUST has a Ministry of Education Charter just like all other Government Universities and the land upon which it stands was donated to the government.

“I am disappointed that Chihana, whom I respect, can be spreading such lies. Late Bingu wasn’t perfect and did many things wrong alright, but that doesn’t justify piling lies on his shoulders using just rumours and innuendo. These kinds of claims and allegations should always be supported by facts and evidence,” Ntata wrote on his facebook page.

The University was established by an Act of Parliament Number 31 of 2012 with the aim of promoting the development, adaptation, transfer and application of science, technology and innovation for macro- and micro-economic development of Malawi.

Officially launching construction of world-class University, Mutharika said he was pleased to donate the more than 263 hectares of land for its establishment. China’s Export and Import bank had provided a US$80 million loan facility, with a repayment period of 20 years and a grace period of five years, to the Malawi government (not Bingu) for its construction.

“MUST is located in Ndata Estate that belongs to me. I have donated to the Malawi nation over 650 acres of land to be the campus for this university. We shall all benefit from this. It does not belong to me,” he said.

In an interview with Maravi Post on Thursday morning, a senior officer in the land department said “It is indeed true that Bingu donated the land but the title deeds are still under Bineth Trust name. However, the transfer of ownership started soon after construction of the University commenced. By now this could have been a forgotten matter but the process met some challenges as some people were claiming ownership of the land.

“The Mutharika family has never at any point showed resistance to have the land ownership transferred from privately-owned to public. It is, therefore, misrepresentation of facts to say the institution belongs to the Mutharika family. I think Mr. Chihana was somehow political,” he said.

Malawi

APM blames Malawi judges for ‘frustrating’ covid-19 fight; hails MUST students

Maneno Chimulala
President Peter Mutharika appreciating innovations for Covid-19 fight at Malawi University of Science and Technology

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who is also torchbearer for DPP-UDF Alliance in the forthcoming Fresh Presidential Election (FPE), has blamed the country’s judges for blocking Malawians from going on lockdown in the face of the novel Coronavirus.

President Mutharika made the remarks at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Thyolo district where he went to appreciate what students have innovated in the fight against Covid-19.

“The Courts stopped us from going on a lockdown. The same Courts want us to go to an Election. Everybody knows that I won the 2019 Election! If the Court had chosen to follow the law and evidence of the Election Case, we wouldn’t be going to another Election.

“Now, we have a situation that is encouraging everybody to campaign and undermining social distance. We are risking lives of innocent Malawians. With this Election, we are risking lives of our children, our mothers, our fathers, our brothers and sisters.

“As President of this country, this is what I have to say. This country must choose between fighting Coronavirus and going to an Election. We must choose between life and death. As a country, we must make that choice,” Mutharika said.

On the innovations produced at the university, Mutharika hailed the university students for demonstrating a spirit of innovation and patriotism amid the crisis.

“The Malawi University of Science and Technology has lived up to our expectations of leading in science, technology education, research and entrepreneurship.

This is the way it must be. University academics must lead in research and innovation to find solutions for problems confronting society. At the moment, we have a problem. We are in the middle of a crisis of Coronavirus. I repeat what I have always said: Coronavirus is real. Coronavirus is a crisis.

“Coronavirus is killing people in every country. This disease does not choose. Coronavirus can kill anyone at any time. That is what we are seeing everywhere. The problem we have in this country is that we are taking Coronavirus lightly. Dziko lino tachulutsa chibwana. Tickuchita chibwana ndi matenda a Coronavirus. Our fight against Coronavirus is being undermined by politics,” he said.

The University has produced equipments such as ventilators, Automatic water and soap dispensers, Face shields, Reusable face masks, and Hand sanitizers.

The University has also designed a tracking system to prevent, minimize and contain the spreading of Coronavirus.

The Polytechnic has also produced an oxygen breathing machine to support patients with respiratory problems. The Polytechnic is also making drones for collecting samples.

The College of Medicine, Chancellor College and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources are all providing laboratory support and research leadership in fighting the Coronavirus.

From MUST, Mutharika proceeded to Goliati Trading Centre where he addressed a multitude of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters.

Mutharika addressing people in Thyolo

Mutharika, who was in a jovial mood, assured his supporters that he will win again in the forthcoming Fresh Presidential Election just like he did in the 2019 election.

President Mutharika commended people of Thyolo for supporting and voting for him in times of elections.

Mutharika said he is going to bounce back as state president of the Republic of Malawi and encouraged the people of Thyolo to strongly support Atupele Muluzi as his runningmate and take him as one of them in the DPP-UDF alliance.

He advised registered voters in the district to go and vote for him again in the coming election.

Politics

Malawi President launches campaign with a nasty dig at his predecessor Joyce Banda

Maneno Chimulala
Malawi President launches campaign with a nasty dig at his predecessor Joyce Banda

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawi President Peter Mutharika on Monday took a swipe at his predecessor, Joyce Banda, over her remarks at the Njamba Tonse Alliance rally where she alleged that the incumbent president went to China for a drinking spree instead of doing the job he was sent for during the late Bingu Wa Mutharika regime.

Last week, People’s Party President Joyce Banda, who also served as Vice President during the Bingu regime from 2009 to 2012, told a gathering that President Mutharika got drunk in China where he was sent for official duties.

Responding, Mutharika told a multitude of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters at Goliati in Thyolo district that enmity between him and former president Joyce Banda started way back in 2007 during the reign of his brother Bingu when he thwarted Banda’s plans to have sexual escapades with his brother.

Bingce, Joyce and Bakili
Bingu Wa Mutharika, Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi

“I don’t drink Kachasu. I drink red wine,” Mutharika said.

He added: “On December 27, we signed a bilateral agreement with China. On March 12, we went back to China with Bingu. This time we also took Banda as foreign affairs minister though she was useless. After finishing our duties in Beijing, we went to Shanghai for accommodation. So Joyce Banda wanted to book a room next to president. I said no! This will not happen. Uhule wako wa ku Lilongwe usabweretse kuno ku China. A Bingu amadya nsima, samadya deya ayi (do not bring your prostitution here in China. Bingu eats Nsima not husks).”

Mutharika further asked the gathering to vote for DPP in the forthcoming fresh presidential election due this month.

He insisted he won last year’s polls which he says were verified by international observers, telling a gathering that the court robbed them their victory. 

President Mutharika also said he settled for Atupele Muluzi as his running mate to represent the youth in his government.

He promised to storm the northern region in the next two weeks for campaign.

Before Goliati rally, President Mutharika visited the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Thyolo district to appreciate what students have innovated in the fight against Covid-19.

Mutharika has been indoor since his convoy met the wrath of Ndirande residents after presenting his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on 7th May, 2020.

Mutharika’s tour comes 30 days after campaign for fresh presidential election began last month.

Recently, Mutharika told the state broadcaster—Malawi Broadcasting Corporation—that he was not out on the campaign trail due to coronavirus.

Malawi

Malawi President Mutharika to make first public appearance today since Ndirande saga

Maneno Chimulala
Malawi President Mutharika to make first public appearance today since Ndirande saga

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—President Arthur Peter Mutharika will today 1st June 2020 visit the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Thyolo district to appreciate what students have innovated in the fight against Covid-19.

Mutharika has been indoor since his convoy met the wrath of Ndirande residents after presenting his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on 7th May, 2020.

According to a statement from the Office of the President and Cabinet OPC, the tour of MUST will start at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Thereafter, the President will conduct a whistle stop tour that will take him to Goliati, Thyolo Boma and finally Bvumbwe Trading Centre. 

Mutharika’s tour comes 30 days after campaign for fresh presidential election began last month.

Recently, Mutharika told the state broadcaster—Malawi Broadcasting Corporation—that he was not out on the campaign trail due to coronavirus.

“I set measures on how to protect Malawians from the coronavirus. I’m conflicted on going against my own decisions. I wish everyone considered other ways of campaigning without risking people’s lives,” he said.

The president, however, said he will plan accordingly when the date for the elections is set.

Lifestyle

First Lady encourages girls to face challenges inorder to realize their dreams

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

Gertude Mutharika
Malawi First Lady Gertrude. Mutharika

First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has Urged  girls in the country and beyond to take challenges in life and fight hard to realize their dreams.
Madam Mutharika was speaking on Monday at the closing ceremony of women in science camp at Malawi University of Science and Technology in Thyolo.

She expressed gratitude in seeing 98 young ladies across Africa and the United States of America sharing experience and knowledge in various categories of science. Continue reading First Lady encourages girls to face challenges inorder to realize their dreams →

Regional

Peter Mutharika makes ‘Bingu Stadium’ his brothers dream a reality

MaraviPost 2 Comments

Bingu Stadium
Bingu National Stadium: AEJ to decorate it with trees

PETER MUTHARIKA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI, DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BINGU NATIONAL STADIUM

If my brother Bingu were here, he and I would be the first to play football on that pitch. Bingu and I always loved sports. We used to play football under the Mlambe tree and around the church ground outside our home.

Sometimes we walked across several rivers and villages to play with other villages. In those days, we used to make footballs using banana leaves and plastic bags.
I have always said Bingu, the Dreamer may be dead, but His Dream Lives On. I promised to take forward his dream projects. Continue reading Peter Mutharika makes ‘Bingu Stadium’ his brothers dream a reality →