School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Welcome to the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The School strives to provide a learning environment that prepares students to acquire skills necessary for meeting societal needs. We seek to produce wholesome graduates who are not only technically qualified, but also have the critical and creative thinking skills to give them the competitive edge in the workplace, particularly...
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Geologist Explores New Depths in Marine Geoscience

When Ms Henna Draycott began her honours degree at UKZN she didn’t think she would continue her academic journey beyond that achievement. But, as life often has a way of unfolding in unexpected and inspiring directions, her path soon shifted. Under the mentorship of Professor Andrew Green, a seasoned expert...
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Thesis on Developing Stronger Hybrids for Africa Earns PhD for Maize Breeder

Dr Rodreck Gunundu’s PhD study through the African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) aimed to identify promising maize inbred lines and experimental hybrids to address Africa’s persistently low yields of a staple crop vital for food and nutrition security. Gunundu combined phenotypic traits with high-resolution Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers...
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Summa Cum Laude Success for Passionate Geologist

Ms Ishta Maharaj’s summa cum laude BSc Honours in Geological Sciences was the culmination of an academic journey that included a novel research project and a conference presentation on her work, which are now propelling her into further study and a career that fulfills her love of Earth’s complex materials. Maharaj was...
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Dean & Head of School (Acting)

Prof Muthulisi Siwela

PA/Secretary:
Ms Phumelele Mshengu
033 260 6476
mshengup@ukzn.ac.za

The School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences has a three-part mission of teaching, research and community engagement. The School has had a significant influence on this continent for over sixty years – from pigs, poultry, papaws and pecans through to farm finance, food security and agricultural development.

The School offers is comprised of five clusters, each with its own disciplines.

Biophysical Sciences

  • Agricultural Meteorology
  • Hydrology
  • Soil Science

Geography

  • Geography

Geology 

  • Geology 

Production Sciences

  • Animal & Poultry Science
  • Crop Science
  • Horticultural Science
  • Plant Breeding
  • Plant Pathology

Value-Adding

  • Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness
  • Agricultural Extension & Rural Resources Management
  • Dietetics & Human Nutrition
  • Food Security

Get in touch with us

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We look forward to hearing from you!