Dr. Kwanele
Country: Swaziland
Discipline: agriculture
Organisation: University of Eswatini
Discipline: agriculture
Organisation: University of Eswatini
Country: Swaziland
Discipline: agriculture
Organisation: University of Eswatini
Basic Information
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Title
Dr -
Names
Kwanele -
Surname
Nxumalo -
Gender
Male -
Occupation
Lecturer -
Institution
University of Eswatini -
Website
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2878-7725 -
Short Bio
Dr. Nxumalo the current Head of Horticulture Department at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), earned his PhD in Botany, specialising in Postharvest Technology, Agroprocessing, and Food Circular Bioeconomy from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Postharvest and Agroprocessing Center (PARC). Being the first PhD student to graduate at UJ-PARC, his research focused on ‘Formulation, characterization and application of bio-inspired nano/composites coatings for postharvest preservation of horticultural crops’, leading to 11 indexed articles. In 2021, he won the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 3rd All-Africa Postharvest Congress and Exhibition held in Ethiopia and in 2024, under the Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme, Dr. Nxumalo was awarded the Best PhD Science Student in South Africa by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). His academic research focuses on preserving and adding value to nutritious food crops to improve health outcomes and promote food security. Recognizing the critical link between quality education and food security, he has dedicated his efforts to equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive sustainable food systems. Dr. Nxumalo has been an important member collaborating with different organisations in Eswatini and across the borders in fostering innovation that bridges education and food security. His work supports small-scale and commercial farmers with knowledge and practical solutions to reduce food loss and waste through agroprocessing and sustainable postharvest practices, where he collaborates with government and organizations, including FAO, World Vegetable Center, NAMBoard, Cooperation for the Development of Emerging Countries (COSPE), Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM), etc. He is also a strong advocate for the role of education in enhancing agricultural productivity and improving food security outcomes, mainly addressing SDG #12 (ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, promoting responsible use of resources and reducing waste to foster a healthier planet). Dr. Nxumalo has published over 35 indexed articles and has successfully graduated 30 undergraduate and currently has 3 postgraduate students under his supervision. Internationally, he is a member of the International Society for Horticultural Science, UJ-PARC and locally he serves in various committees such as the University of Eswatini Environmental and Biosafety Research Ethics Committee.
Research Interests
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Primary Discipline
agriculture