Among the brilliant emerging scholars at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Dr Mhlangabezi Slayi has been awarded a Y rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), marking a major milestone in his academic journey.
Dr Slayi is a researcher at the Centre for Global Change within the Faculty of Science and Agriculture.
His work focuses on creating practical, evidence-based strategies that enhance livestock productivity and preserve the sustainability of rangeland ecosystems.
Since joining the university in July 2021 as a postdoctoral researcher, he has rapidly made significant strides, contributing to vital studies on climate-resilient livestock systems and the future of agriculture in the face of climate change.
An Academic Path Driven by Passion
With a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Animal Science from UFH, his academic journey is rooted in a deep commitment to solving the challenges facing Southern Africa’s agricultural communities.
His research interests span sustainable livestock production, rangeland ecology, and climate change adaptation. He is particularly passionate about optimizing forage utilization, improving grazing management, and finding long-term solutions to preserve rangelands for future generations.
“My goal is to develop evidence-based strategies that improve livestock productivity while ensuring the long-term sustainability of rangeland ecosystems,” he said.
Pioneering Research and Groundbreaking Achievements
Dr Slayi has conducted impactful research, such as his assessment of the impact of climate variability on cattle performance and studying the effectiveness of feedlots in reducing grazing pressure. His studies on restoring degraded communal rangelands and the rehabilitation of ecosystems have also been impactful. So far, his contributions have led to 27 peer-reviewed articles.
His unwavering dedication to community engagement has led to close collaborations with smallholder farmers, helping them to develop strategies that not only improve productivity but also strengthen their resilience to climate change.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
For him, the NRF Y rating is a personal and academic triumph. “Personally, this recognition affirms my dedication, hard work, and passion for advancing knowledge in my field. It serves as motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of research and contributing meaningful solutions to the challenges faced by livestock farmers, particularly in the context of climate change.”
“Academically, this rating enhances my credibility as a researcher and opens new opportunities for collaboration, funding, and mentorship. It strengthens my ability to contribute to policy discussions, guide emerging researchers, and further develop innovative strategies that support sustainable agriculture and resilient farming systems.”
Congratulations to Dr Slayi for this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to his continued contributions to science, agriculture, and the broader global conversation on climate change and sustainable farming.