The University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Geography has concluded two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) that expand the department’s collaborative reach in biodiversity conservation, environmental resilience, and community-focused development across Southern Africa.

Signed with WildTrust in South Africa and the Local Initiatives and Development (LID) Agency in Zimbabwe, the agreements support multidisciplinary research and field-based learning aligned with the research themes of the National Agricultural Strategy (NAS).

MoU 1: Partnership with WildTrust advances biodiversity conservation and postgraduate training

Dr Regis Musavengane, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, explains that the department has entered into an MoU with WildTrust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, community empowerment, and environmental resilience, with a primary focus on KwaZulu-Natal.

Dr Adriaan van der Walt, Academic Head of the Department of Geography, notes that the collaboration will focus on thematic areas aligned with WildTrust’s operational priorities, which correspond with the research themes of the National Agricultural Strategy. He adds that the partnership builds on UFS strengths in environmental and ecological sciences while supporting WildTrust’s mission to promote thriving ecosystems and resilient communities.

Dr Musavengane indicates that the agreement creates opportunities for innovative and multidisciplinary research initiatives that advance biodiversity conservation and socio-environmental sustainability.

A key component of the partnership is postgraduate development. WildTrust will provide PhD funding of R50 000 per year over three years, along with fieldwork opportunities at its project sites. Supported researchers will spend up to three months conducting field-based research.

WildTrust will also collaborate with the UFS on joint funding applications, and representatives from the organisation will serve on the Department of Geography’s Academic Advisory Board.

MoU 2: Agreement with Zimbabwe’s LID Agency strengthens international fieldwork collaboration

Dr Adriaan van der Walt reports that a second MoU has been concluded between the UFS – through its Department of Geography – and the Local Initiatives and Development (LID) Agency, a Zimbabwe-based non-profit organisation.

He describes the agency’s work as focused on building resilient and poverty-free communities through innovative interventions addressing hunger, land degradation, climate change, and sustainable livelihoods. The organisation places particular emphasis on women and youth in rural communities across the Midlands and Masvingo provinces.

Under this agreement, the LID Agency will serve as the primary point of contact for UFS students conducting fieldwork across its six thematic focus areas, including agriculture, climate change, and community development. The agency will provide logistical support, such as transportation and assistance with obtaining the necessary clearances.

Dr Musavengane adds that the LID Agency will also participate in the department’s Advisory Board, strengthening international collaboration and research engagement.

The partnership aims to integrate the academic and research expertise of the UFS Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences with the LID Agency’s community-based and practice-orientated interventions.