About Dr Wezi MHANGO
Dr Wezi Mhango is an Associate Professor of Agronomy at Bunda College, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She holds a PhD in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University, United State of America; a Master of Science in Soil Science from the University of Malawi (UNIMA), and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (with credit) from UNIMA. She is a seasoned professional with 15+ years of experience in research and outreach in agronomy, agroecology, maize-legume production systems, soil health management, reducing aflatoxin contamination during field production. Her main research areas of interest include agroecology, soil science and agronomy with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices. Current research includes Farmer research networks and multi environmental trials for soil health, crop productivity and livelihoods [funded by The Mc Knight Foundation] building on previous long term (2006-2021) soil health research with farmers with financial support from the Mc Knight Foundation; Indigenous microsymbionts for food and forage legumes [National Commission for Science and Technology in Malawi- Science Granting Council Initiative]; and Developing agronomic packages for peanut production in Malawi [USAID FtF program Peanut Innovation Lab]. Previous research include Agroecological Intensification in Malawi – maize mixed farming system through action research with farmers under the USAID Feed the Future – Africa RISING (Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation] from 2014-2023; Impact evaluation study on effects of warehouse receipt system and demonstration plots on adoption of integrated soil fertility technologies, crop yields and income (funded by International Initiative for Impact Evaluation -3ie); and Payment for soil fertility information in Malawi [funded by Middlebury University]. Prior to joining the University, Dr Mhango managed a community-based cooperative society specializing in rain-fed and irrigated horticultural and maize production in Salima district of Malawi.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8704-2654
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Research Interest for: Dr Wezi MHANGO
Soil science
soil health management in different environments (contexts); nutrient cycling, biological nitrogen fixation
Agronomy, Agroecology
Crop production systems; soil health; agroecology, sustainable agricultural intensification; agronomic packages for peanut production; seed quality, weed management, ecosystem services, indigenous microsymbionts for food and forage legumes, participatory action research