Betty Mukuwapasi

Background: Women continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), globally including in Africa and, indeed in Zimbabwe. The gender gap, absence of formal research mentorship and the male-dominated academic culture common among low- and middle-income countries makes scientific growth dire for Africa- and Zimbabwe-based female science researchers. Aim: To address some of these challenges, a group of researchers (90% female) created the African Excellence in Research Initiative (AFRIESEARCHI) Zimbabwe Gender in STEMM Mentorship Programme. Setting: Public universities and research institutions in Zimbabwe. Methods: The team crafted a research mentorship curriculum, informed by stakeholder engagement and needs assessment, and piloted it from October 2021 to December 2022. Results: The inaugural 12-month programme capacitated 30 members (80% female) with skills for research. The participants’ mean age was 42.5 (6.9) years, with minimum qualifications of Master’s degrees. Specifically, 5 (17%) members either registered for or graduated with doctoral degrees, 14 (50%) members completed visiting fellowships. Five individual projects were awarded grants all totalling over $300 000.00, while this mentorship project was shortlisted for the Free STEM Fund award (€50 000.00) for the 2022–2023 cycle. Half of shortlisted team members were selected for the competitive Zimbabwean Emerging Faculty Development Program. Almost 90% of participants were satisfied with their mentorship experience, although resources and time were needed. Conclusion: Despite challenges, the team resolved the need to prioritise formalised research mentorship, within the Zimbabwe setting. Contribution: Such efforts will enhance scientific growth for women (and indeed all academic researchers) in the sciences.

Globally, food and nutritional state are marked by an acute prevalence of undernourishment, leading to malnutrition, starvation, and poverty. This state has remained vital for the past years, making attaining zero hunger for the anticipated period (2030) in Africa less possible. To alleviate this challenge, more sustainable food production systems, policy frameworks, mindset changes, and diversification of the food production systems must include some highly nutritious underutilized orphan crops. Acknowledging the potential of untapped, versatile, and climate resilience, Amaranthus significantly promotes sustainable and nutrient-rich food systems. Amaranth grain is a pseudocereal with 4 g of protein and 19 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of cooked amaranth. It is a nutrient powerhouse constituting valuable nutraceuticals, protein, and carbohydrates. Grain amaranth yield ranges from 1500 to 7200 kg/ha. Yield variableness of grain amaranth, lays openings for scientists and researchers to study crop improvement and access a rich pool of genetic materials. These attributes make Amaranthus (amaranth) the most suitable crop candidate in these climate change scenarios. The Amaranthus spp. are popularly known as weedy species and largely undomesticated crops with good adaptability to various geographical locations. Despite its good adaptability, it is less known, under-exploited, and less popular as human food, and its production is very scanty, especially in southern Africa. Efforts are needed to promote its adoption and commercialization. The authors searched pieces of literature in books, journals, and conference papers to establish the potential usage of Amaranthus, its nutritional composition, and its production practices.