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Coupled with those from natural disturbances, complex anthropogenic
negative impacts are threatening the survival of humankind
and that of the earth life. Various strategies including rigorous
training have been designed and are being implemented to tackle
the environmental problems for sustainable development. It
is in this context, that the environmental training institute
of Mushandike Natural Resources College was set up.
The Mushandike Natural Resources College was founded in 1982.
On inception, the College was located at the Old Matobo Hotel
site, along Matobo Road close to Bulawayo. The college was
relocated to Mushandike Sanctuary in 1983 to take advantage
of the existing infrastructure belonging to the then Recreational
Center for Conservation Education. The College is situated
26 kilometres from the town of Masvingo on the Masvingo -
Bulawayo Highway. It is about 11 kilometres from the Highway
to the college campus.
Course Programs
When the college was opened in 1982, it was offering a Diploma
Course in Wildlife and Protected Area Management. In line
with the reorganization of tertiary education in Zimbabwe,
fruitful stakeholder consultation culminated in the following
course programs that were approved by the Ministry of Higher
and Tertiary Education in 2002:
- National Foundation in Wildlife Management
- National Certificate in Wildlife Management
Work is in progress to produce a draft National Diploma syllabus
in Wildlife Management for subsequent approval by the Ministry
of Higher and Tertiary Education.
Preliminary work is in progress to formulate an allied course
programme, the National Certificate in Tourist Hunting and
Guiding. Future plans include advancing the Wildlife Management
course to Higher National Diploma level.
Entry Qualifications
The following entry qualifications are requisite for the
respective study levels:
National Foundation Certificate
- Requires at least pass at Junior Certificate level
National Foundation Certificate
- At least pass at Ordinary Certificate level: i.e. 5 subject
passes which include English Language, Mathematics and a Science
subject or
- National Foundation Certificate or equivalent
National Diploma
- at least 2 passes at Advanced Certificate level of education
in any of the following subjects; Biology, Chemistry and Geography,
or any one of these subjects Biology, Chemistry and Geography,
and another pass in Mathematics and Physics or
- National Certificate or equivalent
Higher National Diploma
- National Diploma or equivalent
Aims and Objectives
The study programmes were designed to provide skills for
practitioners in the field of wildlife resources management,
aquatic and forestry management. The courses emphasise protection
of natural resources, resource utilization and environmental
quality for sustainable development. The programs also serve
as platforms to further training. The objectives of the programmes
are:
- To produce capable natural resources administrators and
managers to protect and preserve natural resources
- To produce conservationists promoting sustainable utilization
of natural resources for sustainable development
- To produce up-to-date environmental educationists
- To produce wildlife entrepreneurs for socio-economic development
Duration of studies
National Foundation Certificate One (1) year
National Certificate One (1) year
National Diploma Two (2) year
Higher National Diploma One (1) year
Mode of Study
Students are expected to be on the college campus during
the terms (3 terms in a year) and on industrial attachment
with a stakeholder institution or organization for at least
3 months for one year courses, and at least 6 months for two
year courses.
Subjects Offered
The College offers 6 subjects at both National Foundation
and National Certificate levels;
1. Wildlife Ecology
2. Wildlife Management
3. Law Enforcement and Legislation
4. Infrastructural Development
5. Managerial Skills Development
6. Paramilitary Skills
Job Opportunities
Students who graduate from the College have a wide array
of job opportunities. These include; middle management positions
in Government, Parastatals, NGOs or the private sector. Graduates
may also work as field technicians with research organisations,
or start their own wildlife-based ventures. They may also
further develop themselves to professional hunters and guides
and work within the tourism industry.
Facilities
The College is situated in a 127 square kilometre Sanctuary
close to Mushandike Dam. The Sanctuary and Dam make field
laboratories for studies at the College. There are also two
indoor laboratories, two lecture rooms and a library.
The College provides full boarding and centralised catering
services for students.
Contact Details
The Principal Natural Resources College
PO Box 9036
Telephone: 263 – 035 – 2497, 224412, 224415
Head Office
Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority
Corner Sandringham & Borrowdale Roads
Botanical Gardens
PO Box CY140, Causeway, Harare
Telephone: 263 - 4 – 707624-8
e-mail: natparks@africaonline.co.zw
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