Natural and Agricultural Sciences News
New research offers hope in Africa’s malaria crisis
A new weapon in the battle against malaria is emerging, and this time not from a laboratory, but rather driven by machine learning.
Researchers at the North-West University (NWU) have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the search for life-saving drugs, a breakthrough that could shift the tide against this deadly…
NWU and DARD launch Agri-Hub to enhance agricultural development in North West
By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane
The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), has established an agri-hub to advance agricultural development in North West.
This initiative represents a substantial progression in addressing…
Eden Roots donation will enhance research in beekeeping
By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane
In a significant step towards advancing agricultural research and community development, Eden Roots – a bee farming enterprise based in Tloung Village, Mahikeng – donated a honey extractor to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Crop Science subject group on 28 February 2025…
Study explores bacteria in plants as a new source of medicine
Instead of further depleting overharvested indigenous plants for medicinal purposes, it might be possible to use the bacteria inside their roots. This would preserve at-risk plants while still allowing access to the medicinal properties associated with them.
A master’s study by Benedict Ndou, a researcher and a PhD candidate at North-…
NWU expert weighs in on North West floods
Torrential rains have left parts of the North West Province struggling with school closures, damaged infrastructure and impassable roads. Learners in several areas were unable to attend school due to flooded classrooms and collapsed buildings, while scholar transport was affected by washed-out roads.
North-West University (NWU) Head of…
Researchers discover natural feed supplement that boosts lamb growth and meat quality
By Gofaone Motsamai
In the dry, sandy soils of southern Africa, a rugged survivor stands tall: Vachellia erioloba, more commonly known as the camel thorn. Once classified under the genus Acacia as Acacia erioloba, this hardy tree is also called the giraffe thorn, mokala tree, or kameeldoring in Afrikaans.
…Master’s student chosen for international poultry science programme
There is much for Lihle Sindaku, a North-West University (NWU) MSc Agriculture student, to crow about after her selection to an international poultry programme that bridges academic study and industry insights.
Understanding the complexities of poultry production requires both research and industry exposure, which the 2025 World’s…
Harvest brings fresh produce and jobs at Molelwane Farm
By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane
For students and staff who are passionate about farming and agriculture, the ideal place to learn, do research and reap fresh produce is the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Molelwane Agriculture Farm.
Located on the Barolong-Boo Rratshidi land just outside the…
Study examines herbicide in South Africa’s environment
By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu
Researchers from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management conducted a study on the presence of a widely used herbicide – glyphosate – and its byproduct, AMPA, in South Africa’s water, soil and sediment.
Glyphosate, a key ingredient…
Workshop explores the establishment of an Agri Hub in North West.
The North-West University (NWU), in partnership with the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, held an extensive three-day workshop on beef beneficiation and goat aggregation from 22 to 24 January at the Mahikeng Campus’ Molelwane Farm.
The workshop aimed to equip agricultural stakeholders in the province with the…