Agriculture African Agriculture Technology Foundation Executive Director
Description of Work:

Mataruka's career began in 1983 as a maize agronomist with Research and Specialist Services, Zimbabwe. His research focused on problems of small-scale farmers situated in semi-arid regions, that are characterised by poorly distributed rainfall. He conducted water conservation technique trials along with trials on the comparative performances of different legumes and different cereals under the semi-arid conditions.

His MSc research was on determining physiological and morphological parameters that impart drought tolerance in maize. Mataruka’s PhD was part of a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at the development of sustainable cropping systems for New York State dairy farmers.

In 1992 Mataruka took up a position at the University of Natal, South Africa, as lecturer in crop science and developed a crop science course for rural development students aimed at highlighting the relationship between theory and practice.

He then joined Tongaat Hulett Starch (THS) in 1996 and served in different capacities including as special projects manager, exports development manager and managing director of THS’s operation in Zimbabwe, where he is credited with turning around a loss-making entity into a profitable business.

He joined African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), from THS, a leading large scale agro-business company operating in southern Africa.

Daniel Mataruka holds a doctorate in agronomy from Cornell University, United States of America; a Masters degree in Crop Science from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom; and a Masters degree in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa, UNISA.