INTER-FACULTY

Historically, the ULKRS has closer linkages with Biological Sciences Department (BSD). Apart from being considered as an appendage of Biological Sciences Department, most of the Station’s Research and Training activities have been in areas identifiable as Biological Science. No wonder why the University of Zimbabwe Campus office for ULKRS is within the Department of Biological Sciences. It should however, be noted that as indicated earlier on, the station should service all interested faculties within the University. Such initiatives once existed especially with the Center for Applied Social Sciences (CASS), the Institute if Environmental Studies (IES) and the Aids Projects through the Department of Psychology. Currently, very few members of the university are aware of the existence of ULKRS. There is definitely need to remarket the Station within the University and open it to collaborate linkages with other faculties.

PRODUCTS OF ULKRS

Since its establishment, ULKRS has made significant contribution to science of Lake Kariba and the Zambezi Valley in general. Research findings from the station have been used for planning, management of the lake and predicting negative impacts that may be averted by introducing mitigative measures. Indeed, several world famous scientists obtained their Masters and/or PhD degrees working through the Station. Apart from generating higher degrees, the Station has also provided services to many local and international students/scientists conducting short-term students.

As a research and training facility ULKRS undertakes research and training in both the natural and social sciences to promote Zimbabwe as a knowledge-based society. In particular research will focus on the following areas:

1. i.Terrestrial ecology in and around Lake Kariba and the Zambezi Valley including their immediate environs.
2. ii.Watershed management to reduce land degradation
3. iii.Aquatic ecology on Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River, including downstream impacts of the Kariba impoundment
4. iv.Fisheries, aquaculture and tourism studies, which will include the contribution of these industries to the livelihoods of communities in the Zambezi Valley
5. v.The dynamics and consequences of climate change and its effects on the productive systems of Lake Kariba and Zambezi River and their immediate environs.
6. vi.Social sciences to include studies on how local marginalized communities can be brought into the mainstream of economic development so as to improve their quality of life, as well as adaptive strategies to climate change in the Zambezi valley
7. vii.Human health to include studies related to malaria, HIV/AIDS, bilharzias, nagana (sleeping sickness)
8. viii.Human-wildlife conflicts and how to mitigate the same.
9. ix.Development of the transfrontier conservation areas and MAB as identified in the Integrated Management Plans that are being prepared for the development of these areas.
10. x.Monitoring the impacts of various developments in and around Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River.

Dissemination of research findings in technical reports, workshops and conferences, local & international peer reviewed journals and electronic media.