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Umezuruike Linus Opara

Distinguished Professor and DST-NRF South African Chair in Postharvest Technology, Stellenbosch University

Chartered agricultural engineer and certified food scientist, with degrees in agricultural engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Massey University, New Zealand. Held academic, research and management positions in New Zealand, Sultanate of Oman, and South Africa. Extensive international experience in agricultural development as consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and other international development agencies, including projects on in-country capacity building and policy in Oceania, Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe.

Established the South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology at Stellenbosch University in 2009, combining research and innovation in engineering technologies to reduce postharvest losses and maintain produce quality, with focus on high-level capacity building and infrastructure development. Trained and mentored graduates from South Africa and more than 15 other African countries. Currently the founding President of AfroAgEng – the Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering, and In-coming President of the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. A passion of the mechanisation and industrialisation of African agriculture, and indeed the economies in general.

Experience

  • –present
    Distinguished Professor and DST-NRF South African Chair in Postharvest Technology, Stellenbosch University

Education

  • 1987 
    University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Agricultural Engineering

Grants and Contracts

  • 2018
    Role:
    Distinguished Professor and DST-NRF South African Chair in Postharvest Technology
    Funding Source:
    National Research Foundation