An NRF C2 rating recognises an established researcher who has consistently produced high-quality research outputs and is acknowledged by peers as having developed a coherent body of work with sustained engagement in their field. It reflects the ability to identify and conceptualise research problems, apply appropriate methods, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge.
Dr Dube’s teaching experience includes crop protection modules such as Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Acarology, and Entomology, supported by peer-reviewed research publications in these areas.
His research focuses on crop pest diversity and management using climate-smart approaches. His long-term objective is to comprehensively document the environmentally safe, effective, and sustainable use of plant extracts in managing pests of underutilised or orphan crops.
He has established collaborations with national and international institutions and has co-supervised more than 40 undergraduate research projects and 21 postgraduate (MSc and PhD) studies. Dr Dube has also served as a peer reviewer for numerous journal articles and NRF proposals.
African indigenous underutilised crops have the potential to become significant future food sources because they adapt well to marginal and degraded lands, have high nutritional value, and mature within short growing cycles. These characteristics make them valuable for supporting nutrition and poverty alleviation programmes.
Dr Dube’s research has generated more than 25 peer-reviewed articles, four book chapters, and over 80 presentations at national and international conferences. He has worked with the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Council, and various academic institutions locally and abroad.
In addition to his research, Dr Dube supports students from disadvantaged communities in securing international scholarships and training opportunities. He serves on the editorial boards of two peer-reviewed journals and acts as an external examiner for academic institutions. He is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), the Southern African Association of Plant Pathology (SAAPP), the Nematology Society of Southern Africa (NSSA), and the Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA). He has also served as an editorial board member for the Journal of Underutilised Crops Research and the Journal of Crops.
Dr Dube is committed to advancing climate-smart pest management strategies, particularly through the safe and sustainable use of plant extracts to protect indigenous underutilised crops.
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