Held under the theme "Life Beyond Our Daily Bread: Unravelling Soil Health Myths" – Professor Kutu's inaugural address examined key issues in soil health, agricultural sustainability, food security, and ecosystem services – all central to global and continental development frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.
UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, described the occasion as a significant affirmation of the university's academic standing. "It is a celebration of academic excellence and sustainable development. We celebrate not only a scholar, but a visionary whose work advances Africa's Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals," she said.
Professor Mayekiso also praised Professor Kutu for his continued excellence across research, innovation, teaching, and community engagement – noting that his work reflects the university's core values of integrity, relevance, and inspiration.
Drawing on more than 30 years of research, Professor Kutu detailed the specific vulnerabilities of African soils – particularly those with low-activity clays – and emphasised the importance of informed, long-term soil management for sustainable agricultural productivity.
Prof Kutu delivering his research findings.
He underscored that soil health goes far beyond farming – encompassing food security, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. Sharing findings from collaborative projects, he highlighted the use of compost technologies involving organic materials such as human hair and palm sediment to improve phosphorus availability in the soil.
"We need to garner greater investment in farmer education, especially for small-scale producers, to adopt sustainable and scientifically backed practices," he said.
Addressing a topical issue, Professor Kutu spoke on the role of biotechnology and genetically modified crops – stressing their potential to combat drought and pests. However, he also called for a balanced approach.
"We need to propose the initiation of research projects to evaluate the long-term effects of GMOs on soil and plant health – ensuring that innovation remains aligned with environmental sustainability," he said.
From left to right: DVC: Postgraduate Studies, Engagement and Planning, Prof Mbewe; DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Prof Stroebel; Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso; Prof Kutu; Dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof Ludidi, and DVC: Teaching and Learning, Prof Davhana-Maselesele.
In closing, Professor Kutu urged all stakeholders – including government, academia, and the private sector – to work together in supporting sustainable agriculture through sound policy, research funding, and the empowerment of farmers.
"Farmers must be equipped with knowledge, integrated nutrient management, and climate-resilient technologies," he added.
Professor Kutu's research aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 – advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based policy.
About Professor Funso Raphael Kutu
Professor Funso Raphael Kutu is a trained agronomy-soil scientist with extensive research and teaching expertise. He currently serves as Head of School at the School of Agricultural Sciences. He earned a BSc. Honours in Agriculture, MSc in Agronomy (Soil Science) and a PhD from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
He began his academic career as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Ibadan. He later joined Ahmadu Bello University's Division of Agricultural Colleges in Zaria, Nigeria, as a Lecturer II and was promoted to Lecturer I after three years. He also served as Head of the Agricultural Technology Programme and Coordinator of the 'Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in the same university. He worked in various institutions in South Africa before joining the University of Mpumalanga in 2018.
Professor Kutu is a member of the Water Research Commission (WRC) project reference group. He also serves as an external examiner for many universities, as well as an assessor for promotion to professorship and associate professorship (readership) in several universities. He has published widely in accredited international journals and graduated Master's and Doctoral students. He is a registered member of several professional bodies, including the South African Council of Natural Scientific Profession (SACNASP), the Soil Science Society of South Africa, the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, the Soil Science Society of America and the Agronomy Society of America. He is a C2-rated scientist by the National Research Foundation of South Africa.
He has served as Associate Editor in Agronomy Journal (USA) and is currently the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Agricultural Research Committee (MARC) on behalf of the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA).
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures ©ChrisplPhoto.