Dr Nduku believes that the future of agriculture will depend on young people who can develop practical solutions to challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability.
Her contribution to the sector was recently recognised when she was named among the Mail & Guardian Young 200 South Africans in the Agriculture and Rural Development category, which celebrates young leaders who are advancing sustainable farming, strengthening food security and promoting rural development.
"The acknowledgement is a meaningful affirmation of the work I have been doing in agriculture, particularly in animal production science, research, teaching and learning. It is not only about where I am in my career, but also about the potential to make a broader impact," she says.
As an academic and researcher in animal science, Dr Nduku says her work extends beyond producing knowledge.
"My goal is to contribute to sustainable systems, improve livestock production, support farmers and inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals,” she says, adding that the recognition has reinforced the important role that young people can play in shaping the future of the agricultural sector.
"Being recognised at this stage of my career reminds me that young people have an important role to play in shaping the future of agriculture. It gives me greater motivation to continue building my profile and mentoring students to do the same. It is especially encouraging because agriculture is such a critical sector for South Africa, yet the contributions of young professionals in the field are not always visible."
Research Driving Sustainable Agriculture
Dr Nduku's research focuses on the impact of poultry production factors and nutrition on bird health, performance and food safety, with a particular emphasis on promoting the healthy and safe production of poultry meat and eggs.
Her work explores sustainable livestock production and poultry nutrition, including the use of functional feed additives as possible alternatives to conventional antibiotic growth promoters.
"I am particularly interested in approaches that promote gut health, improve feed efficiency and contribute to more sustainable poultry production," she explains.
Dr Nduku is also involved in research investigating water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed, as a potential feed resource for poultry.
"I am involved in research evaluating water hyacinth as a potential functional feed resource for poultry, looking at its nutritional value, safety, effects on bird performance and the environmental implications. The project speaks to an important challenge: how we can turn an environmental problem into a potential agricultural resource while ensuring animal and human safety."
Beyond her research activities, she remains committed to teaching and mentoring students in animal production.
"Developing the next generation of agricultural scientists is just as important as the research itself,” she says.
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.