The University College farm in the agriculture of Rhodesia and Nyasaland: an inaugural lecture given in the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

Abstract

IN 1953 the Inaugural Board which was established to found the University College received from the government of the day a promise of a gift of 1,000 acres on a site yet to be selected for a College Teaching and Experimental Farm. The purpose of the Farm, like that of the Agricultural Department in the College, was to help to serve the agricultural interests of all three territories of the Federation. The College Council, which took over from the Inaugural Board, consulted Dr. Saunders for his experience and opinion on the subject. He was engaged on the task of creating a Faculty of Agriculture in the University of Natal. On his advice the Council appointed and waited upon the arrival of the Professor of Agriculture before choosing one of the available sites offered by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The most suitable site was a portion of the Archie Henderson Research Station previously known as the ‘Great B’, totalling 7,000 acres. The portion was 1,200 acres and its excision from the station was endorsed and encouraged by its professional staff. Indeed, the College was offered a choice of three sites on the station. The final arrangement received government approval and the transfer of the land to the College was made known in May 1956. During the three years since that date the young University College has become acquainted with the presence of agriculture in its midst.