James Gambiza

Prof James Gambiza is a Professor at Rhodes University's Department of Environmental Science, School of Environmental Science. His research focuses on fire ecology, land degradation, ecological modelling, and community-based natural resource management. He teaches undergraduate courses on land degradation and ecological systems, and postgraduate courses on ecological modelling and community-based resource management. Prof Gambiza has extensive field experience in rural areas of Zimbabwe and South Africa, specializing in grazing systems, agroforestry, and ecological modelling.

Education:

• BSc Honours
• MSc
• PGDHE (Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education)
• MEd (Master of Education)
• PhD

Research Focus: His work addresses critical environmental challenges such as land degradation drivers, socio-ecological systems resilience, and community engagement in conservation. Recent studies examine cropland degradation in South Africa, environmental governance in southern Africa, and permaculture's role in rural livelihoods.

Publications Trends: His publications span ecological modeling, policy analysis, and community-driven conservation, often emphasizing cross-border collaboration and sustainable land use. Recent work highlights governance challenges in natural resource management and the socio-economic impacts of environmental policies.

Awards:

• VC’s Senior Distinguished Teaching Award (2010)

Advising & Students: Supervised 20 MSc students and currently guides 4 MSc and 5 PhD candidates. Research groups collaborate on land degradation neutrality frameworks and agroecological practices.