The United Republic Of Tanzania
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Mbeya University of Science and Technology
Leading Centre of Excellence for Knowledge, Skills, and Applied Education in Science and Technology
Leading Centre of Excellence for Knowledge, Skills, and Applied Education in Science and Technology
Welcome to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (CoAST) where Science, Technology and Innovation in Agriculture are emphasized. A college where students are not just given education and experience, communities are not just given knowledge but targeting to help them succeed in transforming their lives and contributing to agricultural sector development through the use of technologies and innovations. CoAST is dedicated to providing practical, industry-focused and experiential agricultural education and training. It was established in response to identified gaps in the adoption of technologies and innovations within the agricultural sector.
CoAST, operating under extended mission of MUST, is committed to developing highly competent students and communities in agricultural science, technology, and innovation. We empower them to actively respond to the critical challenges impacting the agricultural sector in Tanzania and worldwide. Our strategic vision, aligned with MUST's overarching vision, is to emerge as a leading centre for exceptional training and groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements. We aim to drive sustainable and inclusive development across the vital areas of agriculture, livestock production, fish farming, beekeeping, agroecology and natural resource management.
CoAST contributes to the universities Mission and Vision through integrating three pillars
i. Teaching - Advancing the education and development of future professionals in agriculture, food, natural resources, and related scientific fields.
ii. Research- Building on a tradition of discovery to address contemporary societal needs while preparing the next generation of scientists.
iii. Extension - Empowering individuals and communities by delivering research to action based educational initiatives aimed at improving quality of life.
Core functions of CoAST
i). To conduct training in agricultural sciences, engineering and technologies to students pursing non-degree, undergraduate and graduate programs on food science and technology, agricultural engineering, crop science, horticulture, natural resources, veterinary medicine, fisheries, animal sciences, agronomy, and soil sciences.
ii). To carry out research and academic consultancy services in Agricultural-related sciences using staff expertise and the available state-of-the-art laboratory and farm facilities to address the real-world challenges facing Agricultural sector in Tanzania and the world at large.
iii). To provide capacity building in new agricultural skills and technologies through short-course and tailor-made trainings to the farming communities in Tanzania and beyond.
iv). To promote and pioneer innovations in agriculture for promoting appropriate technologies for sustainable intensification of agricultural production and income, reducing negative impact of the environment and resilience to climate change.
v). To collaborate with other institutions nationally and internationally in the initiation, promotion and conduct of agricultural education, research and consultancies
Departments
The college has six (6) allocated departments:
i) Department of Food Science and Technology
ii) Department of Crop Science and Horticulture
iii) Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
iv) Department of Agricultural Engineering
v) Department of Agronomy and Soil Science
vi) Department of Natural Resources
Out of these departments, two are active and running:
i) Department of Food Science and Technology: Established with the mission to cultivate leaders through excellence in training, research, and innovation across food sciences, nutraceutical sciences, human nutrition, and dietetics. The department is committed to advancing innovation, scientific knowledge, and technological applications, while emphasising the transfer of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to students through classroom instruction, laboratory work, workshops, and community engagement via outreach programs, research, and consultancy.
ii) Department of Crop Sciences and Horticulture: This department is dedicated to equipping students and stakeholders with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience in agriculture-related programs. It also engages in research and consultancy across multiple agricultural disciplines. The department's research initiatives focus on the development of innovative technologies and best practices aimed at enhancing crop production, optimizing postharvest management, and promoting agricultural sustainability.
Staffing and Services provided
The college has a total of 36 staff members (31 academicians, 2 instructors, 2 technicians, and 1 administrative staff), with 36.4% being female and 63.6% being male, who work in areas such as agriculture, food science, aquaculture, animal production, and veterinary sciences. The institution manages the MUST Demonstration Farm and Milk Pilot Plant, which serve as platforms for training in agricultural practices, food processing technologies, and related skills development. These facilities support instructional activities, practical training, and provide hands-on experience for students and local communities. Additionally, the college provides short courses in areas including Food Product Development, Food Quality Management Systems, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Quality Auditing of Food, Post-harvest Management, Storage Techniques, Good Agricultural and Fish/Animal Farming Practices. These programs aim to offer students, community members, stakeholders, and professionals opportunities to gain technical knowledge and practical skills.
Contact Personnel
Dr. Eliezer Brown Mwakalapa
Email: eliezer.mwakalapa@must.ac.tz
Tel: +255713710988; +255739710988
| SN. | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Department of Crop Science and Horticulture | View |
| 2 | Department of Food Science and Technology | View |
| 3 | Department of Natural Resources | View |
| 4 | Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science | View |
| 5 | Department of Agronomy and Soil Science | View |
| SN. | Name | Fee |
|---|
COMING SOON!!
14 July 2025