From Potatoes SA bursary recipient to ARC researcher

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

For Ndivhuwo Ramatsitsi, agriculture has always been part of her story. Growing up, conversations about food were a familiar part of her everyday life, thanks to her mother, who worked as a fruit and vegetable vendor.

These early experiences fostered a connection to agriculture and sparked her curiosity about food production and the science of growing healthy crops.

However, Ndivhuwo’s decision to pursue agriculture was driven by more than familiarity. She wanted to challenge the perception that agriculture was simply ‘garden work’ or a field with limited professional opportunities. She saw agriculture differently: as a science-driven industry powered by innovation, research, and the ability to solve real-world challenges.

As a researcher in crop protection (nematology) at the Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), she uses science to develop sustainable solutions that improve crop health, support producers, and contribute to the future of South African agriculture.

A passion for agricultural science

After choosing Agriculture as a subject in high school, Ndivhuwo developed a strong interest in crop and soil sciences, which encouraged her to pursue a BSc in Agriculture. Her curiosity about plants, ecosystems, and the relationship between nature and food production continued to grow, eventually leading her to specialise in crop protection and plant health.

“I’ve always been fascinated by things that combine beauty with purpose. Whether it is the intricate design of a plant, the complexity of soil ecosystems, or the way nature functions as an interconnected system, I find it remarkable that something so visually impressive can also play such a vital role in sustaining life,” she explains.

This led her to pursue postgraduate studies and ultimately complete a PhD in Agronomy at North-West University. Receiving the Potatoes SA bursary in 2020 became an important milestone in her academic journey. “Pursuing postgraduate studies requires resources, and the Potatoes SA bursary gave me the opportunity to focus on my research without the constant financial pressure that many students face,” she says.

Beyond financial assistance, the programme connected her with the potato industry and introduced her to researchers, growers, and fellow postgraduate students. Through student inductions, research symposiums and industry visits, she gained a deeper understanding of the potato value chain and the role research plays in addressing agricultural challenges.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting the ARC during the bursary student induction programme. The visit offered insight into the important role researchers play in supporting South African agriculture and provided a glimpse into the possibilities of a future research career. Years later, this experience would come full circle when Ndivhuwo joined the ARC as a researcher contributing to the advancement of South African agriculture.

Real-world impact

Ndivhuwo’s doctoral research focussed on developing sustainable solutions to manage root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), which are among the most damaging pests affecting potato production. Because of restrictions on chemical nematicides, she studied the use of indigenous nematophagous fungi as environmentally friendly biological control agents.

Her research demonstrated that several naturally occurring fungal species could effectively suppress nematode populations, improve potato growth, and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. The findings contribute to integrated nematode management strategies that help potato producers protect yields, improve soil health, and promote more sustainable crop production.

Following the completion of her PhD, Ndivhuwo continued building her research career, first as a research assistant at North-West University, where she supported research activities and postgraduate student development. She later became a lecturer, expanding her responsibilities to include teaching, research supervision, community engagement, and collaborative research.

She subsequently served as a postdoctoral research fellow and lecturer at the University of Fort Hare, where she continued to conduct research, supervise students, and engage with producers and agricultural stakeholders.

In July 2026, she joined ARC-VIMP as a researcher in crop protection (nematology). In this role, she conducts research on plant-parasitic nematodes and develops sustainable management strategies to minimise their impact on crop production.

Her responsibilities include designing and conducting field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments, collaborating with researchers and industry partners, and providing diagnostic services by analysing soil and root samples submitted by producers and researchers. Through these activities, she helps producers identify nematode problems and make informed decisions to improve crop health and productivity.

Research and innovation

Throughout her career, Ndivhuwo has remained committed to translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions for agriculture. She has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles in international scientific journals, presented her work at national and international conferences, supervised postgraduate students, and collaborated with researchers across South Africa. Her areas of expertise include plant-parasitic nematology, biological control, integrated pest management, sustainable crop protection, scientific communication, and research supervision.

Looking back on her journey, she credits the Potatoes SA bursary programme with providing much more than financial support. “The bursary gave me the confidence and platform to pursue a career in agricultural research. It provided exposure to the potato industry, opportunities to present my research, and interactions with researchers and industry professionals,” she says.

Although she has already achieved major milestones, Ndivhuwo believes there is still much more to accomplish. She is particularly excited about developments in biological control, precision agriculture, molecular diagnostics, and artificial intelligence, believing these technologies will transform how agricultural challenges are identified and managed.

Over the next five to ten years, Ndivhuwo hopes to lead collaborative research projects that bring together researchers, industry, government, and producers to develop practical solutions for crop protection. She also hopes to mentor the next generation of agricultural scientists and strengthen partnerships that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and on-farm application.

Her advice to current Potatoes SA bursary students is to embrace every opportunity available to them. “While the financial support is invaluable, the greatest benefits often come from the experiences beyond the classroom: meeting researchers and industry professionals, attending symposia, presenting your work, and building a professional network,” she says. She encourages students to remain curious, work hard, and recognise that their research has the potential to make an important contribution to producers, food security, and the future of agriculture.

For Ndivhuwo, the Potatoes SA bursary programme was not simply about financial assistance; it was an investment in her potential, her career, and her ability to contribute to the agricultural sector. Her journey is a powerful example of how investing in knowledge, opportunity, and people creates a lasting impact. – Rotondwa Raligidima, Potatoes SA

Send an email to rotondwa@potatoes.co.za for more information.