J. Sikosana
Matopos Research Station, P.B.K. 5137, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
E-mail: joesikosana@gatorzw.com
Matopos Research Station is one of the four livestock research stations of the Department of Research and Specialist Services (DRSS) in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. The work of the station is primarily concerned with extensive and semi-extensive land use in an environment where rainfall is low to medium and highly variable.
Research is targeted towards developing technologies for sustainable livestock production within a semi-arid environment, and using rangeland and other feedstuffs to do so. The management of rangeland, nutrition and the role of indigenous breeds of domesticated ruminants feature prominently. The research focuses on the three species of cattle, sheep and goats, on the use of donkeys and cattle for draft power, on forage production and on smallholder dairy production.
The research team is composed of nine scientists from different agricultural disciplines. The scientists plan, design and execute experiments undertaken both on station and on farm. The individual scientists do analysis of experimental results although they often consult among themselves on the best statistical procedures to use. The station has recently embarked on on-farm research activities for which knowledge of the design of on-farm experiments is limited. Training in biometrics for on-farm research is, thus, needed. Scientists have been trained in biometric methods pertaining only to fairly standard on-station experiments.
This situation cries out for the appointment of a biometrician on site. Access to biometric expertise is limited. The two biometricians in DRSS belong to the Biometrics Unit at headquarters in Harare about 400 km away. They provide services to all research units in DRSS, i.e. Livestock and Pastures Division, Agronomy Institute, Crop Breeding Institute, Plant Protection Unit, Dairy Services and so on. They are readily available for consultation to units based in Harare, but access to them from Matopos Research Station is difficult because of lack of resources for travel etc.
Most computer hardware has been purchased through donor-funded projects. The current situation is very favourable with at least one computer per scientist. Available data entry software includes Excel, Lotus and Dbase. Most popular are Excel and Dbase. Statistical packages include Genstat and Harvey's General Least Squares Program. SAS has long expired and there are no funds to renew the license.
