The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Joseph Gregory Chimungu as the new Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, effective 1st November 2026.

Guided by his motto, “No substitute for excellence,” Dr. Chimungu brings over a decade of distinguished scholarship, impactful research and proven institutional leadership to the role. As Dean, he is committed to driving academic distinction and operational impact across the Faculty through two core strategic priorities:

Operational Efficiency and Interdisciplinary Impact: Making the Faculty an efficient, high-performing hub for advanced study, research and scholarly community engagement across diverse disciplines spanning the agricultural and natural sciences.
Vibrancy and Scholarly Attraction: Cultivating a dynamic, stimulating academic environment that attracts both national and international students through an innovative curriculum, while drawing leading scholars to collaborate on an exciting, forward-looking research agenda.

Dr. Chimungu steps into the deanship with extensive experience in faculty governance and academic administration. Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture from 2021 to 2026, playing a key role in academic coordination, postgraduate training and institutional partnerships. Before that, he was Deputy Head of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences from 2015 to 2021, contributing significantly to departmental growth and curriculum delivery.

He began his academic path with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Malawi, followed by a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Master of Science in Soil Science from the University of the Free State. He earned his PhD from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in 2015. Rising steadily through the academic ranks, he was appointed Senior Lecturer in 2017 and promoted to Associate Professor in 2023.

His research focuses on soil science, agronomic biofortification and sustainable watershed management. He works closely with national and international partners to translate scientific innovation into practical solutions for smallholder farmers and resilient food systems.

Dr. Chimungu is currently leading a team developing granulated organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) for general crop use and soil health. He is also working on the cross-continental research project “Critical Zones Africa Network,” funded with a US$4.4 million DELTAS Africa II grant from the Science for Africa Foundation. The project investigates how lived experience in Africa’s Anthropocene can support decision-makers to improve habitability in ways that are politically sustainable.