As a child, Demian Mukansi could be found in the fields, guiding his grandfather’s donkeys as they ploughed the land. Today, his journey has taken him far beyond those humble beginnings.
Now a PhD candidate in agricultural engineering, he is breaking new ground in a discipline he once knew nothing about, showcasing research as a vital career in the agriculture sector.
Born and raised in Tzaneen, Limpopo, his family moved to Standerton in Mpumalanga when he was in grade 2, and later settled in Volksrust, about 80 kilometres further, where he completed his secondary education.
It was at Volksrust High where his passion for technical studies flourished, inspiring him to pursue a degree in engineering. “I first heard about agricultural engineering when I was still doing matric,” he recalls. “The decision to pursue it was not hard as I grew up ploughing for people using my grandfather’s donkeys.”
Mukansi credits the Mpumalanga department of education’s 2014 campaign to promote scarce skills in South Africa for opening his eyes to the world of agricultural engineering. This field addresses the shortage of specialised knowledge needed to drive innovation, improve productivity, and ensure sustainability.
“There was an interview on the radio discussing grape farming, and I was truly impressed by the processes involved,” he says. “It was this interview that prompted me to search for information about agricultural engineering.”
Suddenly, he began to see his experience with his grandfather’s donkeys in a new light. This not only fostered a deep connection with the land but also ignited a desire to merge engineering with agriculture.
His BSc (Engineering) degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which he obtained in 2018, then equipped him with the skills to work in areas such as food processing, mechanisation, irrigation, hydrology, and the design of agricultural structures.
However, his ambitions extend further. “I have a passion to one day serve the country in the governance space,” he shares, explaining his decision to specialise in water and food engineering for his postgraduate studies.
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These disciplines are crucial in agriculture, as water is a primary input and food the sector’s main output. He emphasises the importance of sustainable resource utilisation to preserve them for future generations.
For his master’s degree in engineering, Mukansi focused on the impact of different storage environments on the quality of taro corms (of amadumbe), flour, and starch. His work earned him a cum laude pass, with findings that highlighted the unsuitability of ambient conditions for storing taro, unlike other tubers such as potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Now, his PhD research delves into water engineering, specifically examining the effects of climate change on the design of hydraulic structures like dams.
“Our dams must be adequately designed to accommodate the varying climate,” Mukansi explains, noting the significant socio-economic losses that can result from floods if this is not addressed.
Specialisation and ambitions
A typical research day for Mukansi involves reviewing papers on local and international rainfall and flood extremes and coding to analyse trends in rainfall and streamflow data.
“One of the challenges of pursuing research is that most people don’t see it as a job,” he says.
“My friends still find it strange when I tell them all I do is research, and some ask me questions such as when I am finishing university or when I will write exams. However, research is a legitimate career and is crucial for any institution. That is why most successful institutions have a research and development unit.”
Mukansi adds that one of the advantages of doing research is that you work at your own pace, which teaches you how to manage your time.
“It also teaches you to work independently and take ownership of your work.”
His research has also afforded him opportunities to travel, such as presenting his findings at the European Geosciences Union Symposium in Vienna, Austria. “This was the first time I travelled outside the country,” he notes, a memorable experience that underscored the global relevance of his work.
Mukansi’s story is a testament to the expansive opportunities within agriculture.
“Anyone considering agriculture must know that it goes beyond the stereotype of working behind the donkeys and staying in the sun for excessive hours,” he advises.
Agricultural engineers bring a multidisciplinary approach that can drive efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. He encourages industries looking to enhance their impact to consider hiring agricultural engineers, who are well-prepared to address complex challenges.
Global impact and future aspirations
As he looks to the future, he hopes to be known as “Dr Demian Mukansi,” using his knowledge and skills to serve his country. He expresses deep gratitude to the Agricultural Research Council, the Umngeni-Thukela Research Chair, and the Water Research Commission for funding his studies.
Mukansi’s journey underscores the rich and varied career paths in agriculture, inspiring others to explore the diverse and impactful opportunities within this vital field. More information about the profession can be found on the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers’ website and social media platforms.
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