Faraja Makwinja is a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Crop Science and Beekeeping Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam, specializing in Molecular Genetics, Biotechnology, and agronomy. With a PhD. in Crop Science and Technology (Plant Breeding) from University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Master’s degree in Crop Science (Plant Breeding) and a Bachelor’s in General Agriculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), he has dedicated his career to advancing plant improvement and addressing food security.

As researcher, Faraja has contributed to multiple donor-funded projects, including the Feed the Future ASPIRES Project and the Sunflower Value Chain Project, where he focused on horticulture value chains, stakeholder collaboration, and farmer engagement. Notably, he co-developed and released two improved crop varieties, SUA rojo and SUA Kalanga, enhancing agricultural productivity in Tanzania. His work earned him a UDSM research grant in Agriculture and Food Security.

Faraja’s expertise spans field research, seed certification, biotechnology techniques, and data analysis. He has trained in mutation breeding, seed health management, and policy formulation, and co-authored a study on the genetic potential of wild coffee species. Committed to education, he mentors students and integrates practical research into his teaching.

His vision centers on leveraging molecular and biotechnological innovations to combat global food insecurity, aligning with his ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and empower farming communities.