Crafting Urban Solutions

November 8, 2019

Students taking part in the Hackathon at the University of Zimbabwe

Ten teams from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) participated in an Urban Solutions hackathon hosted by the university in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government Public Works and National Housing , UNICEF and UNDP.

Students from the university were given the task to come up with ideas which can solve the current economic and environmental shocks and stressors being experienced by urban populations in Zimbabwe.

Two winning teams were selected on the day. The 1st place team was awarded a fees waiver for a years tuition,  whilst 2nd place was awared a fees waiver for one semseter.

The winning team , Development Fanatics developped an innovation  named 'Grassnatics'. This proposed solution will reduce veld fires and exposure to malaria causing mosquitoes by cutting and repurposing grass for use in the production of enhanced livestock feed.