New Editor-in Chief for African Journal of Range and Forage Science

Posted 15 September 2022 by under Announcements & Notices • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science
New Editor-in Chief for African Journal of Range and Forage Science
Born, raised and educated in eastern and southern Africa and displaying a keen interest in African grasslands and savannas, Dr. Urs Kreuter has been appointed as incoming Editor-in-Chief of the African Journal of Range and Forage Science (AJRFS).  
 
From its inception as the Proceedings of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa, in which Dr. Kreuter published his first scientific manuscript, the AJRFS has tended to publish manuscripts that focus on the biophysical dimensions of rangeland and pasture science. However, the AJRFS also encourages submission of manuscripts that highlight transdisciplinary linkages among biophysical and social sciences that support management, policy, and societal values.
 
“As Editor-in-Chief, I will encourage the publication of more diverse manuscripts to encompass a broader range and integration of the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of rangeland and pasture science,” said Dr. Kreuter.
 
Dr. Kreuter’s doctoral research examined the comparative economics of cattle and wildlife production systems in the midlands of Zimbabwe. Dr. Kreuter joined Texas A&M University as an Assistant Professor in 1998, was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2004, and to Professor in 2010. 
 
Dr. Kreuter’s research program explores the human dimensions of natural resource management and aims to inform policy that fosters positive incentives for people to restore the resilience of terrestrial ecosystems under diverse land tenure systems. He teaches three courses: (1) An undergraduate capstone course in Ecosystem Management; (2) A Study Abroad Course in South Africa that focuses on biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism; and (3) A graduate course in Ecological Economics.
 
NISC is proud to welcome Dr. Kreuter as Editor-in-Chief and looks forward to working with him on continuing the publication of high-quality material. We also bid farewell to Dr. Pieter Swanepoel who, during his tenure as Editor-in-Chief assisted the journal immensely. 
 
Dr. Kreuter, on his introductions writes: 
 
‘I will also adopt the following guidelines to elevate the international stature of the AJRFS and its value to the GSSA:
  • 1. While maintaining focus on the biophysically aspects of rangeland ecology and pasture management, expand the AJFRS's scope by soliciting more manuscripts that use social-ecological systems approaches to advance the scientific understanding of rangeland and pasture dynamics and resilience in the face of climate change.
  • 2. Capitalize on the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (2026) to promote the AJRFS as a high impact platform for manuscripts that contribute to the enhancement of rangeland ecology and pasture management throughout Africa.
  • 3. Actively promote the AJRFS at international conferences, including the International Grassland and Rangeland Congresses, Ecological Society of America, Society for Range Management (USA), and Australian Rangeland Society, among others.”
 
 
 
Excellent attention by editor-in-chief; very good work of reviewers; good time for review and processing.
- Author - African Journal of Range & Forage Science
The review process is quick and is being done within the reasonable time. After acceptance, NISC is also quick enough to send proofs and is very efficiently publishes the accepted paper online before its print version.

- Author - Southern Forests: A Journal of Forest Science
Perhaps the most important change, in terms of bringing the Journal to a wider audience, has been its publishing in collaboration with the NISC (Pty) Ltd.
- Stan Pillar, Editor of the African Journal of Marine Science (1996-2013)
The editorial experience was excellent: the reviewers were timely and their feedback was generative. The co-editor of the special issue was proactive about communicating information to me. In latter stages, the staff that shepherded the essay through the copy-editing stages was also very helpful and in good contact.
- Author - Eastern African Literary and Cultural Studies
It has been an enriching experience working with such enthusiastic and professional people at NISC who have become more friends than business partners over the years.
- Stan Pillar, Editor of the African Journal of Marine Science (1996-2013)