Oct 11, 2011

Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development Agricultural and Rural Development in ACP Countries

Dr Françoise Driver, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture  has been nominated by the board of ANAFE (African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education) to attend the 10th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development agricultural and rural development in ACP countries, from October 9 to 13 in Roseau, Dominican Republic. The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Mauritius will discuss the concrete actions that policymakers can take to safeguard the food system in ACP countries.

The ACP-EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), will host the 10th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Agricultural Development and rural development in ACP countries. "Safeguarding the ACP Food System Through Science, Technology and Innovation" is the theme for this year's conference.
This meeting is consistent with the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, an annual meeting for supplying a forum discussion, offering analysis of current agricultural policies in the region. One of the main activities is a trade show which is an opportunity for farmers to showcase their products and services. This is also an opportunity to develop partnerships and networks with other companies.

The results of the work will be presented at the meeting to contribute to decisive actions that policymakers could take to safeguard the food system in ACP countries. This meeting will enable Ms. Driver to discuss agricultural issues. However, this kind of exchange is for Dean, more than a committee meeting. Indeed, Ms. Driver also wants the Faculty of Agriculture of the UoM benefits. In connection with his duties in the ANAFE, she intends to contribute its experience, promote the opening of the Faculty of Agriculture to other networks tertiary African countries, is also one of its objectives. "We can no longer work in isolation. We must ensure that Mauritius can contribute but also benefit in terms of education, training and research, "said Françoise Driver. She believes it will promote the link between research and education because, she said, the two go together.

ANAFE is a pan-African network that was recognized in 2007 as a non-governmental organization by the governments of Kenya, Tanzania and Niger. This network consists of more than 131 universities and colleges teaching agriculture, agroforestry, forestry and the environment. It also incorporates important aspects related to sustainable farming. ANAFE's mission is to facilitate changes in agricultural practices and management of natural resources, building bridges between education and rural communities, but also by strengthening its member institutions to fully participate in the implementation implement activities. Emphasis is also placed on local ownership, decision making and empowerment of stakeholders. The vision of the ANAFE involves the creation of a dynamic leader in agricultural education for development.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello everyone!! :-) Am a 3rd year student from the faculty of Agriculture and recently been through my student placement, well i completely agree with Dr Driver on the fact that education, research and training works together. during my placement i've realized that whatever we have been learning in our lectures are imperative but what was lacking was the practical application to real situations. hence i think that practical skills also very important. For example, ive been able to visit some growers field for inspection-ie to monitor the health of crops against pests and diseases , i've realized that the knowledge was there but the way to apply it was not. i heartily suggest, for upcoming years, to have the opportunity to make use our learned lessons into practice by having for e.g; visit a grower field, carry out some research and look out for solutions to problem arises in the field.It can be like an assignment or if possible request the assistance scientific officers or extension officers during the visits. in this way,we will get the technical skills needed and at same time we will make use of our potential, carry out some research and indirectly this will act as a training. I acknowledge a lot of work is required behind this but as we say nothing is impossible..can we give it a try?

K.Boodhoo said...

Thank You Very much for your valuable suggestions, ANONYMOUS. We will certainly pick up those ideas and try to see how we can improve our teaching and also help the students to gain knowledge in a more meaningful manner.