IITA Mozambique signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed to strengthen existing partnership with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science, Rovuma University, recently. With the MoU, the two institutions are poised to promote knowledge and develop projects that can benefit the agriculture sector and economy in Mozambique.
One of the strategic areas the MoU is focusing on includes capacity building of students from the Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, and Rural Development departments at the University by IITA under a six-month internship program in research, extension, and dissemination activities. This is aimed at consolidating the students’ practical knowledge and building their capacity towards contributing to agricultural research and productivity.
In addition, the partnership will promote interaction between the University Faculty and IITA scientists in resource mobilization, joint research projects, capacity development, and science.
“The signing of this memorandum symbolizes the commitment of the two institutions to work together, learn from each other, share resources, and create value that goes far beyond our capabilities to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve,” said Steve Boahen, IITA Mozambique Country Representative.
In turn, the Rovuma University Provost, Mário Jorge dos Santos, acknowledged that the MoU represents an opportunity for the University to strengthen the practical and laboratory components of their activities, which will help improve the skills of students and faculty members. “We believe that by combining our strengths, we can achieve remarkable results that positively impact the lives of the people we serve,” he added.
On the same occasion, IITA also presented and explained to those present at an agricultural fair the important work it has conducted on seeds of resilient crop varieties and farming systems agronomy research to improve the productivity of smallholder farmers in Mozambique.
Students, professors, IITA scientists, government representatives, partners, and people from the communities surrounding the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences attended the event.
Contributed by Safira Chirindza
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