Public-Private partnerships for skills development at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Changing youth labour market conditions in Tanzania necessitate the acquisition of demanddriven skills for the successful school-to-work transition of Tanzanian graduates particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. In tertiary education at agricultural higher education institutions (HEIs), private sector linkages enable students to develop industry-facing skills, preparing them to undertake rigorous research in their respective areas of expertise while developing marketable skillsets for their successful entry into the workforce. Public-private partnerships are effective mechanisms for incorporating demand-driven skills into higher education curricula with the aim of fostering economic growth and reducing youth unemployment. This case study details public-private engagement for the purposes of attaining higher education objectives using the example of the formalization of a partnership between John Deere, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), and the Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI). The partnership was designed to deliver training programmes to students and graduates to address the labour market skills gap and facilitate the transfer of knowledge in the area of agricultural mechanization. The initiative to provide the students and farmers with the skills and training needed for achieving increased production, more secure livelihoods and higher incomes. The first phase of the activities engaged 54 participants in practical training in the use of tractor implements, estimation of crop yields, determination of sowing and planting dates and basic tractor maintenance and repair. This paper outlines lessons learned and results of the training for the purpose of adding to the existing knowledge base of public-private partnerships for the achievement of HEI-based skills acquisition.