RUFORUM trains the next generation of scientists for Sudan: The case of the Agricultural Research Corporation, University of Gezira and University of Kordofan

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is a regional network of 60 member universities operating in 25 countries that fosters collaboration, coordination, training and research amongst member universities in Africa. Amongst these RUFORUM universities are the University of Khartoum, University of Gezira, University of Kordofan and Peace University in Sudan. This paper is a case study of the capacity strengthening activities supported by RUFORUM in Sudan between 2008 and 2016. During the period RUFORUM has supported three institutes in Sudan namely; Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC), University of Gezira and University of Kordofan to rebuild agricultural science and human resource capacity by sponsoring faculty development and research opportunities. The capacity strengthening projects and agricultural revival programs at the national research and educational institutes were launched in Sudan by RUFORUM in cooperation with Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) and Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in 2008. Presently, 68 students are being supported through RUFORUM for MSc and PhD degree training in various agricultural fields in and outside Sudan. Additionally, 50 academic staff from University of Kordofan and 40 from the University of Gezira were trained in eLearning concepts and the MOODLE learning management system during 2011 and 2015, respectively. Also, under the RUFORUM umbrella, senior staff in both universities were actively engaged in identifying and creating supportive environment for eLearning development. In 2015, 65 Deans and Principals from RUFORUM network were hosted by University of Gezira and University of Kordofan and the Agricultural Research Corporation to deliberate on the future direction of RUFORUM and higher agricultural education in Africa. The RUFORUM support has helped to equip Sudanese scientists and academics with high- level research and analytical skills and techniques. However there is still further need to adapt and innovate in order to rebuild agricultural science and strengthen agricultural research system in Sudan.