Developing a regional agricultural and rural innovations PhD training program in eastern africa: The Egerton University experience
Abstract
170 words
Although agricultural and rural sectors have a substantial
economic share in Africa, their performance have remained
sub-optimal due to many challenges including limited supply of
high level professionals in agricultural and rural innovations to
spearhead the facilitation of the interfaces of social, cultural,
political and economic aspects. This paper provides insight into
experiences and lessons learned in developing a regional PhD
programme in Agriculture and Rural Innovation Studies (ARIS)
to address the complex and multi-dimensional problems of
agriculture and rural development. The paper presents the
process, lessons and issues for further consideration in the full
implementation of the programme. The paper asserts that,
among other institutional issues, the structures and processes
for approving new programs should be clearly understood by
all concerned to fast-track approval and deal with uncertainty.
By understanding changes in the development goals and by
adapting training programs to prepare innovative students,
universities will have more opportunities to sustain communitybased
development programs. The impending implementation
stages including staff-retooling, marketing, completion of
modules and resource mobilization are urgent.
Subjects
4 categoriesRelated papers
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