Building Research Capacity: The case of Burundi
Abstract
200 words
This manuscript narrates the contribution of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity
Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) to strengthening research capacity of the National
Agriculture Research Institute (ISABU). Burundi is among the three countries which were
prioritised as the focal countries in the implementation of SCARDA project (Strengthening
Capacity for Agricultural Research for Development in Africa) via RUFORUM. This training
has been done in collaboration with Burundi government and other stakeholders such as the
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and Association for Strengthening
Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). Five students, male and
female were identified by ISABU and RUFORUM and trained at different universities in
East Africa. They were involved in other special courses to enhance their leadership skills,
communication and technology packaging. RUFORUM also improved their social networking
via conferences and joint students retreats with students from other countries. Despite
small challenges, the training at MSc level has been well done, and the students have
completed their studies and are serving research under ISABU. One of them, the author,
has this year started PhD study at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and a new MSc
student enroled at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Subjects
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