Adipala Ekwamu's viewpoint
Interview with Professor Adipala Ekwamu, Executive Secretary at the Regional University Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a network of 32 African universities which is contributing to innovations in curricula, action research and enhancement of student skills sets.
Why is it time to do things differently?
With the rising cost of higher education, coupled with decreasing relevance of higher degree training in the North and the inability of African universities to fill the gap, a new approach to providing relevant tertiary agricultural education is needed. It is particularly important to produce agricultural researchers with postgraduate degrees, who are essential for the development of robust programmes and institutions in agricultural research, higher agricultural education, agricultural policy, and leadership across public and private sectors.
How is RUFORUM catalysing change?
RUFORUM is undertaking pilot community action research projects designed to develop skills in research and experiential learning, which will lead to more relevant research outputs and outreach-related curricula. This work is linked to the Earth University in Costa Rica and the International Centre for Development Oriented Research in Agriculture. RUFORUM is also facilitating institutional policies, principles and practices, including on e-learning and open access to educational resources.
Who is represented in RUFORUM’s activities?
RUFORUM holds a biennial conference bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders in the agriculture sector, which provides a platform for peer review, mentorship and networking opportunities, including shared learning. RUFORUM members come from agricultural universities in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa; we also undertake joint projects with agricultural universities in West Africa.
What is your vision for the future?
I would like to see universities engage more in action learning with smallholder farmers and conduct research that supports rural innovation in these systems. ICTs need to be adopted for enhanced teaching, learning, research and collaboration. National governments need to give greater priority to tertiary agricultural education.
