UniSey supports opening up avenues for educational progression in agricultural sector |04 March 2023

Local students who are interested in pursuing a career in the agricultural sector will soon have more opportunities to further their studies and conduct research in the field, through the signing of two agreements between the University of Seychelles (UniSey), and two other educational institutions.

The first agreement comprises a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UniSey and the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH), while the second is an agreement between UniSey and the University of Bologna.

The MoU follows discussions held in 2022 with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE) as to how the higher education institution can assist the ministry in meeting its needs.

Meanwhile, the agreement between the two universities will serve to promote cooperation in the field of teaching and research, and to encourage scientific and cultural projects of mutual interest. At present, there are two scientists – Caterina Spiezio and Camillo Sandri from Parco Natura Viva in Italy – who are conducting research on the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat, and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

The Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment, Flavien Joubert, during the signing ceremony yesterday, said that the partnerships illustrate the ministry’s commitment and effort to improve nutrition, achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Seychelles.

“The ministry is promoting an essential and secure agricultural system that meets the food requirements of the country, reduce vulnerability of external shocks, and one which adapts to the current status of the climate,” Minister Joubert stated.

For her part, vice-chancellor of the UniSey, Joelle Perreau, reiterated the university’s national role to help the people of Seychelles to move forward through higher education, research and capacity-building.

“We are here to assist SIAH to move to another level. We have talked about pathway opportunities and with today’s signing, we are not only giving an opportunity to the students to continue their studies, but also to the staff of SIAH,” Ms Perreau noted.

UniSey’s department of Environment will also be supporting SIAH in developing projects, the curriculum, and most importantly, the research component.

In line with the vision to attract and retain more youths in the sector, SIAH will as of this year be introducing a Foundation level course, as well as an IGCSE in General Agriculture. The Foundation programme aims to bridge the academic gap of learners in order to better prepare them to follow their course of study such as Diploma level courses.

“However, we are also conscious that IGCSE in Agriculture must be at S5 level, so in the years to come, we will find the means of ensuring that the IGCSE in Agriculture is among those offered at secondary level. With regard to the practical component, SIAH will continue to deliver the practical aspects of the IGCSE, but at least the option will be there for students who have the interest,” Minister Joubert noted.

Aside from opportunities for collaborative research, there are also opportunities for scholarships through the agreement with the University of Bologna, Minister Joubert added. Such opportunities will be especially beneficial to those who have successfully completed their studies at A-level and who were faced with limited options for further studies related to agriculture in the past.

It is essential that efforts are channeled into bridging the gap between schools, SIAH, and universities, the minister added, with clear pathways for progression from one institution to another to encourage more youths to choose a career in the sector.

With the aim of further developing the capacity of local actors, the ministry has engaged with the Kedar Group Agriculture Projects for an agricultural study tour in Israel. The local farmers will spend ten days in Israel where they will have the opportunity to learn new methods and technologies especially in regards to green and climate smart agriculture, and techniques which they can adopt locally.

The ministry is also engaging with the company for long-term capacity building and expert support to SIAH. The Kedar Group Agriculture Projects is currently engaged with the Islands Development Company (IDC) to carry out tests on the outer islands.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the ceremony.

Laura Pillay

Photos by Joena Meme