An approach to the development of expanded postgraduate training for agricultural scientists within the Southern African development coordination conference region

Abstract

The shortage of agricultural research scientists within the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) Region has serious implications for agricultural production. Although undergraduate training in agriculture is now available within most member countries, postgraduate training opportunities based at regional universities are limited. The reliance on overseas institutions for postgraduate training has inhibited the development of a research capacity at SADCC universities, resulting in poor liaison with agricultural research departments. In addition, the shortage of sufficient numbers of qualified national scientists has meant a continuing heavy reliance on short term expatriate appointments in many development programmes. An approach to postgraduate training which makes greater use of the strengths of regional universities, and which allows larger numbers of scientists to be trained, is outlined. Practical examples of the approach are described, based on experience gained in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malaŵi. The advantages of such an approach are outlined in the regional context.