Relevance of the Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) and Land Grant Model for Inclusive Transformation in Federal Nepal

Abstract

The institutionalization of federalism has created a space for Nepal with an opportunity to transform into a more inclusive and equitable society with a vibrant economy. Towards this transformation, adoption of the elements of the Land Grant model in the higher education system of Nepal can be a key to break the long-stagnant agrarian economy characterized by persistent inequality, structural poverty, and stunted economic growth. This paper attempts to present a perspective analysis of US-based Land Grant Universities/ Institutions (LGUs/LGIs) and Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) mission and its possible implications in the agrarian landscape with priority laid on the inclusive agrarian transformation of Nepal through consideration of these models in the spirit of social inclusion and agrarian justice as envisaged in the constitutional provisions, policies and the structural features of country’s stagnant economy. The grand design of American higher education in the context of the initiatives of LGUs and HBCUs could be an eye-opening lesson for the academic institutions, especially, the new provincial universities of Nepal for engaging the community beyond academic function, building a strong university-community partnership, relationship, and aligning their educational endeavors toward optimizing the use of available natural and human resources in society. A community based inclusive transformation could be coordinated and aligned with the local, provincial and national governments and leaders in line with their political and social aspirations so that the local resources could be leveraged to catalyze local initiatives and promote indigenous innovation while consolidating the commitment to social diversity and inclusion for the overall societal transformation of federal states of Nepal through concerted higher education reforms in lines of LGU and HBCUs.