THE ROLE OF THE GUYANA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE IN ADDRESSING TECHNICAL CAPACITY BUILDING FOR AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION

Abstract

The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) was established in the year 1963 by former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan. It became a state corporation in 1964 offering the Diploma in Agriculture and the Certificate in Agriculture Programmes, and graduated the first batch of 15 students in 1966. Agricultural diversification has become an important mechanism for economic growth by providing opportunities that facilitate technological advancement and demand driven government policy. In recognition of this and the consequences of the external environment that influence the process of agricultural diversification, the Guyana School of Agriculture generated a desire to build resilience into its academic programmes. In the year 1994 the Certificate in Forestry Programme was introduced, followed by the introduction of the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Programme in 2007 and the Certificate in Fisheries Programme was offered in 2008. The school over the years has graduated 2935 persons in different fields of agriculture and forestry celebrating 50 years of existence. This paper outlines the role of the Guyana School of Agriculture in addressing technical capacity building for agricultural diversification through the development of skills and capacities, as well as enhanced knowledge and information exchange between, the actors involved in innovation, including farmers and their organizations, agricultural research, education and training institutions, extension and advisory services institutions, and the researchers and professionals working in the agricultural sector of Guyana and the Caribbean. The School's programmes has not only allowed graduates to matriculate to local and international Universities and Collages but also their contribution to the sector has been remarkable with a geographic spread of 21 countries in the Caribbean and even in the African continent. This has been seen as a vital role in achieving robust and sustained growth in agriculture and therefore, GSA will continue to build on its strengths while seeking new opportunities for partnering and collaboration. This legacy would allow young people the opportunity to be involved in Agriculture and Forestry to realize their full potential and create wealth and at the same time preserve and conserve the environment for future generation