NEWS:

17 Feb, 2016


LUANAR lecturers, ICT and Library staff pose for a group photo with visiting NMBU team.
Staff members from Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) spent five days in Malawi collaborating with their LUANAR counterparts in the implementation of various activities under the Capacity Building for Managing Climate Change (CABMACC) Programme being coordinated by the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). CABMACC aims at building LUANAR’s capacity and that of its stakeholders through teaching, training, research and outreach in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

CABMACC programme is funded by the Royal Kingdom of Norway and is coordinated by the Programme Coordinating Office (PCO) at LUANAR in collaboration with NMBU.

Under the CABMACC Programme are seven research projects,each strategically implemented in 10 Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) spread out in Rumphi, Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Dedza, Balaka and Phalombe districts, which have been found to be climate change hotspot districts in Malawi. The key research areas under these projects include: Diary Production, Forestry, Gender, Soil Fertility, Renewable Energy and Fisheries. Over and above these, CABMACC is also collaborating with NMBU on Staff Capacity building, Learning Management System, Support to the Library and Communication Strategy.

The visiting team from NMBU included Professor Bishal Sitaula (CABMACC programmes coordinator), Liv Ellingsen (senior librarian), Professor Mike Moulton, Professor Gry Syuneeuag and Alf Martine.

Apart from attending the Programmes Advisory Committee meeting, the team also took time to participate in a number sessions where they made various presentations and trained LUANAR staff on Moodle software. The visitors visited several project sites in Nkhotakota and Balaka.

Speaking on the progress of the CABMACC projects, professor Bishal said that most research projects were going according to plan even though others took more time to commence implementation, which he said was due to expected uncertainties. He was exceptionally pleased with the research work that the CABMACC funded Phd students were doing in the field. Asked if he feels the projects were meeting their intended goals? Bishal confidently nodded and said: “The projects were currently on different stages but are all on track though there is still more work to be done. We have identified those issues that need more attention, some of which are communication and information sharing among the projects that really needs to be improved".

Prof, Sitaula said he felt that their mission to Malawi was successful as they were able to meet their objectives for visiting LUANAR but also managed to interact with other CABMACC partners and NGO’s.

NMBU’s senior librarian Liv Ellingsen took time to visit all LUANAR libraries located at Bunda, NRC and MACOH campus. She said that the libraries have a lot of resources, particularly E-resources including journal subscription and electric books that can be used for teaching, learning and research. She however noted that the libraries are overcrowded, they lack in books and the Bunda campus library is in desperate need for expansion. She further encouraged the library and researchers to work more closely together. “There is underutilization of the library and its resources by lecturers and students to which the CABMACC programme can play a role. The library must improve on the marketing for these resources, researchers and teacher must be better at referring students to these resources.” Said Liz

In a presentation made by Mike Moulton, head of NMBU’s learning center at a workshop held at BICC, he emphasized on the need to integrate technology with agricultural production. From the field visits, Mike said he observed that the use of technology in agriculture is low and only a few agricultural technologies are being excised though farmers were observed to be willing to corporate. “We were recently out in the field where we witnessed the Lead Farmer model and are now trying to figure out how technology could be used to support lead farmers. As of now we think we have to focus on traditional visual aids including videos and posters. All what farmers need is proper support from not just CABMACC but other institutions and NGO’s.” Said Mike

In his wrap up statement professor Bishal spoke of his profound gratitude in the fruitful collaboration among NMBU, LUANAR, and other key stakeholders. “This is a collaboration which is expected to last for a long period. It is proved without doubt that both universities are mutually benefiting from the partnership.” Said Bishal. “The Phd students currently studying at NMBU solidify the bond between NMBU AND LUANAR, and we look forward to creating more workable linkages with LUANAR.” Concluded Bishal.

Written by Christie.M. Kang'ombe