NEWS:

4 Jul, 2016


Participants pose for a group photo soon after the launch

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in conjunction with Global Centre for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI) at Michigan State University (MSU) on Tuesday 28th June 2016 launched an Innovation Scholars Programme whose main aim is to equip LUANAR faculty, academic leaders with the capacity to innovate through enhancement of the knowledge, skills and qualities required to advance LUANAR towards its institutional strategic goals.


Speaking at the launch, the guest of honour, Controller of Agricultural Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Mr. Gray Nyandule-Phiri commended LUANAR and MSU for the project saying this will instill a culture of innovativeness among LUANAR’s faculty and academic leaders towards research into food systems and agriculture in general.


He said agricultural research is essential for meeting the needs of a growing population saying increasing demand for food can only be met by more intensified production which is dependent on research and innovation, as well as on reduction of losses and waste along the food chain which requires awareness, research and management.


“The government recognizes the key role played by research institutions such as LUANAR in searching for technologies and innovations to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture and the food systems at large,” said Mr Nyandule-Phiri.


He said the government believes that agricultural research should focus on supporting weak smallholder farmers and vulnerable population groups.


Mr Nyandule-Phiri urged researchers participating in this programme to work with commitment and diligence saying it is important that the activities of the project go beyond mere academic research.


In his remarks, LUANAR Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda said the Innovative Scholars Programme will address national problems by creating breakthrough outputs in the form of new processes and products that have measurable impact on human systems.


“These require certain knowledge, skills and attitude hence innovative scholars need deep scientific understanding of their discipline but also a deep understanding of the innovation process and the context to which innovation will be applied,” said Professor Kaunda.


He said the Innovation Scholars Programme links to LUANAR’s strategic plan and goals which recognizes that competitiveness, prosperity and economic development in the 21st century will be based on technology, knowledge, and innovation.


“Pillar Two of the strategic plan describes how LUANAR can achieve this through research and outreach activities. The strategic plan further emphasizes the need to establish and support science and technology innovation centres of excellence; and the innovation hub is an example of such centres,” he said.


He further said the project comes at the right time when LUANAR is introducing a BSc in Agricultural Innovation saying it is envisaged that the knowledge gained through this programme can significantly contribute to enhancing this project.


According to the Director of Global Centre for Food Systems Innovation, Professor Eric Crawford, the objectives of the innovation scholars programme will be attained through individual research or analysis of projects, short-term training, experiential learning, developing a leadership development programme oriented towards the creation of sustainable innovation culture at LUANAR and an end of programme symposium.


“GCFSI is pleased to have the opportunity to work with LUANAR in implementing this exciting new initiative to support LUANAR’s role as an innovation leader in research, teaching and development,” he said.


The Innovation Scholars Programme, supported by USAID, is one of the activities being undertaken by the East Africa Regional Innovation Hub which is housed at LUANAR in collaboration with GCFSI.



Written By: Patricia Nkhoma