HAWAII-KURDISATAN PARTNERSHIP FOR REVITALIZING AGRICULTURAL
HIGHER EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
(KAHEAD)
I.BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
A. Importance of Agricultural Industries in Kurdistan-Iraq
Iraqi-Kurdistan is an important bread basket of the region. A large proportion of its land is arable, productive, receives ample rainfall, and capable of supporting food production for the region's population and generating income from export sales to other parts of the country. Agricultural products are known for their high quality as well. Kurdish rice, for example, is famous for its superior quality throughout Iraq and commands a premium price. Unfortunately, agricultural industries in Iraqi Kurdistan have suffered considerably, due in part to the destruction of over 4,000 rural communities through the 1980’s and early 90’s, which has resulted in the near abandonment of Iraqi-Kurdistan’s rich production areas and the deterioration of local governmental capability to conduct agriculture research, extension and outreach activity.
It is evident that agricultural revitalization in the region has high potential for quickly and positively addressing long-standing food security of Iraq. Critical elements of this revitalization are to address immediate farmer outreach needs, increase the rate of return of farmers to rural areas, advance agricultural higher education at universities and technical institutes, and stimulate investment and economic growth in rural areas. These elements are of paramount importance and deserve high priority in a successful drive to regain the region’s economic vitality.
Stimulating economic development in the region also requires that agricultural education institutions work in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Ministry of Agriculture (MOHE&SR and MOA). MOHE&SR oversees academic institutions and MOA has well established direct links with the land user communities. Agricultural problem-solving needs can be effectively met by adopting and adapting available science-based technologies, while knowledge gaps can be conveyed to and be addressed by university researchers.
B. Why Revitalize Agricultural Higher Education and Extension Services in Kurdistan-Iraq?
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has provided significant logistical support to higher education institutions in the region, including funding staff, supplying basic teaching aids, books and equipment, and maintaining infrastructure. However, because of well known constraints, these educational institutions have remained largely isolated from the global scientific community. To reverse this trend, they require constant, high level scientific support that is beyond the existing system’s capacity. Such support is necessary so that the Higher Educational Institutions of Iraqi Kurdistan can fully realize their potential and contribute effectively to revitalizing the region’s economic prosperity through strong agricultural industries.
The KRG Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has the primary responsibility for extension and outreach programs designed to serve the region’s farmers. MOA also maintains a network of outreach stations, oversees dozens of weather stations, and is instrumental in reforestation efforts. These activities produced significant advancements in the knowledge base, skill level and productivity of farmers and other stakeholders in the region. However, MOA has also endured significant constraints arising from scientific isolation. Enhancing the knowledge base and outreach effectiveness of MOA personnel is critical for revitalizing agricultural development.
The long-term growth, stability and sustainability of Kurdistan agriculture must build on effective partnerships between MOA and the Colleges of Agriculture at the Universities of Salahaddin, Sulaimani, Dohuk, Koya and Agricultural Technical Institutes at Foundation for Technical Institutes (CA/USAL, CA/USUL, CA/UD, CA/UK and ATI/FTI respectively). As implied in the successful track record of the “Land-Grant” concept, a well connected continuum between university-based research, education, and information delivery to farmers and other stakeholders is essential for sustained agricultural development. Universities are mandated to prepare qualified agricultural educators and specialists, conduct fundamental and applied scientific research to solve problems facing the agriculture sector, and developing the capacity of MOA staff through training workshops and short courses.
Effective partnerships between MOHE&SR and MOA which involve agricultural institutions of higher learning have tremendous potential for establishing centers of excellence in academic, research and extension/outreach programs, so long as the basic infrastructure and human resources are available to do so. Opportunities for additional partnerships within and outside the region should be fully explored and realized to ensure that all the necessary ingredients for successful implementation are integrated.
II. KAHEAD GOAL
The long-term goal of the Hawaii-Kurdistan Partnership for Revitalizing Agricultural Higher Education and Development is to energize the economy, protect the environment and strengthen food security of the region through introducing cutting-edge agricultural science and technology in Iraqi-Kurdistan.
This goal will be accomplished by:
- Engaging the administrators, faculty, students, staff, and other clients of MOA, CA/USAL, CA/USUL, CA/UD, CA/UK and ATI/FTI in gaining stat-of-the-art benefits from regional and international expertise
- Establishing a comprehensive agricultural extension program
- Invigorating agricultural research and educational programs
- Restoring and modernizing research and teaching facilities and infrastructure in partnership with the University of Hawaii and other selected cooperating institutions.
Moreover, the highly trained agricultural extension personnel, researchers and administrators generated by the project will be capable of leading Iraqi Kurdistan to achieving the stated long-term goal.While the focus on revitalizing human capital is the highest priority; it will necessarily require investments for state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. Such investments will maximize the efficiency of personnel in carrying out their respective responsibilities. Establishing Centers of Excellence in agricultural research education and training within the MOA and University systems within the MOHE&SR network is critical for the region’s economic recovery. Established Centers of Excellence will serve as lightning rods to rebuild and strengthen the overall agricultural sector in Iraqi-Kurdistan.
III. MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s (UHM) College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) will collaborate with Kurdistan partners at the MOHE&SR, MOA, CA/USAL, CA/USUL,CA/UD, CA/UK and ATI/FTI to meet the following objectives:
- Build the capacity of the regional educational and research institutions and research institutions and expertise in agricultural sciences within the MOHE&SR, and the following higher education institutions: CA/USAL, CA/USUL, CA/UD, CA/UK and ATI/FTI.
- Establish a Database Center to enhance MOA’s capacity for delivering timely agricultural extension and the technology transfer services to Kurdistan agricultural clientele in cooperation with University Partners, and
- Revitalize the infrastructure at MOA, CA/USAL, CA/USUL, CA/UD, CA/UK and ATI/FTI so as to ensure effective implementation of the two objectives stated above.