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Bottlenecks for a powerful and applied agricultural university education in Uganda

University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf , Fac. of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition, Germany

Abstract

Agricultural sector and industry in Uganda are lacking well trained and educated staff, besides a formal strong developed agricultural education and extension system. Alumni of agricultural universities have serious problems to find jobs and are seen in many cases as "unemployable". An important reason for this situation is seen in lacking practical knowledge, skills and experiences. In comparison, Germany has since 55 years an excellent vocational training system that is also combined with higher theoretical education through universities of applied sciences and other educational institutions.
The study examines the current state of practice-oriented elements in university education in Uganda and compares it with the German approach. For the analyses the B.Sc. in Agriculture of HSWT in Bavaria is compared with the one of MMU in Uganda by using first results of the Erasmus+ Project BASIS (Boosting Agricultural Studies In Sub-Saharan Africa). A focus is given to the university - farmers relation to provide placements including length, supervision and effectiveness of placements in agricultural study courses. In addition practical elements in the lectures.
The data base for the study is the comparison of curricula by using the BASIS findings, key person interviews, farm visits and the own participation at this placement process during a 6 months internship in Uganda. The used method is a descriptive analysis of the two B.Sc. courses, placement farms and structures in Uganda and Germany.
The results indicate that despite a formal functioning system with placements there is a serious lack of suitable placement farms and a deficiency in practice-oriented elements in lectures. Placements lack both a distinctive impact on students and sufficient supervision by the university. Furthermore, the collaboration between higher education institutions (HEIs) and practical farmers is minimal. To improve employability of B.Sc. in Agriculture alumni it is important to develop on one side an efficient network of placement farms to give students an insight in farm realities and needs and on the other side to develop and use practical elements in lectures in the study course itself.

Keywords: Applied sciences, linkage between farms and universities, placement and practical education

Contact Address: Ralf Schlauderer, University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf , Fac. of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition, Markgrafenstr. 14, 91746 Weidenbach, Germany, e-mail: ralf.schlaudererhswt.de