Embedding INRM Principles in University Education in Ghana

Embedding INRM Principles in University Education in Ghana

Ghana - 09 July, 2012

Under the coordination of Tropenbos International and partners, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is incorporating Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) approaches and principles into its strategy and curricula for education in agriculture and natural resources in Ghana. The aim is to build CANR as an institution capable of addressing complex problems related to natural resources and environment. The initiative has been executed under the NPT-GHA 278 project supported by the Dutch government through the NUFFIC.

A significant aspect of the project is the continued stakeholder engagement that allows for the integration of stakeholder needs, expertise and knowledge into plans and the design of attractive and relevant academic programmes. The project which started in 2008 has resulted in the training of staff of CANR and stakeholders to support the design and delivery of new programmes based on INRM principles. Three short courses, two new MSc programmes, and one new BSc programme are outcomes of the project. (See http://canr-inrm.org/ for details). TBI Ghana has supported the project with requisite technical backstopping.

On March 14-15, 2012, an International Conference was held to share lessons on the use of INRM principles for improving higher education in agriculture and natural resources to round up the project. Staff of Tropenbos International were again on hand to support the coordination and facilitation of the conference which recorded over 100 participants. The CANR is expected to offer learning programmes prepared in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders and distinguish itself as a centre of excellence in INRM principles.