Historically Black Virginia State University has entered into a partnership agreement with the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform of the Eastern Cape Province in the Republic of South Africa. Under the agreement faculty members at Virginia State will work with officials in the department to address a “deteriorating farming infrastructure” in the province.
Virginia State University was sought out as a partner due to its experience in helping small farmers in Virginia. The five-year agreement will include faculty and staff exchanges and participation in academic and educational ventures.
Pamela V. Hammond, interim president of Virginia State University, stated that “this agreement serves as a model partnership for the United States and the globe.”
