South Carolina State University, a historically Black institution, and the University of Gambia in Africa have recently established a partnership agreement to engage in various agricultural initiatives and exchange programs.
The new collaborative partnership will be overseen by South Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture, Family, and Consumer Sciences and the University of Gambia’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. This agreement is the HBCU’s latest initiative within the country of Gambia, following the recent development of a solar-powered water system for women farmers and a citrus growing operation.
The two partner institutions will focus their joint efforts on advancing agriculture and sustainability within the country of Gambia, as well as prepare the next generation of Black leaders in environmental science. According to their agreement, both universities will participate in faculty exchanges, student experiential learning opportunities, and educational administrative initiatives. They will also collaborate on various research projects centered around food and agriculture systems, climate-smart agriculture, and artificial intelligence.
“We are delighted to enter a formal strategic partnership with the University of the Gambia to provide sustainable solutions for food security and safety challenges,” said Dr. Lamin Drammeh, associate vice president for public service and agriculture at South Carolina State University. “Our alliance strengthens our capacities to better address the research, academic and extension education needs of our students, our faculty and the communities we serve.”
