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HIGHER EDUCATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHERN UGANDA: Exploring avenues of collaboration between the Faculties of Agriculture and Science of the University of Naples Federico II and Gulu, and FAO

21 Nov 11

25 November 2011

h.10:30-12

IRAN Room, FAO Headquarters, Rome

On 25th November, a seminar on “Education and Rural Development in Northern Uganda” will be held at FAO Headquarters to: 

- Illustrate the cooperation between the Faculties of Agriculture and Science of the University of Naples “Federico II” (Italy) and the University of Gulu (Uganda) within the “GULUNAP” Project , presented as a good practice of north-south collaboration for capacity development.  

- Explore the possible synergies and cooperation between the GULUNAP project and FAO - within the context of the Education for Rural People (ERP) partnership program and the FAO Corporate Strategy on Capacity Development - and the work of the members of the Interdepartmental Task Group on Training for Technicians for Capacity Development, other FAO officers and the public at large.

The Faculties of Agriculture and Science of the University of Naples Federico II and Gulu cooperate since 2007 with the primary aim of addressing development issues in education, agriculture, natural resources and environmental management for improved household income. 

The long-term effects of civil war are still undermining the development and social progress in Northern Uganda. There are marked regional disparities between this region and the rest of the country. Needs analysis has shown that the population falls disproportionately short of achieving multiple MDG’s (Millennium Development Goals), thus making them vulnerable to health problems and renewed conflicts.

The District of Gulu has benefited during recent years of a strong and successful Italian presence, which has initially supported the health sector, in the Regional and Lacor Hospital and the Health District. In 2005, the University of Naples “Federico II” has significantly contributed to the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at Gulu University, with joint teaching programs, building facilities and finally graduating the first 40 MDs in January 2010. Following this positive experience, the “GULNAP” project has been extended to the Agriculture sector. 

The Faculties of Agriculture and Science of the University of Naples Federico II and Gulu are members of the ERP Partnership.