Ceremony held to hand over learning resources 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the Ghana Library Authority, and the University for Development Studies today marked the handover of more than 8,000 publications to these esteemed educational institutions. The event took place at the University of Ghana campus and was attended by Dr. Irene Susana Egyir, Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Ghana, and representatives from the Ghana Library Authority and the University for Development Studies (UDS) as well as students from the University of Ghana. 

Addressing the gathering, FAO Country Director for Ghana and Deputy Regional Representative for Africa, Yurdi Yasmi, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the attendees, highlighting the significance of the occasion. "Today, we gather to mark the handing over of more than 8,000 publications to the University of Ghana, the Ghana Library, and the University for Development Studies," said Yasmi. "These publications serve as a testament to FAO's commitment to fostering learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across the African continent." 

The publications encompass a wide range of topics crucial to sustainable development, including agriculture, biodiversity, agricultural statistics, food processing, forestry, gender in agriculture, climate change, agripreneurship, animal health, rural youth issues, and nutrition, among others. This comprehensive collection is set to empower students and researchers, ignite innovation, and nurture partnerships in areas where FAO is actively engaged. 

Speaking on the symbolism of the donation, the Dean of the School of Agriculture of the University of Ghana, Dr. Irene Susana Egyir, said “Because of digitalization and digitization, we were almost putting it [hard copy books] to the back seat. What we have done today is remind ourselves that old wine is the best. Let us sit with the books and get the knowledge and share.” 

“The publications from FAO contain valued, real-life experience and best practices across the globe that will further empower our students to become gamechangers wherever they find themselves. And it is because of this and many other reasons that UDS is excited to partner with FAO in knowledge sharing,” said Mr Michael Ansa, Senior Assistant Registrar and Head of the Accra Office of the University for Development Studies. 

In his address, Yasmi also emphasized the online availability of other resources including FAO's flagship publications on the status of food security, nutrition, forests, fisheries and other topics, as well as FAO’s online database of agricultural statistics, called FAOSTAT. 

Yasmi underlined the pivotal role of knowledge sharing in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. "Data and analytics gleaned from these publications will fuel our journey towards a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world," he said. He also commended the presence of university students, expressing optimism about young people’s potential to drive Africa's progress, prosperity, and sustainable development. 

In conclusion, Yasmi highlighted the multiplier effect of knowledge sharing and collaboration. "Let us cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to making a positive impact," he urged. "Together, as partners in progress, we can harness the power of education and information to usher in an era of transformative change."