with: Winfrida Nicolaus
The government of Norway has pledged to continue cooperation with Tanzania through the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in various areas, including agriculture and research related to climate change.
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| Vice-Chancellor of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Prof. Raphael Chibunda, welcoming the Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania, Hon. Elizabeth Jocobsen. (All photos by Gerald Lwomile) |
These were disclosed on May 18, 2023, in Morogoro region, when the Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania, Hon. Elizabeth Jocobsen, made her visit to SUA. She stated that the university holds significant importance for Tanzania and other areas due to the practical training it provides, not only theoretical knowledge, which helps students in the job market or entrepreneurship.
She mentioned that Norway and SUA have had a fruitful partnership for over 50 years, as it is a crucial institution for scientific training, including fish farming. There are many areas where they can collaborate, and at present, they will focus not only on agriculture but also on conducting research related to climate change. The objective is to address the challenges posed by climate change.
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| Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania, Hon. Elizabeth Jocobsen (second right), listening to the explanation of one of the aspiring youth at the center under PASS in collaboration with SUA. |
“I have been impressed by the various activities I have seen here, and I feel proud of our growing relationship, especially regarding the Carbon Monitoring Center. We will engage in discussions to explore how we can collaborate and involve SUA in our climate change agenda,” said Ambassador Elizabeth.
On his part, Vice-Chancellor of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Prof. Raphael Chibunda, stated that the ambassador’s visit is part of the implementation of the directive from the Sixth Phase Government, particularly from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, urging universities in the country to internationalize, not only by admitting foreign students but also by involving international faculty.
“SUA has been at the forefront of implementing the government’s directives by reaching out to various ambassadors, welcoming them, and providing them with an understanding of what Sokoine University of Agriculture, with its rich history, is doing. We showcase our teaching methods, ongoing research, and once they understand our endeavors, it becomes easier to seek their cooperation, which will yield fruitful results,” said Prof. Raphael Chibunda.
 Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania, Hon. Elizabeth Jocobsen, holding a fruit at the Atamizi Center. |
She further emphasized that Norway, like other countries worldwide, places great importance on climate change issues. Therefore, they will engage in discussions to explore if their university can continue to provide expertise and advice in this area for the benefit of the country.
The areas visited by the Norwegian Ambassador within SUA include the Science Laboratory located at the Solomon Mahlangu Campus, which was constructed under a project funded by the people of Norway, the Atamizi Center under the PASS program to witness the expansion of youth employment in agriculture, the Carbon Monitoring Center, as well as the Blue Economy section used for research and fish farming.
In the accompanying photo, Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania, Hon. Elizabeth Jocobsen, is seen observing various aspects during her visit to SUA.
