MOROGORO: THE Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has requested the World Bank, through the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, to consider directing development funds toward upgrading and enhancing SUA’s properties in upcoming funding phases.
The university believes that the investment will help increase SUA’s income generation and in turn, contribute to national economic growth in the near future. SUA Vice-Chancellor Professor Raphael Chibunda issued the request after receiving a delegation from the World Bank on Thursday in Morogoro.
The bank sponsors the project aimed at promoting economic transformation through higher education in Tanzania. He noted that the HEET Project arrived at a crucial time, aligning with SUA’s focus on advancing existing initiatives to improve their quality and impact.
“SUA’s goal is not to initiate new ventures but to improve and channel project funds into existing plans, including strengthening beekeeping and bee-based products through hands-on training for students,” he said.
He urged the World Bank to consider increasing funds to further develop this sector and enhance the value of bee products. The vice chancellor also emphasized the importance of forest products processing in Olmotonyi, Arusha, where SUA invested in a processing machine last year with internal funds.
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“With the HEET Project, we plan to expand this venture, producing high-value products while training students to excel in forest product processing,” said Prof Chibuda.
Moreover, Prof Chibunda highlighted SUA’s strategy to reduce reliance on government funding by acquiring 10,000 acres of land in Ruvuma, earmarked for tree planting.
“If we secure more funding, we can complete planting in an area ten kilometres from the initial site. Over the next five years, the university expects to generate revenue from these forests, including through carbon trading.
“if you want to help Africa change, you need to educate its people. SUA is developing demonstration farms that produce various crops for educational and commercial purposes. With HEET support, we could acquire land for fish farming and a dairy farm. In twenty years, the university will see significant transformation,” said the don.
World Bank Team Leader, Professor Roberta Maree commended SUA for its sustainable initiatives, mentioning that the World Bank prioritizes institutions with effective economic transformation strategies.
She encouraged SUA to sustain its partnership to promote economic development. SUA takes immense pride in being a key participant in the HEET Project, a visionary initiative launched in collaboration with the government of Tanzania and the WB.
This ambitious five-year project, spanning from 2021 to 2026, is valued at approximately 425 million US dollar (about 972bn/-) and aims to reshape the higher education landscape in Tanzania.
