Grant from AID to University of Minnesota to help the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Rwanda (UNR) develop linkages with the Institut des Sciences Agronomique du Rwanda (ISAR) and other appropriate Government of Rwanda (GOR) agencies, and expand the faculty"s outreach and adaptive research functions

The University of Minnesota will implement the SP, which includes activities in faculty training, curriculum revision, and research. The following specific activities will be undertaken: (1) training of faculty members in adaptive research through faculty exchanges, participant training, workshops, and seminars; (2) providing long- and/or short-term TA in adaptive research related to food crop production and environmental protection; (3) revising curricula to ensure that students are taught adaptive research methodologies, including diagnostic surveys and on-farm trials; (4) increasing the number of students graduating from the FAO at A1 and A0 levels; (5) organizing ongoing refresher courses for extension staff; (6) providing laboratory equipment and other commodity support; and (7) conducting collaborative research (involving both staff and students). Six research programs will be conducted with ISAR or appropriate international agricultural research centers; six agricultural sector analyses will be performed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI); and at least three demonstration projects focused on food production and environmental protection will be completed. SP assistance is specifically aimed at four FAO departments: Crop Production (with SP focus on food crops); Soil Science (focus on erosion control, soil conservation, and agroforestry); Animal Production (focus on small ruminants, forage use, and use of animal manure in composting); and Rural Socio-Economy (focus on agricultural economics, policy analysis, and linkages with MINAGRI).