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Dumfries Trip Informs Malawian Dairy Diploma
Four researchers from Malawi’s Bunda College recently visited SAC’s Crichton Royal Farm in Dumfries as part of the two institutions’ ongoing partnership.
Tinna Manami, Kingsley Masamba, Oliver Bakili and Jonathan Tanganyika are part of the team working with SAC to set up a diploma programme in dairy science at Bunda College. The diploma programme will train technicians and extension workers. The diploma programme will be accessible to both new entrants and those already working in the sector. This will ensure that new entrants are equipped with the tools needed in the industry as well as equipping the current workforce with the skills to meet the requirements for the biological and economic efficiency of smallholder dairying.
The work to develop the diploma is part of a three-year, SAC-led initiative to help develop the technical knowledge of dairy farmers in Malawi. It is aimed at reducing rural poverty and increasing food security and economic growth. The programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government through its International Development Programme, involves collaboration with the Barony College in Dumfries and Malawi’s Bunda College.
The Malawian visitors toured SAC’s dairy research facilities with project leader Dr. Mizeck Chagunda.
Commenting on the visit, Kingsley Masamba who is a lecturer in Food Science said, "Skill development is definitely a strategic platform on which the smallholder dairy industry in Malawi can reinvigorate. This visit has given us the possibilities to discuss and see the opportunities and dimensions that could be utilised in rural dairy development".