NutritionSec

Implement an international partnership in training and research between the Hohenheim University and Njala University, specifically in the field of “International Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) and the Right to Food (RtF)” (NutritionSec)

Sierra Leone belongs to the poorest countries in the world and has emerged from a decade­ long civil war in 2001. This war has led amongst other to a serious brain-drain which adversely affects the human capacity in the country. Sierra Leone’s economy is highly depending on agriculture which employs almost 2/3 of all workers. The food and nutrition security situation remains precarious and a lot of effort is needed to improve livelihoods of people in Sierra Leone. Njala University, offering programs in agriculture, food technology, nutrition and home economics, had to leave the campus during the rebel war. The University re-opened at the Njala Campus in 2005. Brain-drain and partial destruction of physical infrastructure will require some long term assistance. Against this background, FAO has started to assist the University in establishing a BSc Module on Food and Nutrition Security and the Right to Food, which started end of 2014. During the last years, FAO had already supported the contact between Njala University and Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen. Due to changes in research topics, Food Security Center, University of Hohenheim has been asked to plan and implement an international partnership in training and research in close cooperation with Njala University (NU). With this common "subject related partnership" proposal, UHOH and NU are intending to develop new and adapt existing MSc modules. All existing modules at NU are subject to mutual reviews. In addition, exchange of lecturers and students (PhD and MSc) will contribute towards capacity building. The inclusion of another African university partner (e.g. from Ghana) is envisaged.