SWEDISH COOPERATION AT UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AGRARIA: IMPACT OF 26 YEARS OF COLLABORATION

Abstract

Scientific cooperation in the National Agrarian University began in 1986, having as a counterpart the Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation (SAREC), who managed the cooperation until 1995, when that institution is integrated into the structure of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). During the early years of this cooperation, it aimed at individual training through academic scholarships to obtain master’s degrees in Sweden. In 1995, the cooperative decided to continuing education at the doctoral level, using the sandwich model, with study programs of five years duration. The counterpart of this collaboration was the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - SLU), which was the institution that offered the training programs. In 1997, the support was extended to institutional capacity building, strengthening the management of scientific research, infrastructure (technology platforms, computing and laboratory), access to electronic publications, etc., intending to develop analytical skills and promote science-based knowledge to respond to international levels. The scientific research was targeted at issues relevant to the country, in line with national priorities. As a product of this cooperation, the training of research has increased significantly on issues related to Animal and genetic Nutrition, Biological Pest Control, Integrated Pest Management, Fertilization, Watershed Management, Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems, Management Protected Areas, Agriculture and Biotechnology Roots and Tubers, Agroforestaría, Land, Homeopathic Medicine, Genetic Resources, Food Security, Tourism and Rural Development. Also, there is a significant improvement in the quality of the cooperation programs, with UNA staff trained as advisor for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scientific cooperation has yielded positive results in several aspects; until the middle of 2011 the cooperation achieved 22 UNA staff got the master degree level and a total of 17 UNA staff with doctor degree. During the cooperation, 93 scientific papers were published and 91 research projects were funded. The UNA currently has capabilities to offer master’s and doctoral education. The strengthening of the UNA has helped to improve the level of efficiency, has enhanced the management of scientific research, the research policies were formulated, and opportunities of exchange with key actors in the research system has been created. Sida’s support for Information and Communication Technology at UNA has contributed to increased access for researchers and students to knowledge, through scientific publications and international networks.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v11i16.753

La Calera Vol. 11, No 16 p. 57-67/junio 2011