| JG-MUST: John Garang Memorial University for Science and Technology | |
| Years of Operation | 2011-2014 |
| Scope of Wrok | Enhance capacity of John Garang University for education, research and outreach in agricultural and natural resources |
| Sponsors | U.S. Agency for International Development |
| Partners | Iowa State University, JG-MUST |
| Funding Amount | $9,796,757 |
| Notable Outcomes | Constructed, equipped multi-purpose laboratory building on JG-MUST campus; Constructed, refurbished Padak fisheries center; Assisted in developing new curriculum for JG-MUST; Established, equipped university farm for education, outreach and research; Provided training for 500 persons in South Sudan |
The John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology (JG-MUST) is a new institution in Jonglei state of South Sudan. Located in Bor, hometown of the late Dr. John Garang, the university is small but by name and by its leadership is positioned to act as a powerful force for change in the new South Sudan.
JG-MUST has entered into a long-term partnership with several universities in the United States and formed a consortium made up of both American and Sudanese universities. JG-MUST: A Consortium for Development is led by the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture of the Texas A&M University System and funded by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Jonglei state is the largest state in Southern Sudan and has a rich diversity of natural resources. These resources often cause competition between various internal communities. In order for Southern Sudan to develop, local institutions need to have tools and know-how to resolve these types of conflict.
This development partnership will support JG-MUST as a platform to train the future leaders in Southern Sudan and be an example of community service and development outreach. The overarching program goal of this cooperative effort is to transform education and extension in Jonglei state to meet the needs of individuals and communities leading to economic opportunity and reduced internal conflict.
Program Goals and Objectives
- Improve applied agriculture and technical education: improving and expanding the curriculum of JG-MUST, providing mentorship and fellowship opportunities for faculty, and working collaboratively with faculty, technicians and students on project implementation.
- Create institutional linkages for productivity improvement, conservation and resource management:training the future leaders of the state in conservation practices, providing training to communities to be knowledgeable and take responsibility for their resources and developing monitoring and knowledge-based systems for effective policy formulation and resource management.
- Drive economic development through applied research in agriculture and natural resources: increasing the research capacity of JG-MUST, promoting institutional outreach of the university, and assisting local partners with agricultural technology and services. Agricultural productivity enhancements will be targeted to livestock, crop improvement, and fisheries production.
- Cross cutting areas addressed in all programs: youth entrepreneurship and leadership, conflict management and resolution, gender-based community education, and watershed and water resources management.
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