The Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment on Tuesday, 19th August, entered into a new strategic partnership with Quest International University (QIU), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Minister’s Secretariat office. The agreement is aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and enhancing the curriculum of the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH).
The MoU marks an important milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise and professionalise agricultural education in Seychelles. By formalising this collaboration, the Ministry seeks to better equip students with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and innovative thinking required to meet the evolving demands of the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Speaking at the ceremony, officials from both the Ministry and Quest International University highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that agriculture is central to the country’s food security, economic resilience, and climate adaptation strategies. The partnership is expected to create pathways for curriculum development, academic exchanges, and specialised training opportunities for both faculty and students at SIAH.
Under the terms of the MoU, Quest International University will work closely with SIAH in reviewing and enriching its course offerings. This includes integrating modern agricultural science, sustainable farming practices, and new technologies into the existing curriculum. The collaboration will also support the professional development of lecturers, providing them with access to international expertise, workshops, and training materials to ensure that teaching remains up to date with global best practices.
One of the key benefits anticipated from this agreement is the introduction of more practical, hands-on learning experiences for students. Through knowledge-sharing with QIU, SIAH students will gain exposure to innovative farming methods, digital agriculture tools, and environmentally friendly horticultural practices. This will not only raise the standards of agricultural education locally but also help prepare a new generation of Seychellois farmers, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness professionals who can contribute to national development.
The partnership also aligns closely with Seychelles’ broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing dependency on food imports, and building resilience to climate change. By equipping students with advanced skills and global perspectives, the Ministry hopes to encourage more young people to see agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.
Quest International University representatives expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasising their commitment to sharing expertise and resources. They noted that partnerships such as this one reflect the growing importance of cross-border academic cooperation in addressing global challenges like food security, climate change, and sustainable land management.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening local institutions like SIAH through international partnerships. Officials highlighted that this agreement is part of a wider strategy to create a dynamic, skilled agricultural workforce capable of supporting the country’s ambitions in the Blue and Green Economy.
As the MoU takes effect, both sides expressed optimism that the collaboration will yield tangible results in the coming years, from improved teaching quality to better student outcomes. For Seychelles, the initiative represents not just an academic upgrade but a step forward in nurturing innovation and resilience within a sector that remains vital to the nation’s sustainability and prosperity.
SOURCE: MACCE
