Ussein in partnership with IRI of Columbia University equips itself to face climate change

As part of the project integrating climate risk management into agricultural study programs in Senegal, the University of Sine-Saloum El-Hadj Ibrahima Niass (Ussein), in partnership with the International Climate Research Institute and Society (IRI) of Columbia University, organized a workshop for review, validation and formal appropriation of the contents of four certificate courses (CRMA).
Through this partnership, informs the rector of Ussein, Professor Ndèye Coumba Touré Kane, it is a question of carrying out short-term training in order to allow professionals in the field to have the necessary information to better manage the issues related to climate change in order to encourage better decision-making among farmers on their farms. “We must have resilient agriculture because we have winter agriculture based on rainfall. Sometimes the rains are late so having these elements to contribute will allow us to make better decisions,” noted the rector. In a holistic approach, Ussein wants these training courses to evolve in every way on an international scale to have very well-equipped human capital to better meet the expectations of the agricultural world on issues related to climate change. The cultural attaché of the US Embassy in Senegal, Vanessa Arness, welcomed this initiative aimed at promoting the expertise of students from Ussein and those from Columbia University. “We are delighted to be here to celebrate a dynamic partnership between Columbia University and the University of Sine-Saloum,” she said. And added: “They will launch a project and certification courses in the field of climate-sensitive agricultural management. We are really happy with this collaboration between American universities and Senegalese universities. During the discussions, they had the opportunity to share their experiences and expertise for the creation of this certification. The US Embassy is committed to this certification in order to meet the challenges.” Concluding, Vaness Arness underlines “that with this knowledge, farmers will have the tools to better fight against climate change…”