Programme of Institutional University Cooperation (IUC) of the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) with the Sokoine University of

The financial and academic support received by project teams at SUA has undoubtedly improved levels of student and staff training at SUA, provided essential ICT infrastructure, improved library facilities, raised academic standards and has undoubtedly led to raised levels of collaborative research activity. The latter now increases opportunities for SUA staff to participate in competitive funding schemes at both regional and international levels. The overall objective of the VLIR-UOS Programme `to enhance the quality of university education in developing countries through the establishment of a durable partnership between Flemish University and selected counterpart institutions in developing countries, has been achieved in the case of SUA, especially in relation to service provision (the ICT and Sokoine National Agriculture Library components), in strengthening research teams the Rodent and Soil/Water components) and in assisting SUA develop a new science faculty (component 6). Most of the specific objectives have also been realised to a large extent and have enabled the laying of a solid foundation for development of future academic research and teaching activities on the SUA main campus.