CHAD – In a bid to enhance its agricultural and livestock sectors, Chad has commenced the construction of a US$ 2 million faculty specializing in agronomy and animal production studies.
The groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo, the Secretary-General at the Presidency of the Republic of Chad, occurred on Thursday, April 18, at King Faisal University in Afrouk, north of N’Djamena.
The Islamic Solidarity Fund of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will provide funding for the initiative following a decision approved during the 9th Conference of Ministers on Food Security and Agricultural Development in October 2023.
Chadian authorities have underscored the significance of this endeavour for the country’s development.
This initiative aligns with Chad’s vision to enrich its higher education offerings by establishing specialized institutions across all provinces.
In line with this goal, plans are underway to create a university in Bongor and national institutes in Massakory, Faya, and Bol shortly.
Furthermore, the construction of the agronomy and animal production faculty complements previous efforts, such as establishing a school of livestock breeding and agronomy at the University of N’Djamena in 2022, with support from Turkey.
Livestock farming holds significant importance in Chad, serving as a cornerstone of the country’s economy and societal structure – it contributes to 18% of the national GDP and serves as a primary source of employment, engaging 40% of the working population.
Moreover, it sustains livelihoods for over 70% of the rural populace.
Notably, Chad exports live cattle to neighboring countries in the subregion at approximately 700,000 head annually, constituting the largest non-oil export sector.
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