The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN) has donated the largest ever book consignment to Ghana, in a brief ceremony at the Noguchi conference hall of the University of Ghana.
The primary goal of the event was to facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen ties between the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), the University of Ghana (UG), the University for Development Studies (UDS) and the Ghana Library Authority.
The academic resources donated span a wide range of topics which cover agriculture, biodiversity, African agricultural statistics, food processing, forests and forestry, gender in agriculture, climate change, climate smart agriculture, agripreneurship, animal health, rural youth issues, and nutrition.
Speaking at the book donation event, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Africa and FAO Representative to Ghana, Dr. Yurdi Yasmi, reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaboration across the African continent.
“The handing over of more than 8000 publications to the University of Ghana, the University of Development Studies and the Ghana Library Authority is a testament of the FAO’s resolve to foster learning, share knowledge and also empower students and researchers to ignite innovation and progress, while strengthening partnerships in the very areas where FAO operates. The wealth of knowledge contained in these publications will serve as a guiding light, illuminating pathways to a sustainable future for both present and future generations.”
Mr. Yurdi also spoke of the long standing relationship between Ghana and the FAO, highlighting areas where both parties have collaborated.
“Our cooperation with Ghana dates back to 1957, when the country joined the organization. The establishment of the first regional office for Africa in Accra in 1959 where we partnered in a broad range of areas such as government agencies, civil society and private sector to promote sustainable agrifood systems including fisheries and forestry. More recently the FAO’s assistance to the country has focused on sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, and building resilient communities for reducing rural poverty.”
Dean of the School of Agriculture, Dr. Irene Susana Egyir, who received the books on behalf of the University of Ghana, expressed her delight, admonishing students and members of the university community to make use of the academic resources.
“We are very grateful for the gift of books from the Food and Agriculture Organization. They often say that old wine is the best. It is important that aside from the online resources, we also make use of the hardcopy materials which consist of global experiences and studies from other parts of the world. I encourage us not to let them be on the shelves and become dusty, but make good use of them.”
In attendance at the ceremony was the Senior Assistant Registrar of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Mr. Micheal Ansa. He opined that the gifting of books to the UDS is a big step to ensuring knowledge development in the University.
“For people to excel in life, they must achieve the necessary insight to build themselves. Publications from the FAO contain great experiences and practices which will benefit students. It is in this vein, The University for Development Studies (UDS), is happy to partner with the FAO and wish to affirm that the books will be utilized effectively and we’re always happy to collaborate with you.”
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Story by | Godfred Kweku Dampte-Larbi | univers.ug.edu.gh
