Role and responsibility of the Department of Agriculture and Water Supply in and for agricultural research at tertiary education institutions

Abstract

Over the past ninety-odd years i.e. ever since the establishment of the first government funded agricultural college, the Department of Agriculture, under its different titles, played an indispensable role in support of agricultural research at tertiary institutions. However, its direct involvement with university faculties was terminated in 1973 when the faculties were fully incorporated into the universities. Undoubtedly the Department has a vital interest in the well-being of tertiary institutions for the training of high level manpower needed to fulfil its research mandate. At present its indirect and direct support of research at university faculties is in the form of researchers seconded and funded for post-graduate studies, the initiation and funding of research contracts by university personnel and the recent expansion of its facility for research fellowships aimed at closer cooperation with and support for tertiary institutions.