”This project is a commendable initiative that aligns perfectly with the national education policy in Benin.” With these words from Professor Philippe LALEYE, representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the PATH project (Training young African students and researchers in precision agriculture through inter-regional academic mobility for an improved, climate-smart agricultural system) was officially launched this morning in the Houdégbé amphitheater at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi.
The launching ceremony started with welcoming remarks from Professor Enoch Achigan Dako, Head of the Crop Sciences Department at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FSA), and Professor Bonaventure Ahohuendo, Dean of the FSA. Both expressed their pleasure in participating in this significant event.
Professor Nelly Carine Kelome, Vice-Rector in charge of Interuniversity Cooperation, Partnerships, and Professional Insertion (VRCIPIP) at the University of Abomey-Calavi, endorsed the Dean of the FSA’s remarks by highlighting the timeliness of the PATH project in strengthening the training system at the university. “The lack of specialized training in precision agriculture and limited access to advanced technologies hampers our ability to respond effectively to climate challenges. The PATH project will fill these gaps,” she asserted. The European Union (EU), co-financing the project, reaffirmed its support for development through Juan Luis Barbolla Casas, Head of the Governance and Economy team.
Following speeches by ministerial, rectoral, and decanal authorities, Dr Nicodème Fassinou Hotegni, Project Coordinator, presented the PATH project. He outlined the project’s objectives and partners and explained the importance of precision agriculture and its benefits for beneficiaries. The event concluded with presentations from Professor Kwame Frimpong and Professor Manyatsi Absalom, local PATH coordinators in Ghana and Eswatini, respectively, who discussed the introduction of precision agriculture in their countries.
This launching ceremony marks the official start of the project’s activities and the beginning of a great adventure.
