The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) has received a delegation from the University of Nebraska, USA at its Council Chamber. The delegation, comprising faculty members and student fellows, was led by Prof. Nick Brozovic, Director of Policy at the University of Nebraska’s Water for Food Global Institute. Their visit was part of a study tour focused on exploring trade, agriculture, and irrigation in Ghana.
Prof. Brozovic stated that the Water for Food Global Institute is a research institute within the University of Nebraska that works with a broad range of stakeholders—from smallholder farmers to large commercial agribusinesses—to bridge technology gaps and promote sustainable water management practices. The study tour aims to provide students with practical exposure to agricultural and trade issues in Ghana, with a particular focus on irrigation and its role in agricultural development.
As part of their visit, the delegation will tour smallholder and commercial farms, engage with equipment dealers and policymakers, and meet with institutions such as the embassy and the International Management Institute to better understand the trade and policy environment. Additionally, they expressed interest in exploring potential partnerships with UESD. Prof. Brozovic noted that the institute has previously collaborated with universities such as Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia and other institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
During discussions with the delegation, Dean of School of Sustainable Development at UESD, Prof. Anthony Amoah, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to collaborate with top institutions to enhance learning and research. He highlighted UESD’s ongoing and future partnerships, including an upcoming initiative in June and July 2025, when UESD will host students from Indiana University for a Capstone Programme. This initiative aligns closely with UESD’s Community-Based Experiential Learning (CoBEL) Programme, designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that address real-world environmental challenges.
Prof. Amoah also mentioned UESD’s partnership with Grand Valley State University, emphasising that while the University is open to collaborations, it carefully evaluates the academic credibility of potential partner institutions before formalising agreements.
Key discussion areas included grant writing collaborations, faculty sabbaticals, and digital badging programmes to facilitate knowledge transfer and professional development.