The Vice Chancellor, Prof. K. K. Adarkwa has said the pervasive poverty which has cleaved onto the African continent while the continent could boast of massive natural resources is attributed to the misapplication of Science and Technology to the continent’s advantage.

He made this known when speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the NUFFIC-funded Training Centre under a project implemented by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource (CANR) in collaboration with four Dutch institutions namely: DHO-University of Amsterdam, Tropenbos International, International Centre for Development-oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA) and Wageningen International. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the project which was for the institutionalisation of Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) was a realisation of KNUST’s core mission and objective to providing a friendly and conducive environment for teaching, research and entrepreneurship training in Science and Technology for the development of the nation and Africa at large.

He added that in the face of strong environmental challenges characterized with its climate change, famine, sicknesses, poverty, among others, the only holistic solution is an integrative approach to the various academic disciplines. “Indeed, environmental problems are as complex as the societies that induce them and their solutions require more than just one academic perspectives to be harnessed resulting in a holistic view of the problem and enhances systems thinking”, he said.

He expressed his gratitude to the Netherlands Universities Foundation for International Cooperation (NUFFIC) for its cooperation with KNUST in the area of higher education and research and hoped it would be a lasting one which together, could solve the multifaceted environmental challenges they are facing now. He also commended all who contributed in diverse ways to making the project a success.

He concluded with a pledge that he would make sure proper management and maintenance culture are adhered to, in a bid to ensure a sustainable project.

In a welcome address, Prof. R. C. Abaidoo, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, expressed his delight and acknowledgement to the partners for their support towards the successful implementation of the project. He said the €270,000 or the (GH¢540,000) project was undertaken to provide  the College with training and learning facilities of international standard and serve as a focal point of interaction for both the staff and students of the College and the University at large. The centre houses offices, 4 facilitation/lecture rooms, a computer laboratory, a utility room, a Conference Hall and a library. 

In addition, the Provost gave a brief history of the project saying, “CANR identified the need to enhance its competencies among current and prospective professionals to be able to manage complex environmental problems. Therefore, a proposal was submitted to NUFFIC and as a result, a three-year project (NPT/GHA/088) with a budget of €600,000 was awarded. The successful implementation of the project led to the development of a follow-up project (NPT/GHA/278) which was funded by the same organisation.” 

In Conclusion, he also acknowledged other personalities who contributed in making CARN’s conceptualization, a reality.

Mr. Hans Vallema, Project coordinator for Partner Institutions congratulated the University for the great success on the finalisation of the project. He said “we express much better that, the centre is one of the achievements of a strong North-South partnership. This partnership is the basis for successful implementation of this project on institutionalizing INRM in the College.”   He added that although there were hurdles to overcome in the partnership due to the different backgrounds, and perceptions of the partners, the partnership has been very enriching for the institutions involved.

He therefore anticipated that, the Center would be given the needed attention so that it becomes an instrument to enhance new learning and improve communication not only for students but any external stakeholder.

The Provost assisted the Vice-Chancellor to cut the tape and unveil the plaque to commemorate the commission of the building which was duly dedicated by the Protestant Chaplain, Rev. Dr.  Paul Boafo.