The international organization Nuffic announced a funding call within the framework of the Orange Knowledge Program, to strengthen education and training programs for climate smart agriculture and efficient water management meeting labor market needs. The priority theme of this program is Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) and Water, and projects should contribute to increased employment opportunities for Iraqi youth.
The Orange Knowledge Program is a €195-m Dutch global development program, available in 53 developing countries, including Iraq, and managed by Nuffic, a Dutch non-profit organization for internationalization in education. Launched mid-2017, it aims to have provided tens of thousands with the possibility to change their future through education and training by mid-2022.
By investing in education and knowledge at technical institutes and universities, the Nuffic's Orange Knowledge Program will contribute to improving skills, competences and knowledge of Iraqi people working in and responsible for Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), Water for Agriculture and Water Management.
Institutional collaboration project proposals addressing CSA and efficient water management
should take into account the following key elements:
- Improve/ develop curricula on CSA and efficient water management education and
training at technical institutions and universities, including horticulture, dairy
production, food quality control;
- Programs should include internships and demand driven practical skills training
ensuring connections to the labor market and link with career development centers;
- Design programs that build students’ employability - and entrepreneurial skills
(entrepreneurship, business skills, communication, soft skills);
- Design programs geared towards agricultural private sector development (farm enterprises) applying smart agri-technology and innovation;
- Enhance knowledge and research for increasing water productivity and improving water quality;
- Strengthen capacity (skills and knowledge) and management skills of teaching and managerial staff;
- Strengthen institutional structures and systems at education providers that offer programs on CSA and/or efficient water-management;
- Promote the attractiveness of professions in the agricultural sector, working closely with popular faculties of technical institutes and universities as well as with media.
The proposed project must contribute to the following long-term impact:
- Water efficiency in agriculture is increased;
- Growth in smart agriculture;
- Ecologically sustainable food systems.
The following medium-term impact will contribute to:
Education system (Technical and Vocational Education and Training /Higher Education) is of good quality, relevant and accessible (SDG 4); Partnerships between persons and organisations are inclusive and sustainable (SDG 17). Organisations key to inclusive development of partner countries are strengthened by inflow of enhanced workforce.
The maximum available funding for this call, excluding co-funding is EUR 1,100,000. The maximum funding per collaboration project, excluding co-funding is EUR 1,100,000. The deadline for submission is 17 September 2019.
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