Institutional Development Assistance
SEARCA's Institutional Development Assistance (IDA) intends to empower and equip strategically located universities with the necessary resources to cater to the demands for human resources required to boost economic development in the region.
It is recognized that different institutions in Southeast Asia—particularly those located in the growth areas—have different institutional systems, structures, and resources. Therefore, designs and interventions for IDA may vary from assistance in the conduct of an institutional review, to fielding of experts to develop curricula or training modules, or capacitating staff and faculty through educational support interventions (i.e., scholarships, in-house training).
As SEARCA moves to Accelerate Transformation through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN), the IDA program, through the Education and Collective Learning (ECL) Department, promotes key mindset transitions to institutions during program implementation. The model for IDA is based on what works for each institution, considering the different local contexts, challenges, constraints, and opportunities. What is common among all models is the participatory approach to IDA so that all strategies, plans, and activities are identified by the universities together with SEARCA which acts as the facilitator. In this regard, SEARCA's IDA program starts with an institutional diagnosis of the identified target beneficiary institution.
Partner-Beneficiaries
The following institutions have partnered with SEARCA for capacity building activities and projects under the IDA program:
Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR)
A project with the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED), LevelUPHEI-AFAR aims to upgrade the institutional capacities of the State Universities and Colleges – Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines, Inc. (SUC-ACAP, Inc.) and its 75 members through short-term training programs and cross-visits, and participation in the University Consortium activities. All events and activities under this project are by invitation only for SUC-ACAP member institutions.
Savannakhet University, Lao PDR
Savannakhet University in Lao PDR was established in October 2009 and is strategically situated to cater to the demand for human resources needed to boost the economic development of Savannakhet, Khammouane, and Bolikhamxay provinces. These areas are located in the East-West economic corridor, envisioned to link Vietnam and Myanmar through Lao PDR and Thailand.
- SEARCA to spearhead institutional development assistance to Savannakhet University, Lao PDR
- Laotian Vice Governor lauds SEARCA capacity-building initiatives for Savannakhet University
- Savannakhet University staff members receive SEARCA Scholarship
- In-country training i.e. Two-level English Course
- Short course on Utilization of Indigenous Crops to Strengthen Food Security
- Participation to SEARCA Learning Events
Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia
Founded by Prince Norodom Sihanouk in 1964, the Royal University of Agriculture is one of Cambodia's leading higher education institutions that develop human resources in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and related sciences as well as rural development.
- Mentoring Workshop on Strategic Planning, 20-22 August 2012
- In-country training
- Scholarship support for RUA staff
- Short course on Water Resources Management for Smallholder Farmers
- Participation to SEARCA Learning Events
Yezin Agricultural University, Myanmar
Yezin Agricultural University, formerly known as the Agricultural College and Research Institute of Mandalay, was established in December 1924. Operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Myanmar, it is the first institution to offer agricultural education at the college level. Today, it is still Myanmar's only institution of higher learning in agriculture.
- Yezin Agricultural University and SEARCA Outline Next Steps to University's Advancement
- Short course on General Education Program in Addressing Food Security
- Strategic planning workshop
- Development of a Curriculum on Agricultural Extension as a new Specialization in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science program
- Scholarship support for YAU staff
- Participation to SEARCA Learning Events
National University of Timor-Leste
National University of Timor-Leste was established in 2000 in the aftermath of the country's independence. It is a non-profit public higher education institution in Dili, Timor-Leste and considered as the largest university in the country.
- Short course on Climate-Agriculture-Impact Modelling
- In-country training/conferences
- Participation on SEARCA’s learning events
- Scholarship support for UNTL staff
Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam
TUAF was established in 1969 as part of Thai Nguyen University and is one of the four leading national agricultural universities in Vietnam. It is also considered as a center for training, scientific research and technology transfer in agriculture, forestry, environmental and resource management, and rural development in the midland and northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam.
- SEARCA, TUAF sign memorandum of understanding for institutional cooperation
- SEARCA's IDA Program conducts training on communication skills
- Scholarship support for TUAF staff
- Participation to SEARCA Learning Events
Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact:
Education and Collective Learning - Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development (ECL-GSID)
- +63 49 554-9330 to 39
- +63 49 536-2290
- +63 2 8657-1300 to 02 (local 2200 to 2203)