Steering Committee evaluates first-year success of the master's programme in Locust Management Science
Agadir -A Steering Committee has been established to guide the implementation of the recently launched master's (MSc) programme on Locust Management Science. Initiated in 2023 at the Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II (IAV) in Agadir, Morocco, the MSc programme aims to enhance and upgrade the skills, knowledge, and competencies of young locust control officers.
The programme is a collaborative effort supported by the FAO's Commissions for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC) and Western Region (CLCPRO) with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD). The students enrolled in the progamme come from CRC (English speakers) and CLCPRO (French speakers) regions.
The Steering Committee comprises representatives from the FAO (CRC and CLCPRO), Hassan II Institute (IAV) and a student representative. Its role is to ensure the smooth execution and continuous improvement of the MSc programme.
First-year review of the Msc programme
The first academic year for the inaugural cohorts of the MSc programme ended in June 2024.
During the maiden meeting, the Steering Committee evaluated both the academic and operational progress of the MSc programme, ensuring the curriculum remains up-to-date and relevant to current challenges in locust management. They also assessed the profiles of the candidates of the second cohort for the next intake scheduled for January 2025.
In their words, the Steering Committee members said, "The primary goal is to ensure that the programme produces a new generation of locust control professionals, highly skilled in locust management. The vulnerable communities need their expertise to tackle locust outbreaks and safeguard food security."
Strategical planning
As part of its strategic planning, the Steering Committee proposed an internship for the current students to be conducted in Mauritania in September 2024, where they will gain hands-on experience in locust management.
The Committee provided direction for the organization of the upcoming technical symposium on innovative technologies for sustainable locust management, set to take place in February 2025. The event will serve as a platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange knowledge on advanced technologies for early warning and control of desert locusts.
Planning for the next cohort
The Steering Committee outlined the second-year academic programme, and the selection of students for the next cohort was finalized. The members of the committee discussed improvements in course delivery and the selection of lecturers to further enhance the quality of the programme. Ends