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Research results should reach beneficiaries, urges Maghembe
2008-04-19 09:40:03
By Gadiosa Lamtey
Higher learning and research institutions in the country have been challenged to create a mechanism for ensuring that research results reach beneficiaries.
Opening a two-day 3rd Exhibition on Higher Education, Science and Technology in Dar es Salaam on Thursday the Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Prof. Jumanne Maghembe, called upon all stakeholders in higher learning institutions to make sure that their research findings reach intended communities.
He said most research findings were just documented and never reached intended communities.
``It is time for you to bring back the results of your scientific studies so that the communities involved in the study benefit from your recommendations,`` he said.
Prof. Maghembe said the idea would help improve people`s lives and government efforts to fight poverty among the people.
Citing an example, Prof. Maghembe said, some researchers had found that one cow can produce 15 to 20 litres of milk per day, but that information was yet to reach the farmers who produce only 0.5 to 1.5 litres a day.
``Your research findings should assist the farmers improve milk production to increase their income,`` he said.
He, however, said that inadequate funds remained the most critical limiting factor in many research institutions.
``Universities should encourage their academic staffs to compete for international research resources. They should write competitive research proposals to attract funding,`` said Prof. Maghembe.
He said the USAID had agreed to fund two seminars, one in Dar es Salaam and another one in Mwanza for the purpose of learning how to write good research proposals.
Prof Maghembe urged universities to write and prepare journals, periodicals and current books and publish them through internet in order to advertise themselves internationally.
Acting Dean of Uganda`s Nkumba University, Charles Kaggwa, said the exhibitions will help students to make choices on universities in different countries.
``I would like to advise all students who are coming for these exhibitions to focus on what they want, they should know how to make right choices because we have many universities,`` Kaggwa said.
The exhibitions involve universities from different countries including Uganda, Kenya and Malaysia.
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