FNU offers sustainable Agroforestry skills

Press Release Posted On: July 14, 2021

Fiji and other Pacific island countries have a long history of mixed-species agroforestry and possessing the right knowledge will enhance sustainable land use development and management.

Technical officers and students interested in developing their skills in this field can do so at the Fiji National University (FNU), by enrolling in the Trade Diploma in Agroforestry programme for Semester 2 studies.

Offered at the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF), the course is designed to train a cadre of well-rounded and highly motivated development workers that could facilitate the promotion of Agroforestry in community-based and people-oriented forestry projects.

CAFF Acting Head of Department, Pramod Nair, said the course focuses on Agroforestry development and management, with emphasis on knowledge acquisition, skills development, and environmental value formation.

“Integrating a variety of tree species into a village and home gardens, and mixed livestock and crop systems provides a sustainable source of timber, food and many other traditional products,” Nair said.

“Various agroforestry benefits have been recognised and notable examples include increased national self-sufficiency in timber and fuelwood, higher nutritional status of the population, watershed protection, improved utilisation of degraded and marginalised cropping land, strengthening of agricultural infrastructure, genetic conservation, carbon capture, and improved wildlife habitat and landscape amenity.”

“Students will gain an understanding of the principles and processes of agroforestry as part of a sustainable food production system, including its social and environmental contexts and be equipped to implement the latest research into sustainable production systems thinking.”

“They will also be able to examine the environmental, economic and social aspect of agroforestry in the context of food security and the changing environment, which is very important in the Fijian perspective.”

As the national University that provides work-ready graduates, Nair said that the students will have the technical expertise and skills in the area of agroforestry systems and land use, rural development and livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, forest protection, nursery management, non-timber forest products and value-adding, agroforestry business and entrepreneurship.

“There are many career opportunities available to these graduates. They are able to work at organisations such as the Ministries of Forestry, Agriculture or Environment, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), Pacific Community (SPC) and environmental agencies such as Pacific Island Rainforest Foundation, Nature Fiji, Conservation International, or establish their entrepreneurial startups.”

Interested students can enrol now for Semester 2 studies by visiting the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more.

Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.