Africa's emerging leaders in agriculture head to Toowoomba to conduct value chain analysis on high-value beef
Participants in the Australia Awards Short Course in Agribusiness, implemented by The University of Queensland’s International Development unit, will head to the regional city of Toowoomba as part of their intensive six-week course.
The 25 participants from 13 African countries will experience first-hand value chain analysis conducted on high-value beef.
Course leader, Emeritus Professor Ray Collins said Toowoomba was an ideal place for the participants to spend the week.
“Under the Australian Government-funded Australia Awards, the participants are immersed in learning experiences and building agribusiness skills to engage with and influence the challenges of sustainable economic development in their own countries,” Professor Collins said.
“The trip will be used as a case study where students will actively participate in a value chain analysis – the main analytical tool that supports and directs their new skills once they return to their home countries.
Course Manager Alessia Anibaldi said Toowoomba is a major agribusiness service hub for one of Australia’s most productive agricultural regions.
“Participants will have the opportunity to experience different agricultural landscapes, agribusiness managers and enterprises, as well as life in a regional centre,” she said.
While the majority of the time will be spent in Toowoomba, students will also visit the nearby rural towns of Dalby and Jondaryan.
“They will get the opportunity to interview butcher shop managers, supermarket staff and visit end-of-process restaurants,” Emeritus Professor Collins said.
“They will also conduct local focus groups with high-value beef consumers.”
Throughout the course, participants also learn skills in leadership, communication and project management in preparation for leadership opportunities within their organisations – a key objective of the Australia Awards.
UQ International Development
We are one of the leading university development groups in the Asia-Pacific region. Our unit provides development expertise and program management leadership to help build the capacity of people and organisations around the world to achieve their development goals.