RECC-LUM PROJECT DEVELOPS MSc DEGREE CURRICULUM FOR UTG
Stakeholders Tuesday14th January, 2025 met to discuss the development of a Curriculum of Master of Science (MSc) program focused on Renewable Energy, Climate Change, and Land Use Management for The University of The Gambia (UTG). In partnership with the Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management” at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, and WASCAL Competence Centre on Climate and Environmental Services started a two – year Feasibility Study on Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Land Use Management in The Gambia (RECCLUM), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to address the pressing challenges of climate change, renewable energy transitions, and sustainable land management in The Gambia and beyond. The curriculum is being designed to meet the growing demand for experts in these fields to ensure that it aligns with both academic excellence and the needs of the industry, government, and development organizations. Speaking on the objectives of the workshop, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the UTG, Lead Investigator, Professor Sidat Yaffa thanked donor partners for their contribution and support to building human capacities in developing countries particularly the Gambia. He said the convergence solicits feedback and suggestions from key stakeholders on the curriculum structure and content of the MSc program, ensuring its relevance and impact in addressing challenges related to climate change, renewable energy, and land use management in The Gambia and beyond. Prof Yaffa who doubles as the Director of UTG/WASCAL reassured his office’s commitment to climate services through research while urging participants to provide valuable insights to the discussion. Contributing via zoom, Senior Researcher, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Franziska Wolf explained the work plan of the RECC-LUM project including a socioeconomic study of pilot sites in the Gambia. She thanked the local project team for their expertise and commitment to the implementation of the project. Participants were put into groups, addressing core curriculum modules, addressing industry and government needs in curriculum design and innovative approaches to learning and skill development.
