The Western Bahr el Ghazal State has teamed up with the University of Bahr el Ghazal to explore ways of improving the agricultural sector to boost the livelihoods of the citizens.

The two institutions met on Thursday and deliberated on the opportunities that could make the agriculture sector regain its lost glory.

Among them was Dr Samuel Jacinto Lee, the dean of the university, who headed the group. The others were Francisco Joseph (Deputy Dean), Romano Adri, and Mark Akio, who are both agriculture technicians.

Speaking to the press after their meeting, Governor Sarah Cleto appreciated the group for their participation in the meeting.

She said it was high time for the government as well as other sectors to come together to embark on agricultural activities.

Cleto stressed that such collaborations would allow citizens to benefit from the agricultural programs in the state, saying they would be both for academic purposes and to improve the livelihoods of people in the state.

“It was a good opportunity to discuss how the government and the university, particularly the College of Agriculture, can collaborate and coordinate programs for the benefit of the state,” she said.

“Most of the population in the state are farmers, and they will benefit from the academics in terms of agricultural research, training, projects and improving livelihoods,” Governor Cleto said.

She reiterated that such partnerships would provide opportunities for the ministries of agriculture and animal resources to get technical advice and support from such higher learning institutions.

Dr Lee said it was a pleasure to meet the state governor and discuss such important issues.

“We are privileged to meet with Governor Sarah Cleto to discuss ways of encouraging agriculture in the state,” he expressed.

Dr Lee said the group appreciated the move by the governor to call upon the learning institution to meet and discuss some important issues having to do with the development of agriculture in this state.

“We believe that having discussed and touched on significant agricultural issues, the college can support and give consultations and advise the government in their efforts to improve the agriculture sector in the state,” Lee added.

The academia further added that such a move would lay a concerted foundation for the development of agriculture in the state.

“We look forward to having more follow-up with Governor Cleto because we believe it is a step forward for the development of the agricultural college at the University of Bahr el Ghazal as well as the whole state at large,” Lee said.

He revealed that Cleto had promised to give them the necessary support and funds, which he said they believed would be a great advantage to improve the livelihoods of people in the state.