Bi.,5 - (PDF, 101 mb) - USAID

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Taking into account the country's realities and the prevailing
educational system, the ISP printed curriculum is,in general,
well conceived. Itis designed to give the students, in addition to
the knowledge received in the specialized concentration chosen, a
general background in the other concentrations. This approach, explained
the Director, is to facilitate communication, exchange of information,
and cooperation among the specialists in the three areas.
In terms of academic courses listed, we find the curriculum
to be re'atively complete, if teachers are available to teach it.
The main problem is a lack of teachers to teach practical courses. For
an Institution such as ISP, which, quite often, must depend on shortterm
visiting professors to teach certain specialized courses, adjustments
in the curriculum are at times necessary .
Recommendations. Even though the present curriculum is relatively
complete on paper, with the main problems as lack of staff to
teach practical subjects and lack of physical facilities, the Team
does, however, wish to make certain recommrendations. Most of these
have already been identified and agreed to by the Director of ISP and
the staff.
1. Forestry and Water Management. Forestry has been the most recent
area of specialization added to the ISP curriculum. According to the
Director, this concentration was added because of intensive demand
for foresters throughcut the country at the ORD level. This concentration
includes already 7 students in the third and 2 in the fourth
years. If the present trend in student enrollment continues, and
conversations with the Director, the faculty and the students indicated
that it will, this concentration will attract many students in
the years to come. Yet it is the one which presently does not have
any full-time faculty. In addition tu courses regarding organization
of Forest Production, this concentration also puts emphasis on fisheries
and water management. To ensure its arrival and its effectiveness in
turning out competent graduates, it is imperative that ISP be provided
technical assistance in this area as soon as possible.
2. Agronomy. Peanuts and cotton are the two main agronomic crops
grown for exportation in Upper Volta. They play a key role in the
econJmy of this country. Recently, another agronomic crop, soybeans,
has been introduced. Its accceptance by the farmers, and as a result,
its potential expansion in several regions of the country, has been
spectacular. If the present trend continues, thi, crop will also play
an important role in the economy of UV in the near future.