For a final exchange with the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH), a group of seven students and two trainers from Reunion Island spent two weeks in Seychelles from November 16 to the 29th. The 2024 exchange program between (SIAH) and Formatterra College in St. Paul from the Réunion island concluded with this expedition. The two institutions, members of the REAP network (Reseau des Etablissements Agricoles Professionelles and (SIAH), signed an agreement in 2016 that allowed for the exchange but the partnership started to bear fruit only in 2022.
The program’s main goal was to examine the differences and similarities between the Seychelles and Reunion Islands about;
- Research and innovation
- Sustainable Practices
- The use of technology
- Climatic and environmental conditions
The BTS students and trainers were able to conduct a study on the several selected farms on Mahe that engage in both agro-forestry and agro-ecology. Notably that of Mr. Nelson Renaud, Mr. Norman Dogley, Mr. Jose Pool, Mr.Christopher Prea, Mr. Jude Brown, Miss Tessa Rassoul, Mr. Hudson Philo, Miss Julie Roubaud, Mr Hendrick’s Herminie to name a few Additionally, delegates met with the Farmers’ Association to talk about the state of agriculture, the use of high-tech farming, and its foundations. They had meetings with officials from the Department of Agriculture, including the principal secretary, Mr. Kevin Nancy. The group was also given the chance to visit the Beau Vallon primary school farm and other hydroponic farms on Mahe as part of their program.
The Agriculture Department, the (SIAH), and the farmers themselves participated in a debriefing session with the delegates. The French Ambassador was present on the last day of the program. The delegates had the opportunity to review all of their conclusions and recommendations, including development strategies to enhance educational infrastructure and government involvement. Promote agroecology and reducing import dependency. Ways to motivate farmers to collaborate in order to adapt to geographical and climatic limitations. social dynamism and the growth of the local workforce.
The delegations’ initiatives are much appreciated by the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH), which hopes to expand its exchange program to better educate its local students.