A new era of cooperation in education and agriculture
MOTHETJOA METSING
From cave life to the sophisticated life of the information/knowledge society, knowledge has been the prime resource that has advanced human communities materially and culturally.
Knowledge is infinite, dynamic, continuous and ever expanding; it is also a living, evolving process that requires active engagement, critical thinking and a deep understanding of the world around us.
While, university education contributes to social and economic development through four major missions: the formation of human capital, the building of knowledge bases (primarily through research and knowledge development), the dissemination and use of knowledge (primarily through interactions with knowledge users) and the maintenance of knowledge (inter-generational storage and transmission of knowledge).
Universities have frequently been regarded as key institutions in processes of social change and development. The most explicit role of universities is the production of highly skilled labour and research output to meet perceived economic needs.
The establishment of the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (NULCI) at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) is not only a welcomed development but a major policy and structural leap for Lesotho’s socio-economic development and education in general and the NUL’s strategic position in particular.
Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (NULCI) will concentrate on agriculture, language, and culture, creating new opportunities for both countries.
In view of the above, socio-economic transformation dynamics are very much dependent on how change is managed by societies through higher education.
As such the continuous and perpetual neglect or an indifferent posture of our biggest institution of higher learning, the NUL to the changing international, geo-political, socio-economic tilting and turning of world polarity and other developments would have been a grave disservice to the nation and a pernicious naivety that would be detrimental to society, with adverse effects on the development trajectory of the country in the long run.
As the African proverb goes: “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.” In order to recover lost time and to align to Lao Tzu’s brilliant philosophy, saying “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”
If Lesotho is to be self-sufficient and realize requisite food security, the time is now and not anytime later to repatriate revolutionary knowledge of China’s agricultural methods, techniques and technology accompanied by understanding of the culture and markets in the booming east economy which is the main deliverable of NULCI.
Within the radar of the National university of Lesotho surely this reality of a seismic scale that since opening up to foreign trade and investment and implementing free-market reforms in 1979, China has been among the world’s fastest-growing economies should have been an open secret.
China’s annual GDP growth averaging 9.5 percent through 2018, is a pace described by the World Bank as “the fastest sustained expansion by a major economy in history.” Such growth has enabled China, on average, to double its GDP every eight years and helped extricate an estimate a billion plus people out of poverty.
China has become the world’s largest economy (on a purchasing power parity basis), manufacturer, merchandise trader, and holder of foreign exchange reserves. This in turn has made China a major commercial partner of the United States (US). China is the largest US merchandise trading partner, biggest source of imports, and third-largest US export market.
China is also the largest foreign holder of US. Treasury securities, which help fund the federal debt and keep US interest rates low.
China and Lesotho have a longstanding bilateral and diplomatic relationship. Over the years, China has been instrumental in aiding Lesotho’s development through various aid initiatives, investments, and joint projects.
Examples of this collaboration include the construction of Maseru Hospital and the road project from Mpiti to Sehlabathebe, which has greatly improved transportation infrastructure in Lesotho. These initiatives not only illustrate the deepening cooperation between the two nations but also reflect China’s dedication to supporting Lesotho’s developmental objectives.
The recent opening of the NULCI represents a significant advancement in this partnership. The establishment of NULCI symbolizes the growing educational cooperation between the two countries and is a direct result of China’s focus on building people-to-people connections through cultural exchange and educational initiatives.
To appreciate the importance of the Confucius Institute, it is vital to explore the legacy of Confucius, whose philosophy continues to influence millions worldwide, especially in China. Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a philosopher, educator, and political figure whose ideas have become deeply entrenched in Chinese culture, ethics, and educational systems.
His teachings highlighted the value of respect, discipline, morality, and family values, concepts that resonate in today’s Chinese society. Confucius also advocated for the notion that education is essential for both personal and societal development, a principle the Confucius Institutes strive to promote globally.
The establishment of Confucius Institutes worldwide, including NULCI, represents the ongoing realization of Confucius’s vision for education and cultural exchange. By concentrating on teaching the Chinese language, culture, and, in this instance, agricultural technology, the institutes act as bridges connecting China and other nations, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
For Lesotho, NULCI presents a unique chance to benefit from Chinese agricultural knowledge while simultaneously strengthening cultural and linguistic ties with China.
What distinguishes NULCI is its focus on agriculture, a sector in which China possesses substantial expertise. Agriculture has always been critical for both nations, yet the challenges they encounter are distinct. Lesotho, a landlocked nation characterized by mountainous terrain, grapples with issues such as unpredictable rainfall, soil degradation, and the effects of climate change, complicating farming efforts.
Conversely, China, with its extensive agricultural experience, has developed innovative farming methods, including effective irrigation, pest management solutions, and drought-resistant crops, all of which can significantly benefit farmers in Lesotho.
Through this cooperation, NULCI will engage closely with Jilin Agricultural University (JLAU), a prestigious Chinese institution focused on agricultural sciences, to introduce advanced farming techniques to Lesotho.
The insights drawn from Chinese experiences in sustainable farming practices will empower Basotho farmers to improve crop yields, make better use of water resources, and implement tactics to counteract the negative impacts of climate change.
Agricultural experts from China will also travel to Lesotho to hold workshops, provide training, and share practical knowledge with local farmers, ensuring that the transfer of information is both effective and beneficial.
For Lesotho, this cooperation arrives at a pivotal moment when food security is becoming an increasing issue. By leveraging China’s agricultural know-how, Lesotho can enhance its agricultural productivity, boost food self-sufficiency, lessen reliance on imports, and improve the livelihoods of those in rural areas.
In this light, NULCI’s emphasis on agriculture represents a strategic decision that aligns with Lesotho’s national development goals.
In addition to agriculture, NULCI will provide instruction in Chinese language and culture. Language serves as a significant tool for nurturing international relations, and proficiency in Chinese is likely to create numerous opportunities for Basotho students and professionals.
Learning the language will improve communication with Chinese business partners, facilitate cultural exchanges, and enable participation in academic collaborations.
NULCI will offer a diverse array of Chinese language courses tailored to various proficiency levels, from novices to advanced students. This comprehensive approach guarantees that individuals from all backgrounds – students, educators, lecturers, and community members eager to learn – can take advantage of the opportunity to study Chinese.
The institute plans to offer a degree in Chinese Language and Culture, which could lead to more Lesotho students pursuing higher education opportunities in China. Such programs will cultivate a new generation of professionals who are proficient in both the Chinese language and culture, thereby strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
The establishment of NULCI is expected to create a cascading effect on job generation and economic growth in Lesotho. As the demand for language proficiency and agricultural expertise rises, the nation is likely to witness a surge in job opportunities, particularly in fields related to education, agriculture, and international commerce.
The Chinese International Education Foundation officially sanctioned the creation of the Confucius Institute at NUL on June 6, 2024. By September 27, 2024, the institute was presented with the Confucius Institute insignia, representing formal recognition of the partnership.
This approval underscores the strength of the cooperation between China and Lesotho and the mutual goal for educational and economic advancement.
In conclusion, the China-Lesotho partnership, exemplified by the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, marks a significant stride toward a future characterized by enhanced cooperation in agriculture, education, and cultural exchange.
By combining China’s farming expertise and language with Lesotho’s dedication to development, the two countries are establishing a foundation for a more robust and prosperous future.
The advantages of this partnership will stretch beyond education, generating jobs, stimulating the economy, and ultimately improving the lives of the Basotho people. This cooperation represents a promising future filled with mutual growth, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The announcement of the establishment of the Confucius Institute of Chinese Culture, Language, and Agricultural Sciences and Technology at the NUL should not be a lasting relationship between the university’s community and China, but should filter through across the breadth of the country – for the benefit of both nations.
