OBJECTIVE 1
To strengthen academic programs and extension training in agricultural sciences at the UM College of Agriculture and Forestry (UM/CAF) and the UD College of Agriculture (UD/CA).

Justification
          An overarching and recurring concern of our partners at UM/CAF and UD/CA has been the near complete isolation of their institutions and faculty from global scientific advances and academic progress for nearly two decades.

Expected Impact and Outcome
          Successful implementation of this objective will result in creating a cadre of highly qualified, well trained personnel in key agricultural disciplines holding faculty and leadership appointments at UM/CAF, UD/CA or other institutions. They will be better able to contribute to advancing northern Iraq’s agricultural agenda for economic growth, high and sustainable productivity, enhanced environmental quality, improved food security and safety, and stimulated job opportunities.

Activities
          Several activities (below) have been initiated in efforts to achieve
objective 1.

Graduate Degree Training will enable 6 qualified students to earn their degrees at the University of Hawaiiin five majors: Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Plant and Soil Sciences; Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology; Biosystems Engineering.
The Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) is intended to provide opportunities for selected Iraqi faculty to undertake short term “retooling” leaves at the University of Hawaii.
Graduate Research Fellowships (GRF) will assist selected ongoing graduate students at UM/CAF and UD/CA in completing their research (currently stalled), which is required for earning their degrees at the two colleges.