By Andi Anderson
USAID’s Private Sector Partnerships initiative has successfully fostered collaboration between Iowa State University and universities in Kosovo, enhancing agriculture education and research. Faculty members from the University of Prishtina, University of Peja “Haxhi Zeka,” and University of Prizren “Ukshin Vokshi” have worked closely with Iowa State’s Department of Animal Sciences to improve research capabilities, teaching methods, and hands-on learning opportunities for agriculture students in Kosovo.
Kosovan professors have benefited from learning about innovative tools and practices that enhance student engagement and better prepare them for the job market. A key component of this effort included two workshops aimed at improving experiential learning and incorporating technology into agricultural education. The "Science with Practice" workshop, led by Iowa State experts, focused on integrating research and practical experiences into university curricula and co-curricular activities. It also addressed challenges such as funding and operations, providing strategies to leverage research for student benefit and encouraging mentorship programs inspired by Iowa State’s model.
“Research provides students with hands-on experience, helping them determine their career paths. This workshop gave us invaluable insights for structuring a program at our university, enabling better student engagement in research and practical application of knowledge” said Granit Kastrati, assistant professor in the Faculty of Agribusiness, University of Peja.
The second workshop on utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture, led by Iowa State’s Joshua Peschel, demonstrated how AI could support both academic work and farming practices. Participants learned how AI could be used for research, class preparation, and improving agricultural productivity. The workshop also introduced AI applications in farming, including production monitoring and optimization.
These workshops are part of a broader initiative to enhance curriculum development, applied research, and experiential learning at universities in Kosovo. Moving forward, the project will focus on designing applied research projects that actively involve students and the private sector, aiming to deliver innovative solutions for agricultural companies in Kosovo.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education