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MASSTER Project
The University of the Free State (UFS) recently welcomed distinguished international partners for the MASSTER project.
The University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted a group of distinguished international partners as part of the MASSTER project (Managing (South) Africa and Senegal Sustainability Targets through Economic-diversification of Rural-areas). Funded by the European Union Erasmus programme (Project ID 101129023), the project aims to support the agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Senegal by addressing pressing issues such as rural migration, food security, and sustainable development. 

 

What is the MASSTER Project? 

Launched in early 2024, the MASSTER project is an ambitious initiative designed to enhance agricultural development and economic diversification in rural areas across SSA, with a particular focus on Senegal and South Africa. According to Prof Corli Witthuhn from the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development at UFS, who serves as the project’s coordinator, researcher and trainer, MASSTER  seeks to make a lasting impact on the sector. 

“Agriculture plays a vital role in these regions, contributing up to 40% of GDP and providing livelihoods for over 70% of the population. However, challenges such as rural-urban migration and underutilised agricultural potential hinder the growth of this crucial sector,” explains Prof Witthuhn. 

By offering innovative training and educational tools to farmers and agricultural students, the project aims to bridge these gaps.  It involves higher education institutions (HEIs) in community development and focuses on the intersection of agriculture and migration. In doing so, MASSTER contributes to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including zero hunger, quality education, decent work, and economic growth.


Key objectives of the MASSTER Project

MASSTER collaborates with six partner HEIs in Senegal and South Africa to tackle pressing agricultural and migration challenges. The project focuses on: 

  • Assisting local farmers in implementing income-generating activities.
  • Supporting extension services in delivering relevant training programmes that emphasise economic sustainability.
  • Helping municipalities manage economic migration, particularly from rural areas.

To achieve these objectives, MASSTER analyses the risk factors that drive migration and those that prevent it, designing training programmes that empower current and future farmers to generate income. It also provides Training of Trainers (TOT) to HEIs and extension services, equipping them with skills to deliver impactful training sessions. Additionally, the project helps HEIs develop comprehensive migration management strategies that foster a whole-of-society approach linking agriculture and migration policies. 


A global collaborative effort

The MASSTER project brings together a diverse consortium of partners from Senegal, South Africa and Europe, including: 

  • Senegal: Université Du Sine Saloum El-Hâdj Ibrahima Niass Kaolack (USSEIN), Université Gaston Berger Saint- Louis (UGB), Université Assane Seck de Ziguinchor (UASZ), Interprofessional Center for Training in Agriculture (CIFA)
  • South Africa: University of the Free State (UFS), Stellenbosch University (SU), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South African Society for Agricultural Extension (SASAE)
  • Germany: Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf (HSWT)
  • France: Universite D’Aix-Marseille (AMU)
  • Italy: University of Naples Federico II (UNINA)
  • Serbia: Academy of Professional Studies South Serbia and Western Balkans Institute

Benefits for the University of the Free State

The MASSTER project presents significant opportunities for the UFS. It enables researchers to collaborate with international partners on groundbreaking research that addresses urgent agricultural challenges. Prof Witthuhn highlights that the project also provides valuable third-stream funding for the UFS research initiatives, strengthening the university’s broader academic and community development efforts. 

Additionally, UFS researchers gain hands-on experience in European Union grant administration, potentially paving the way for future EU-funded projects. The project fosters direct engagement with local farming communities by offering training that empowers farmers and promotes rural development. Moreover, it enhances the university’s expertise in agricultural sustainability and migration management.


Partners’ visit to UFS

The recent visit by MASSTER project partners to the UFS marked a key milestone in this collaboration. During their stay, the group participated in various activities, including farm visits and discussions aimed at advancing the project’s objectives.

News Archive

UFS establishes links with the University of Ghent
2007-11-15

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently formalised its co-operation ties with the University of Ghent in Belgium. The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding during the Accenta Trade Fair, an annual event that incorporates activities such as business seminars, cultural events and exhibitions.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding took place via a live video conference linking the two institutions of higher learning.

“It was a wonderful moment because, after signing the memorandum of understanding on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Frederick Fourie, actually showed us his signature on the screen while we were in Ghent”, said Prof. Koos Bekker of the Department of Public Management at the UFS, who was part of the delegation from the Free State.

The delegation consisted of the Premier, Ms Beatrice Marshoff, and several MECs and senior officials from the Free State provincial government, as well as the mayor, councillors and senior officials of the Mangaung Local Municipality. Several staff members of the UFS were also part of the delegation.

According to Prof. Bekker, the two universities will co-operate in various areas in terms of the memorandum of understanding.

“In the short term the collaboration will be focused on bio-fuels, public management and the digital divide, while discussions in other areas such as health services and organised crime are also under way,” he said.

As part of the memorandum of understanding, the following collaborative efforts are also envisaged:

Mr Lyndon du Plessis, a lecturer in the Department of Public Management, will be enrolled for a Ph.D. at both universities as from September 2008.

A research project involving both universities, the Mangaung Local Municipality and the City of Ghent, will be undertaken.
An investigation will be conducted by both universities regarding the possibility of writing a book on performance management in the public sector (negotiations with the publisher in this regard are under way).

An exchange programme involving students and staff from both universities will be established.

Academics from the UFS delivered papers during one of the forums that formed part of the Accenta Trade Fair programme in Ghent. Prof. Koos Bekker and Mr Lyndon du Plessis from the Department of Public Management delivered papers on strategic planning in practice on the first day of the event, which was devoted to scientific seminars. On the second day Prof. Lucius Botes, Director of the Centre for Development Support at the UFS, delivered a paper on economic development issues, and on the third day Prof. Gustav Visser, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the UFS, delivered a paper on tourism.

Papers on bridging the digital divide were presented during the video conference by academics in both Bloemfontein and Ghent.

As guests of honour at the Accenta Trade Fair, the Free State delegation was allocated the main exhibition floor space, covering 1 092 m². The Main Exhibition Hall covers a total surface area of 40 000 m². The Accenta Trade Fair attracts an average of 100 000 visitors annually. The UFS also participated as an exhibitor at the Trade Fair.

This visit was a follow-up of the previous visit, during which the Free State delegation was hosted by the City of Ghent and the provincial government of East Flanders for planning purposes from 14 to 24 April 2007.

Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za  
14 November 2007
 

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