Introduction

Bunda College of Agriculture has a need for assistance in delivering quality educational programs through the M.Sc. levels in both Rural Development and Home Economics. This need exists in both delivery of coursework and in faculty development. The current staff of professionals are not able to meet the increasing educational demands of their profession and country. This is indicative of other universities in the region as well. As part of an on-going linkage project between Oregon State University (OSU) and the Bunda College of Agriculture we propose to use an existing satellite, electronic media and computer system to help meet these needs and to discover new ways in which technology may assist a sustainable and cost effective program of mutual benefit for both institutions.

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to initiate a long-term partnership and linkage relationship between the Bunda College of Agriculture, University of Malawi, (BCA), Oregon State University (OSU) and the A*DEC Distance Education Consortium (A*DEC). All three organizations are committed to the use of technology to foster quality educational opportunities throughout the world, therefore, the undersigned agree to pursue mutually agreed upon programming opportunities in the following areas:

1. Mutual Program Sharing

   A*DEC and OSU agree to share programs with BCA, under OSU's membership with A*DEC, initially under a pilot project but with expansion potential judged upon evaluation of the pilot project. This MOU is also an instrument in support of the long term University Development Linkage Project, as assisted by USAID, toward the development of sustainable and progressive linkages within and amongst universities.

   Program sharing will include opportunities in content areas already existing at A*DEC and OSU. Closed Captioning will be explored. Both academic and non-academic programs will be part of this pilot test program. Priority areas for pilot programming will be in support of the two program areas of this UDLP linkage (Home Economics and Rural Development).

   In-depth feedback (quantitative and qualitative in nature) will be provided by BCA to A*DEC and OSU. This feedback will address all programmatic areas of concern in conducting distance education. Particular attention will be given to an initial inventory of what is already available and what could be designed and delivered in modular and multi-media format throughout the Southern Africa Region.

2. Proposed Faculty and Staff Development and Exchanges

   A*DEC, OSU and BCA agree to assist in procuring funding and to then host the following exchanges during 1997 and 1998 for the purpose of better defining specific activities to be initiated under the MOU.

   • A*DEC faculty and staff orientation to BCA needs, existing programs and faculty development processes.

   • BCA faculty and staff orientation to A*DEC and OSU capabilities, needs and faculty development processes.

   • A*DEC, OSU and BCA exchanges, as they relate to differences and similarities between Africa and North America, in instructional design; evaluation; distance learning research; current technological capabilities; new technologies; administrative processes including learner support and materials development.

3. Financing and Entrepreneurship

   All parties will actively pursue the acquisition of funds for joint infrastructure and program development. Both public and private opportunities mutually agreed to will be pursued. All activities outlined in this MOU shall be contingent on availability of funds, personnel and facilities.

4. This agreement shall be effective for five years beyond the last signature date, unless formally extended by mutual agreement of all parties.

5. This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. There are no understandings, agreements, or representations, oral or written, not specified herein regarding this agreement. No amendment, consent, or waiver of terms of this agreement shall bind either party unless in writing and signed by all parties. Any such amendment, consent, or waiver shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specified purpose given. The parties to this agreement by the signatures below of their authorized representatives, acknowledge having read and understood the agreement and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.

Specific detailed plans for each of the three areas will be prepared upon the signing of this MOU. This MOU can be amended at any time with the agreement of all parties.