U.S.-Afghan University Partnership with Herat University, Department of Agriculture

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP). PAS Kabul invites all eligible organizations to submit a proposal for a cooperative agreement to establish a university partnership between a college or university in the United States and Herat University, Herat, Afghanistan in the field of agriculture. Herat University is the premiere higher education institute in western Afghanistan, and is ranked number 7 nationwide. In 2012, Herat University had 10,429 students and 334 faculty members. The Department of Agriculture is the largest of 14 schools (faculties) at Herat University, with 801 students, 150 of whom are women. The Herat University Department of Agriculture’s overarching objective is to develop technical experts in the fields of agronomy, animal husbandry, horticulture, plant protection and agricultural extension. The Herat University Chancellor, recognizing the role that agriculture plays in Afghanistan’s economy and with an eye to the future, has identified the agriculture faculty as a priority for further development so that its graduates can better plan and manage Afghanistan’s agricultural resources and economy. Creating joint research and training opportunities are some of the Agriculture Faculty Dean’s core objectives.