On this page you can find an overview of the VLIR-UOS funded International Training Programmes and the International Master Programmes.

The leaflet and poster about the scholarships from VLIR-UOS intake 2011 can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

Beekeeping for Poverty Alleviation Universiteit Gent

This four-month intensive training course addresses all aspects involved in developing beekeeping into a powerful factor of rural development. Students learn the crucial tricks of the art of beekeeping and the production of high quality bee products. They are also taught how to diversify market products, approach the local population and engage them in beekeeping. Other topics include ensuring the provision of sufficient sources of nectar and pollen; linking beekeeping with farming and nature conservation; good contacts with policymakers and authorities; and channels for attracting finance. An interdisciplinary attitude is a key feature of the programme.

Notwithstanding its academic level, the training programme is fully molded to substantive application in rural areas. Students are asked to present the problems of beekeeping in their region or country at the beginning of the course. At the end they have the opportunity to formulate specific solutions in discussion with the group and the lecturers. There are trips to renowned bee research centres and apiarists in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Several excursions with and towards related enterprises are organized. There is plenty of room for exchanging views and experiences.

The detailed list of the courses is as follows: Morphology of Apis mellifera; Taxonomy and Biology of Tropical Bees; Technological Aspects of Apiculture; Pathology and Parasitology of Bees; Genetics and Selection of Bees; Bee botany; Practical Course in Queen Rearing; Practical Beekeeping; Ecology of Pollination; Nectar and Pollen Sources; Introduction in Palynology; Bee Products (Harvest Methodology, Applications and Quality Control); Diversification of Bee Products; Rural Development and Agricultural Economy; Participative Methods and Project Cycle Management; Medical aspects of bees and bee products; Finding Funding.

Holders of a bachelor’s degree with experience in beekeeping that wish to implement beekeeping for rural development purposes. Good written and spoken command in English. Candidates meeting any of the following profiles are preferred:
• Researchers connected to local universities or research institutes, preferably with a clear link to extension;
• Staff members of extension centers, NGOs or other institutions actively involved in rural development and with some (applied) research facilities;
• People who have recently completed their studies and have a firm intention to commit themselves to rural development.

• How to apply for an international training programme?
• VLIR-UOS country list from where scholarships are possible