Short-Term Courses - Non-degree / Group training
This is organized in the form of individual training for scientist, extension workers, NGO workers, etc., usually referred to as Research Training Associates (RTAs) or as a group activity for various interest groups or farmers.
IITA scientists are involved in numerous external training workshops with projects. These are driven by the needs of the research for development projects and can involve both IITA scientists and external experts as trainers. Many of these are unique but they have some common elements. The trainings present considerable efforts in the preparation of the training material.
To remain relevant, IITA scientists must continually impart new knowledge and skills to national programs. Significant numbers of scientist, extension workers, NGO workers, and farmers have been trained under this program. Short-term Individual and Group Training courses provide one of the most cost-effective means of rapidly disseminating new technologies. In collaboration with scientists, appropriate courses will be developed, packaged, advertised, and marketed aggressively to NARES, NGOs, universities, community-based organizations, and donors.
Methodology: Scientists who identify a critical need for training of research collaborators may propose courses that will be packaged and advertised by the Training Unit. Based on response, the course/workshop may be organized.
These courses are designed to allow the Research Associates participate in research methodologies, discuss design and plan collaborative research, or to analyze and write-up research results.
At the end of the training, the individual trainees refereed to as Research Training Associates (RTAs) are required to prepare a report and/or present a seminar on the work they have accomplished.
Resource persons: IITA scientists will constitute the bulk of resource persons for a course, but external trainers might also be involved.
Funding: Applicants must apply with their own funding (self, employers, donors, etc.). Some scholarships may be available from special projects.
Research Training Associates (RTAs)
These are NARS researchers, research associates or assistants who come to IITA for non-degree training in areas to address their individual needs and the needs of their organizations. For application details please contact IITA Training via email here - iita-training@cgiar.org
Interns (IT)/Volunteers
Interns or Industrial Trainees (IT) and volunteers are students from NARS or developed countries currently enrolled in their first degree, or fresh graduates, who want experience to help them with their career decisions or to complete requirements for their degrees. They work within a relevant program at IITA for periods ranging from one month to 6 months.
ITs/Volunteers must be nominated by the university where they are registered and must have access to their own funds for travel to the study site and, if possible, for their living and accommodation expenses. Individuals may apply for IT placement, but the universities must endorse their applications. Applications must include the student's curriculum vitae, a statement of the research areas of interest to the student, and two confidential letters of recommendation from university staff members. If accepted, an IITA supervisor is identified. Students’ involvement in research projects will be limited in nature, usually involving participation in field/laboratory work and data collection or data/information review. Students are required to submit a report before the end of their first month at IITA, summarizing their research projects and setting out the methodology they are using. This report ensures that the Students have been successfully integrated into a research project. The supervisors should endorse the report/s. At the end of the study period, the Students are required to prepare a comprehensive final report of their activities.
