The goal of this planning grant is to develop a strategic plan for long-term partnerships among University of Namibia, Texas A&M University, Michigan State University, University of Arizona, and Louisiana State University that will significantly strengthen the University of Namibia’s agricultural education and teacher training/preparation programs in support of identified national development goals. Faculty improvement and curriculum enhancement will focus on advancing and building linkages between research, teaching and outreach to provide new entrepreneurial strategies for rural farmers based on sustainable natural productdevelopment. Ultimately, a Center of Excellence in Agricultural Value Chain Education is envisioned as a unique resource for educational institutions throughout Southern Africa whereby faculty and students will increase their knowledge of production methods, marketing strategies, and the potential for public-private partnerships, and will work directly with rural farmers to employ these techniques. Expanded partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, local organizations such as the Namibian Women Summit, the Women's Action for Development, the Agricultural Scientific Society of Namibia (AGRISSON) and the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) also will be key to achieving overall project goals. In addition, a co-hosted AIAEE/AGRISSON conference, to be held in Namibia in 2011, is in the planning stages and will be a primary venue for strengthening these partnerships. The implementation of the proposed strategic plan will lead to improved agricultural education academic programs, curricula, and leadership particularly in agricultural value chain methods and, ultimately, to economic gains for rural farmers in Namibia and the Southern Africa region.