Learning what works : knowledge exchange and networking among the science system actors in Sub-Saharan Africa

This report explores key concepts of and mechanisms for knowledge exchange and networking (KEN), identifying effective mechanisms for the African context, with particular focus on the science granting councils (SGCs) and other science system actors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It reviews and recommends good practices for sustaining KEN in order to co-create and share knowledge among the target beneficiaries. As well, it explores the opportunities for embedding and sustaining networks to support knowledge exchange within the science system, and draws practical lessons from the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) to show enhanced uptake, capacities and capabilities among the SGCs

Sustainable energy for whom? Governing pro-poor, low-carbon pathways to development: lessons from solar PV in Kenya

Using a combination of insights from innovation studies, sociotechnical transitions theory and the STEPS pathways approach, this paper analyses the evolution of the Kenyan photovoltaics (PV) market. Considered by many to be an exemplar of private sector led development, the Kenyan PV market has witnessed the adoption of more than 300,000 solar home systems and over 100,000 solar portable lights. The notion of an entrepreneurially driven unsubsidised solar market has proved to be a powerful narrative amongst development actors who, paradoxically, have provided millions of dollars of funding to encourage the market’s development. We argue that this donor support has been critical to the success of the market, but not simply by helping to create an enabling environment in which entrepreneurs can flourish. Donor assistance has been critical in supporting a range of actors to build the elements of a PV innovation system by providing active protection for experimentation, network-building, and the construction of shared visions amongst actors throughout supply chains and amongst users.This analysis gives important clues for designing climate and development policies, with implications for the governance of energy access pathways that are inclusive of poor and marginalised groups in low income countries

Innovation histories workshop on the solar home system market in Kenya

This report presents proceedings of an innovation histories workshop on the Solar Home System (SHS) Market in Kenya. The workshop was held on 3 June 2013 at Silver Springs Hotel in Nairobi Kenya. Stakeholders in the SHS market convened to reflect, draw on, capture and share thoughts and experiences to develop a comprehensive national innovation history, illustrating actions of key actors in Kenya who have contributed to the success of the Kenyan SHS market. Stakeholders from the United Kingdom and Kenya comprised researchers, policymakers, private sector actors and the media. The one-day workshop saw the participants developing a personal innovation history timeline as well as contributing through participatory and interactive approaches to develop a national SHS innovation history timeline. Participants expressed satisfaction in the process that led to the development of the innovation history timeline and expressed interest to participate in any future research and workshop on the subject

Building partnerships and networks among science granting councils and other science system actors in Sub-Saharan Africa : final technical report

This project, part of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), sought to support the Councils to improve their performance by utilizing innovative platforms for building networks among science system actors in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report summarizes major activities, outputs and impacts over the project period (2017 - 2020). The Annual Regional Meeting (ARM) and Annual Forums (AFs) which bring together Heads of Councils are of strategic importance to participating Councils. They contribute to the implementation of the African Union Commission’s (AUC) Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024, and to key STI policy debates at regional and continental levels.UK's Department for International Developmen

Lessons from research-based public-private partnerships for African science granting councils : an analysis of experiences with PPPs in Africa

This study reviews public-private partnership (PPP) experiences in Africa, identifying challenges, bottlenecks and barriers to their implementation. Based on a systematic literature review and supplemented by interviews with representatives of 12 African science granting councils (SGC), the analysis allows for discussion of the role of SGCs in facilitating partnerships that help drive science-based innovation in African businesses and industries. This study situates itself within broader debates on long-term research and innovation initiatives for sustainable development.Department for International Development (DFID)National Research Foundation (NRF), South Afric

Open innovation and innovation intermediaries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Science Granting Councils (SGCs) can perform effectively as influencers of national science technology and innovation (STI) policy, and mediators of partnerships with foreign development actors through tailoring partnerships to the development of capacity at the local level. Realities, resources, and constraints at the local level call for adaptation of current and future partnerships to their local contexts. This study explores the innovation intermediaries’ landscape in sub-Saharan Africa, considering Science Granting Councils (SGCs) as key. As well, it analyzes the need for systemic change in relation to innovation intermediaries and policy influencers in developing economies.Department of International Development (DFID)National Research Foundation (NRF) South Afric

New approaches for funding research and innovation in Africa

This study advances recommendations regarding ways for science granting councils, national governments, private and no-profit sectors and development partners to leverage their access to global intellectual resources, and convening power to further strengthen institutions and funding for different stages of the research and innovation value chain. It unpacks the rationale behind funding mechanisms and models so that African governments, Science Granting Councils, the private sector, philanthropy organisations and foundations, can learn in their separate and collective efforts to sustainably fund scientific research, technology and innovation.United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID)South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF)Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida

New approaches for funding research and innovation in Africa : policy brief

The overarching message of this policy brief is that Africa needs consistent, sufficient, relevant and sustainable funding for research and innovation. Innovative funding models based on new coalitions between the public, private and non-profit sectors are required to support the different stages of research, translation and innovation value chain. The policy issue tackled by this brief is funding for research and innovation. Specific policy recommendations are made for key actors. Within a wider context the paper argues that innovation is the “single most important driver of societal prosperity and is indispensable for sustainable development and economic growth.”United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID)South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF)Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida

Optimising governance capabilities for science, research and innovation in Africa

This article discusses challenges and opportunities for African countries in their quest to create sustainable mechanisms for funding research and innovation. It presents and analyzes recent evidence from 15 countries to argue that effective research financing is a function of decision-making and governance capabilities, arising from deliberate and interactive learning across the entire research and innovation system. Attempts to copy experiences of high-income economies in harnessing and deploying funding mechanisms into national research and innovation systems are not appropriate if unaccompanied by adaptation to systemic and contextual aspects in receiving countries and sectors

Barriers to climate change adaptation among farming households of southern Nigeria

Abstract Climate change is perhaps the most serious environmental threat to the fight against hunger, malnutrition, disease and poverty in Africa, essentially because of its impact on agricultural productivity. The objective of this paper was to identify the major barriers to climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers of Southern Nigeria. The paper was based on primary data collected within the framework of the Development Partnership for Higher Education (DelPHE) Project from 360 farming households selected randomly from the region. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The result of the analysis show that majority of the farmers were men (70%), relatively educated (average of 9 years in school) and practiced mixed farming (61%). The major factors constraining farmers from adapting to climate change impacts were – (a) land constraints which manifested itself in limited availability, high costs and poor ownership systems (tenure); (b) poor climate change information and agricultural extension service delivery; (c) high cost of farm inputs and processing facilities; (d) high cost of irrigation facilities and government irresponsiveness to climate change risk management, (e) credit constraints, (f) labour constraints, and (g) income constraints. The paper concludes with a recommendation that farmers need to be supported in order for them to effectively adapt to the climate change impacts that are already affecting their production and hence reduce hunger and poverty. These supports could come from governments, non-governmental organizations and even farmers’ unions themselves