Final report of the review of the science granting councils initiative (SGCI) communication strategies

This review included a systematic in-depth assessment of the science granting council initiative (SGCI) communication tools, platforms and approaches. Recommendations to enhance outreach strategy and communications include a specific monitoring evaluation plan, and allocation of resources for a fulltime communications specialist to support internal and external communications. Annual regional meetings are highly valued. SGCI has made strong investments in the creation of new knowledge, including policy options for research resource allocation, best practices for research management [manuals and guides for SGCs], as well as the establishment of networks that promote science, technology and innovation-driven development in Africa

How to transform Africa's food system

This paper has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union through the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE; Grant no. DCI-PANAF/2020/420-028).In 2021, one in five people in Africa was affected by hunger, and the continent had the highest prevalence of undernourished people globally. We argue that food systems in Africa can be more resilient if their development includes climate adaptation. About 64% of the world’s available arable land is in Africa. The continent is also host to a young workforce, and a range of traditional agricultural practices and emerging technologies that can revolutionise food production and trade. Yet, the number of undernourished African people is rising, with an increase from 15.5% to 20.3% between 2010 and 20213. The population in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to almost double by 2050, to reach about 2.1 billion people4, which will further increase demand for food. While efforts are being made to enhance Africa’s food security and resilience, existing food systems have not properly addressed its needs and priorities. We propose five pathways to help shape and transform Africa’s food systems, drawing on ideas discussed at a session at the Adaptation Futures Conference held in October 2023 in Montreal, Canada that was convened by the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence programme. The pathways range from the development of food systems on urban fringes to revamping urban agroforestry policy and practices; reforming land use policies; investing in research, technology, and innovation; and minimizing inequalities in adaptive capacity strengthening.Peer reviewe

How to transform Africa’s food system

In 2021, one in five people in Africa was affected by hunger, and the continent had the highest prevalence of undernourished people globally. We argue that food systems in Africa can be more resilient if their development includes climate adaptation.The European Union through the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE).https://www.nature.com/commsenvhj2024Plant Production and Soil ScienceSDG-02:Zero Hunge

Communicating with the private sector : a toolkit for science granting councils in Africa

The toolkit is conceived as a guide containing detailed resources, annexes and materials to help plan and execute a three-day training workshop and to serve as a general guide for communication strategies appropriate for different audiences. It delineates how to initiate communication and engagement with the private sector and provides Science Granting Councils with guidance for impactful engagement. With a strong focus on practical strategies, such as audience mapping (and targeting) it provides a how-to for producing actionable communication implementation plans. Strategic engagement between the public and private sectors is not only essential but urgent

How to transform Africa's food system

In 2021, one in five people in Africa was affected by hunger, and the continent had the highest prevalence of undernourished people globally. We argue that food systems in Africa can be more resilient if their development includes climate adaptation. About 64% of the world’s available arable land is in Africa. The continent is also host to a young workforce, and a range of traditional agricultural practices and emerging technologies that can revolutionise food production and trade. Yet, the number of undernourished African people is rising, with an increase from 15.5% to 20.3% between 2010 and 20213. The population in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to almost double by 2050, to reach about 2.1 billion people4, which will further increase demand for food. While efforts are being made to enhance Africa’s food security and resilience, existing food systems have not properly addressed its needs and priorities. We propose five pathways to help shape and transform Africa’s food systems, drawing on ideas discussed at a session at the Adaptation Futures Conference held in October 2023 in Montreal, Canada that was convened by the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence programme. The pathways range from the development of food systems on urban fringes to revamping urban agroforestry policy and practices; reforming land use policies; investing in research, technology, and innovation; and minimizing inequalities in adaptive capacity strengthening