Developing Capacity for Agricultural Research for Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Programs and partnerships
Lead institution(s)
Summary
This project will train a new group of agricultural research leaders in Francophone West and Central Africa. The number of agricultural scientists in the region has fallen at a time when high-quality research is needed to improve food security and livelihoods.Read more
This project will train a new group of agricultural research leaders in Francophone West and Central Africa. The number of agricultural scientists in the region has fallen at a time when high-quality research is needed to improve food security and livelihoods. Training and research opportunities A total of 20 training and research scholarships will be awarded to master's and doctoral students from countries with critical food security needs: Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD) has overall responsibility for the project and will ensure that the training aligns with national agricultural research priorities. Students will receive training in research methods, teaching, and mentoring in Ibadan, Nigeria, at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture's (IITA) world-class facilities. IITA is implementing the project. Students will then undertake applied research on issues of sustainable intensification and post-harvest innovation systems at various IITA research hubs. Experienced scientists will supervise their work. Enhancing research involvement and quality Women will be awarded 50% of the scholarships as a way to strengthen their involvement in agricultural research and outreach in their countries. The project will: -rebuild agricultural research capacity in the region -increase collaboration between CORAF/WECARD, IITA, national agricultural research centres, and universities -help students generate useful research data that will meet the needs of smallholder farmers and other food chain actors -share results through these and other publications Students will receive support to undertake six to 12 months of laboratory and field research at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture. They will develop scientific and research expertise, and finalize theses and dissertations under the mentorship of scientists. Students will also develop their skills in research, teaching, and mentoring through short courses at IITA in Ibadan.