Setting up the ‘East Africa potato research and knowledge exchange forum’ - a research cluster made up of 16 research entities - has facilitated the exchange of information, the creation of 4 topical multi-stakeholder research groups (dealing with varieties, cultivation, storage and seeds), and the establishment of a web-based ‘East Africa potato value chain knowledge-sharing portal’.
Anaerobic digestion has been promoted to decision makers and practitioners interested in installing a biogas plant in West Africa as a way to recycle bio-wastes for energy and fertiliser use, and thus closing the organic matter loop. An operational tool has been developed for each step of the biogas value chain: availability of bio-wastes; supply needs for different anaerobic digestion systems; use of biogas and agronomic management of bioslurries; viability for the whole value chain business; and ready-to-use knowledge (theoretical and practical) for decision makers and practitioners.
NEED has interlinked initiatives, research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, national and local public decision makers in the area of renewable energy technologies to contribute to a wider acceptance of renewable energy within Southern Africa. Research policies were formulated, a process for the alignment of industry standards in the region was initiated, involving the local industry, the national and Southern African Development Community (SADC) standardisation bodies.
An average 12% increase in the passes for external science examinations was achieved for Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Integrated Science and Information Technology at the eight participating secondary schools in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Teaching strategies and classroom delivery methodologies in both the primary and secondary schools were improved, for instance on the integration of practical activities (simplifying the types of cell division, observing density and polarity, and identifying real life application of vectors).
The ‘One Health’ approach has been promoted and rolled out across the Caribbean region. A Caribbean One Health policy was written and then approved by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In parallel, a six-year One Health strategic framework mapping out the implementation of the One Health policy was written and distributed to Caribbean countries and international organisations. 29 inter-sectoral One Health leaders from 12 countries were trained in all areas of One Health. They created national One Health networks and developed and conducted a community-based One Health national project.
Areas for improvement in the intellectual project rights and knowledge transfer (IPR & KT) regimes in Caribbean countries were identified and awareness raising activities targeted at policy makers on good practices in innovation processes took place. Macro and micro level studies were conducted, their recommendations reviewed by national and regional multi-stakeholder forums, and policy recommendations made for filling gaps in national innovation systems. A policy white paper on IPR & KT good practices was produced.
An International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre has been established showcasing a multi-pronged approach to the development of a sustainable cocoa industry. A 6-acre model cocoa orchard has been established to deliver training to cocoa producers. Information and technology services for farmers (DNA fingerprinting, quality certification, traceability, branding services), basic and advanced chocolate making training (>250 trainees), and technology and business incubation to support value addition have been operationalised.
"The Botswana Food Science and Technology Association has been established.
Partner Higher Education Institutions are able to generate quality research in food science and technology focusing on indigenous foods.
Four courses have been converted to C14 approved and now accredited. Two courses have been improved.
Collaborations have been established with the local stakeholders.
The capacity of university staff was improved, some got part-time jobs."
"The institutional capacity of Caribbean HEIs (staff and PhD students) was enhanced on energy related issues and climate change. BSc and MSc curricula have been improved to respond to the challenges of energy access and efficiency in the Caribbean.
Sustainable energy has been promoted amongst energy sector stakeholders and mainstreamed into national energy policies and development plans. "
A network was established between four Sahelian universities in Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger with Turin in Italy. Scientific, technical and didactic collaborations have been developed in the fields of sustainable development and environmental protection. A new Master’s course following the international LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorate) is now available in the strategic fields of livestock, crop production, food security and sustainable management of natural resources. Didactic structures have been improved and experience shared.
