AICCRA Region West Africa

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/115664

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Capacity building to facilitate the scaling of the gender-smart accelerator program and foster gender-smart investments in West Africa
(Brief, 2024-12) Maiga, Mariame; Kpadonou, G. Esaïe; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Derenoncourt, Marie Ena Pascale; Ganyo, Komla Kyky; Lamien, Niéyidouba; Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
As part of the synergy between AICCRA and the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), a regional event was conveyed to discuss and identify strategic actions to facilitate the replication of the Gender-Smart Accelerator program in FSRP countries. This deliverable reports the outcomes of the capacity building event to facilitate the scaling of the program in FSRP countries. It outlines key actions identified for scaling the gender-smart accelerator program to and its implementation in FSRP countries
Facilitating the scaling of climate-smart technologies and innovations in rice value chains in West Africa
(Brief, 2024-12) Kpadonou, G. Esaïe; Ganyo, Komla Kyky; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Dossou-Yovo, Elliott Ronald; Ahouanton, Kokou; Lamien, Niéyidouba; Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
As part of the synergies between AICCRA and the FSRP programs, a regional event was organized to facilitate the scaling of climate-smart technologies in rice value chains in West Africa. The workshop introduced FSRP stakeholders from seven countries to innovative climate-smart technologies for rice value chains and identified actionable steps to enhance the adoption and use of these technologies in FSRP countries.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Seasonal to Sub‑Seasonal Forecasting Systems in West Africa and the Sahel
(Brief, 2024-12) Houngnibo, Mandela C.; Ali, Abdou; Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal; Minoungou, Bernard; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
This Info Note describes AGRHYMET's efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence into seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasting systems. It discusses how AI can contribute to improve the accuracy and reliability of forecasts, and the outcomes of the Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF). The report also highlights the different initiatives by AGRHYMET to integrate AI in forecasting systems and articulates AICCRA contributions. By integrating AI into its operations, AGRHYMET aims to address the unique challenges of forecasting in West Africa and the Sahel, regions characterized by complex and highly variable climatic conditions in addition to a poor ground-based data availability.
Leveraging the Climate-Smart Village (CSV) approach to implement the Integrated Land Management (ILM) concept in FSRP countries
(Brief, 2024-11) Ganyo, Komla Kyky; Kpadonou, G. Esaïe; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Ouedraogo, Harouna; Tall, Baidy; Lamien, Niéyidouba; Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
This deliverable highlights the achievements, perceptions of the participants, lessons learned and outcomes of the regional training workshop on methods and tools for implementing and managing climate-smart villages. The capacity building event was organized in synergy with the FSRP program and targeted national agricultural, meteorological and hydrological services to support the implementation of CSV approach in the FSRP’s intervention areas. As results of the training, five FSRP countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Sierra Leone) have developed a national plan for implementation of CSV in their respective country with implementation budget ranging from 14,477 to 1,571,086 US $.
On-the-job Training to strengthen the operational capacities of NMHSs to produce New Generation of Seasonal Forecasts in West Africa and the Sahel
(Report, 2024-10) Houngnibo, Mandela C.; Ali, Abdou; Minoungou, Bernard; Seidou Sanda, Ibrah; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
The on-the-job training is a designed one-month capacity-building program to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) from West African and Sahel countries (29 participants from 13 countries, including 11 non-AICCRA countries) on the full range of seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasting methodologies. The on-the-job training provided participants with practical experience in using WAS_S2S tools along with tools like PyCPT and Xcast, while it also introduced them to AI-based approaches. Additionally, the training focused on evaluating the different methodologies, helping participants understand the strengths and limitations of each approach and how they can be applied in their respective national contexts.
Mainstreaming AICCRA CIS/CSA course modules in African Universities’ curricula
(Report, 2024-08) Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Egeru, Anthony; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo
The deliverable reports the achievements of use of AICCRA CIS/CSA course modules in various universities in Africa. It highlights the mainstreaming of the course modules in BSc program in Tanzania (through revision of curricula) and in a new MSc program (Green Economy) Uganda (through the use in the creation of a new program). It also highlights the formal requests of the course modules by several universities from 14 African countries including 11 non-AICCRA countries.
Quelle approche stratégique pour une nouvelle génération des prévisions saisonnières en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Sahel : analyses et propositions
(Report, 2024-12) Ali, Abdou; Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin; Segnon, Alcade Christel
A travers une analyse approfondie de l’état de l’art actuel des connaissances et des expériences en matière de prévision climatique en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Sahel, cette note fait des propositions qui serviront de cadre d’orientation pour la mise en œuvre effective d’une nouvelle approche intégrée de prévisions saisonnières dans cette région. Il s’agit d’une approche intégrée permettant de prendre avantage des aspects spécifiques de chacune des méthodes statistiques et dynamiques utilisées actuellement de manière différentielle. La mise en œuvre de cette nouvelle approche intégrée et appropriée pour la région Afrique de l’Ouest et du Sahel permettra de : (a) générer des prévisions saisonnières élaborées avec plus de traçabilité, plus précis, plus détaillé et plus adapté aux besoins spécifiques des utilisateurs ; (b) un format organisationnel du RCOF plus allégé, donc plus durable ; (c) une facilité de mise à jour mensuelle des prévisions ; (d) des capacités accrues des acteurs de la région pour fournir aux usagers des services basées sur les résultats récents de la recherche et de la technologie sur le climat et ses impacts ; (e) la consolidation de AGRHYMET comme centre climatique régional accréditée et disposant de toutes les capacités opérationnelles pour confirmer son leadership régional dans la fourniture des services climatiques. AGRHYMET en tant que Centre Régional Climatique s’appuiera sur certaines de ses initiatives en cours, notamment les projets AICCRA et FSRP pour assurer la mise en œuvre opérationnelle de la nouvelle approche, toute chose qui contribuera à renforcer le positionnement de AGRHYMET comme Leader régional sur les services climatiques accrédité par l’OMM
Technical cooperation and Data-Driven Development for Digital Soil Maps under the West African Regional Hub for Fertilizers and Soil Health [A New Soil Health Vision for West Africa]
(Report, 2024-11) Crouch, Jonathan; Vanlauwe, Bernard; Muzata, Barbra
Significant progress was made in 2024 with strong partnership engagement across the region which culminated to Priority setting from in-country workshops in Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. These workshops highlighted digital soil mapping as a key input for Top 3 priority projects in all the countries above stressing the critical need to advance discussions to fill this gap. This reports details the progress made in achieving targets for AICCRA Performance indicators related to Regional Hub for fertilizers and soil Health (RHFSH).
IITA-World Bank Establish Regional Hub for Fertilizers and soil Health in West Africa [Set-up and Operationalization of Regional partnership for impact]
(Report, 2024-11) Crouch, Jonathan; Vanlauwe, Bernard; Muzata, Barbra
This report highlights IITA's coordinated efforts toward the establishment of the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health, aligned with performance indicator IPI 1.2. It details key milestones achieved, including environmental and social compliance, governance structures, stakeholder engagement, and the official launch, showcasing progress in advancing sustainable soil health and fertilizer management across the region. The establishment of the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health (RHFSH) progressed significantly in 2024, guided by the leadership and technical direction of IITA. Key activities included: 1. Environmental and Social Screening: Initial compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) Framework enabled IITA to initiate physical renovations of the designated hub building at its headquarters in Ibadan. 2. Recruitment and Staffing: Recruitment processes commenced for the Director, Senior Agronomist, Senior Data Scientist, and Junior Data Scientist, who will oversee the hub's operations. 3. Governance and Consortium Framework: A Hub Advisory Committee was established, and a Consortium Agreement was signed with IITA, OCP Africa, ANPI, UM6P, and IFDC, aligning hub activities with the Priority Actions of the Lomé Declaration and its 10-year Road Map. 4. Country Scoping and Prioritization: Scoping missions were conducted in priority countries, leading to the development of country engagement guidelines and the categorization of countries into three cohorts (waves 1, 2, and 3). 5. Launch and Opening: The RHFSH was officially launched at the Fertilizer Summit in Nairobi on May 8, 2024, followed by its official opening in Ibadan on June 26, 2024. These actions confirms the establishment of the hub per its deliverables by 2024 and solidify its’s foundation, enhancing the capacity to drive sustainable fertilizer and soil health solutions across Sahel and West Africa.
Development of e-learning materials for CSA and CIS course modules
(Report, 2024-08) Nimusiima, Alex; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo
The report documents the capacity building to CIS/CSA course module developers on translating the course modules into e-learning materials. It also reports the uploading of CSA/CIS modules developed as part of AICCRA into RUFORUM Regional E-Learning Platform. Uploading AICCRA CIS/CSA course modules has improved and strengthened RUFORUM E-Learning Platform.
Facilitating the Access and Use of CSA and CIS Course Modules in African Higher Education Systems
(Report, 2024-08) Nimusiima, Alex; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo
To facilitate the access and use of CIS/CSA curricula developed by RUFORUM/WASCAL, the cluster has organised a side event during the RUFORUM Triennial Conference 2024 to create awareness of training curricula developed by the AICCRA project among university leaders, lecturers and students with a view of mainstreaming the developed CSA and CIS curricular in the training programmes of universities. This deliverable reports the outcomes of the event, especially the mainstreaming of the CIS/CSA course modules in a University in Tanzania and a request from 22 universities in 13 African countries, including 11 non-AICCRA countries
Climate-Smart Crop-Livestock-Aquaculture Integration Course Module
(Training Material, 2024) Djagoun, Chabi; Rukarwa, Runyararo Jolyn; Sorho, Fatogoma
This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of agriculture as a dynamic and interactive system that uses crops, animals and fishes to produce food for livelihood improvement. At the end of the course, students are able to apply principles of climate-smart agriculture to improve the sustainability of crop-livestock–aquaculture systems; understand a case study of integrated farming systems and come up with their own observations, criticisms and probable ways of improving the system; assess environmental health risks from a crop-aquaculture-livestock integrated system; advise on the management of social-economic and environmental challenges pertaining to the crop-livestock–aquaculture systems.
Indigenous Trees-based Agroforestry Systems Course Module
(Training Material, 2024) Assogbadjo, Achille Ephrem; Avakoudjo, Hospice G. Gracias; Egeru, Anthony; Salako, Kolawolé Valère
At the end of the course module, participants will acquire a comprehensive set of competences to effectively engage in Indigenous tree-based agroforestry systems. They will gain a deep understanding of the central role indigenous trees play in agroforestry systems, particularly in enhancing resilience and facilitating community adaptation to climate change. This knowledge will enable trainees to articulate the significance of indigenous trees in sustainable land management practices. Additionally, participants will develop robust planning skills essential for the successful adoption of agroforestry practices, including the identification and removal of constraints hindering implementation.
Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate-Smart Agriculture Basics Course Module
(Report, 2024-07) Ekepu, David; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega
As part of the AICCRA, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) are tasked to develop curricula and training materials to accelerate the mainstreaming of Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA) into University’s curricula in Africa. This report documents the training of trainers’ (ToT) workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture Basics course module. The overall objective of the training of trainers’ workshop was to increase awareness and scale adoption/integration of the module on Climate-Smart Agriculture Basics across the RUFORUM Network and other non-AICCRA countries. 304 (Male=221; Female=82, Prefer not to say=1) participants from universities in 23 countries attended the training. The module is aimed at contributing towards promotion of the CSA approach among researchers, academia and practitioners. It introduces the concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the various CSA practices in Africa, the approach and tools for implementation and scaling of CSA practices, and discusses the barriers and enablers of adoption and scaling of CSA. The training increased awareness among academic staff in RUFORUM member universities. Participants indicated strong interest in incorporating the training material into their university curricula and cited several approaches including workshops, seminars, short courses and field demonstrations of the practical aspects of the module.
Opportunities and experience of integration of CIS/CSA modules in the university curriculum: A case of Sokoine University of Agriculture
(Presentation, 2024-08) Nyambilila, Amuri; Tindwa, Hamisi
Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate Basics Course Module
(Report, 2024-10) Ekepu, David; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo; Dinku, Tufa; Grossi, Amanda
As part of the AICCRA, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) are tasked to develop curricula and training materials to accelerate the mainstreaming of Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA) into University’s curricula in Africa. This report documents the training of trainers’ (ToT) workshop on Climate Basics course module. The overall objective of the training of trainers’ workshop was to increase awareness and scale adoption/integration of the module on Climate Basics across the RUFORUM Network and other non-AICCRA countries. 498 (Male=353; Female=145) participants from universities in 31 countries attended the training. This training introduces various ways that climate is described and quantified, describes the components of climate, and discusses the differences between climate and weather. It introduces climate classifications and zones and discusses where these exist across the globe. The training increased awareness among academic staff in RUFORUM member universities. Participants indicated strong interest in incorporating the training material into their university curricula and cited several approaches including workshops, seminars, short courses and field demonstrations of the practical aspects of the module.
Elaboration of Additional Modules on Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate Information System for Staff, Students, and other Stakeholders in Universities in Africa
(Report, 2022-07) Otto, Francisco; Amponsah, William; Gilbert, Majaliwa M; Nakayiwa, Florence M
The Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA) working through CCAFS, intends to make CGIAR-led cutting-edge science practices/technologies/tools available throughout Africa; especially in Sub-regions extremely vulnerable to climate change. The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a network of 150 universities in 38 countries spanning the whole African continent is a partner in the AICCRA project. RUFORUM’s contribution in the AICCRA project is focused on mobilising African universities, create awareness and enhance the use of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Climate information services (CIS) knowledge and products developed by the CGIAR Centres and other research institutions engaged in CSA and CIS. Enhancing the use of CSA and CIS involves capacity, knowledge and technology audits at national and institutional level, mobilise CGIAR and other research centres to provide CSA and CIS knowledge, technology and skills and training of faculty to deploy the CSA and CIS products in training, research and outreach. Knowledge transfer and capacity building activities therefore form the central part of RUFORUM’s participation in the AICCRA project.
Training Needs assessment Report on Challenges of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Ethiopia
(Report, 2022-06) Bekeko, Zelalem
Haramaya University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences have undertaken review of the status of CSA and CIS in Ethiopia. In this review, we tried to assess and evaluate trends, challenges and some CSA practices and technologies that improve climate-smart agriculture and the training gaps existing in the country and propose future directions. Due to climate variability and change, Ethiopian agricultural sector that is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy and livelihoods has been affected. Depending on different researchers, Ethiopian CSA pillars process has to be documented at all levels of implementation so as to undertake evidence-based promotion and upscaling of the technologies. Even if the problem is existed, combination of the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture, Integrated soil fertility management, small scale irrigation, Agroforestry, crop diversification and Improved livestock feed and feeding practices increased are used for specific purposes in GHG emission mitigation and climate change adaptation have been underway. However, adoption of climate-smart agriculture technology is ineffective mainly due to the fact that, low skills, knowledge and poor technical use of the technology. The importance of conservation agriculture as a key climate-smart practice for Ethiopia has to be recognized among high-level policy-makers and decision-makers as well as government and civil society organizations in the country. In this line concerted efforts to continuously generate CSA technology would contribute to the desired positive outcome. A solid awareness-creation program of conservation agriculture technology should be provided to all stakeholders at federal and regional level. The Policies and implementation Strategies should be emphasized on an integrated, evidence-based and climate smart approach to addressing food security at all levels, from the National to local levels, from research to policies and investments, and across private, public and civil society sectors to achieve the scale and rate of change required.
Scoping study on existing CIS/CSA relevant units/engagements in Democratic Republic of Congo
(Report, 2022-07) Karume, Katcho; Ayagirwe, Rodrigue; Ibanda, Angele; Lina, Alexis Alek; Mubalama, Mondo; Chuma, Géant; Bagula, Espoir
RUFORUM conducted a scoping study to identify areas of CSA/CIS convergence for member universities from 20th November to March 2022. Consultations were made with the Deans of the Faculties of Agriculture and related disciplines of Congolese member universities in eastern DRC, through zoom and then individual questionnaires to identify the focal persons who are involved in Climate Smart Agriculture teaching and research. Selected staff of the considered universities [Université Evangélique en Afrique (UEA), Université de Kisangani (UNIKIS) and Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB)] were convened to a three day workshop in Benin, as a side event during the RUFORUM Triennial Conference and Annual General Meeting from 11th to 13th December 2021. A total of Twenty-one (21) CSA and CIS experts representing 9 countries were invited in the meeting. Participants included representatives from Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, Democratic republic of Congo, Benin, Burundi, Uganda, Ghana and Zimbabwe. They analysed the causes of low adoption and utilization of CSA practices & CIS tools and identified the different interventions needed to enhance this shortcoming. Seven prioritoes were identified and it was agreed that the proposed priority CSA will be subjected to national wide consultations in the respective countries. Subsequent to the workshop, the experts were tasked to i) review and compile information about CSA and conduct an inventory of existing programmes and courses related to CSA and potential resource persons in the universities in their respective countries; and ii) conduct country specific consultations and consensus building on the priority CSA. At the university/ academic level, various courses and course units with aspects of CSA and CIS are taught in the considered universities. These courses cover a wide range of the proposed clustered priority areas. These are course units offered in both undergraduate and post graduate programmes.
West Africa Regional Training On the Improved NextGen Seasonal Forecasting Approach (PyCPT 2)
(Report, 2022-10) Grossi, Amanda; Robertson, Andrew; Trzaska, Sylwia; Dinku, Tufa; Zougmoré, Robert B.; Minoungou, Bernard; Mohamed, Hamatan
From October 10-19, a nine-day training targeting West Africa (WA) was implemented in Lomé, Togo by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) of the Columbia Climate School, in close collaboration with the AICCRA-West Africa team, the Regional Center for Training and Application in Agrometeorology and Operational Hydrology (AGRHYMET) and Meteo Togo. The workshop, which was organized as part of the World Bank’s Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project, brought together 7 national meteorological services from the WA region, as well as its regional climate center (AGRHYMET) to improve seasonal forecasting capacities using the “NextGen” approach and its concomitant PyCPT version 2 interface (PyCPT2). In particular, the major objectives of the training were to strengthen the knowledge and understanding of national meteorological services of seasonal forecasting tools, introduce the new advances and functionalities of the Python (PyCPT2) interface for the NextGen forecasting approach, configure and run PyCPT version 2 to make the best- available forecasts in participants’ home countries, including forecast verification, and provide foundational training on best practices for forecast communication including the flexible forecast format.

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