AICCRA Reports
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Item 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 BellarminAs 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 countriesItem 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 BellarminAs 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.Item 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 BellarminThis 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.Item 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 BellarminThis 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 $.Item 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 BellarminThe 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.Item Mainstreaming AICCRA CIS/CSA course modules in African Universities’ curricula(Report, 2024-08) Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Egeru, Anthony; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert MwanjaloloThe 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.Item 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 ChristelA 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’OMMItem Development of e-learning materials for CSA and CIS course modules(Report, 2024-08) Nimusiima, Alex; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert MwanjaloloThe 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.Item 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 MwanjaloloTo 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 countriesItem Assessment of Forage Early Generation Seed Production and Supply in Ethiopia(Report, 2025-01) Dejene, Mesfin; Gebreyes, Million; Mekonnen, Kindu; Derseh, MelkamuItem Peer learning to scale uptake of climate smart practices in Baringo County, Kenya(Brief, 2024-12-22) Renee Bullock; Hamilton Majiwa; Faith Saalu; Julius Mundia; Daniel Mbithi; Samuel MutaiThere is an increased relevance and urgency to support uptake of climate smart agriculture and more so in drylands where water is already scarce. Changes in rainfall patterns and decreased rainfall have been reported in Kenya. Scaling climate smart practices in combination with support from climate information can improve resilience capacities of households and communities in the face of climate change. In the face of increased demand for agricultural information and the reduced capacity of extension systems, many extension providers have been using farmer to-farmer extension (F2FE) that is defined as the provision of training by farmers to farmers (Scarbourough 1997, in Franzel, Kiptot, and Degrande :277). Peer to peer learning approaches are a mutual learning and training strategy that supports collaborative learning. The approach facilitates peers’ learning and, like other peer education approaches, aims to induce behavior changes related to a particular issue of concern (Heidenreich and Breukers 2020). Peer education can have impacts upon peers themselves as well as at the broader societal level by “stimulating collective action that contributes to individual change as well as changes in programs and policies” (Kerrigan and Weiss, 2000). This brief details activities from a peer-to-peer learning event that brought together farmers and agro-pastoralists from dryland counties to learn from each other about climate information services and climate smart agricultural practices that can enhance resilience. Due to low literacy rates and low exposure to new practices, exchange visits are envisioned as an important way to share skills and build capacities with community members from Baringo county locations.Item Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate-Smart Agriculture Basics Course Module(Report, 2024-07) Ekepu, David; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo; Nakayiwa, Florence MayegaAs 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.Item Radio Enhancing Innovative Technologies and Climate Information Service for Farmers in Ghana(Report, 2024-12-31) Farm Radio, International,This report provides an overview of activities completed in the second phase of the Radio Enhancing Innovative Technologies and Climate Information Service for Farmers in Ghana project. Building on the foundation laid in the first phase, the project continues to enhance farmers' access to climate-smart agricultural technologies and climate information services. Targeted to the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Bono East, and Central regions, this phase re-engaged eight partner radio stations from the previous phase across the targeted regions. Activities carried out within July and October include stakeholder engagement, broadcaster training and content orientation, and program broadcast. A core technical workshop resulted in the development of a 16-week radio program tailored to meet the target audience's local needs, covering topics from stress-tolerant crop varieties to integrated pest management strategies. Each station delivered broadcasts in the local language, promoting gender-responsive agronomic practices, providing daily and weekly weather updates, and enhancing farmers’ knowledge of sustainable farming practices. All radio teams started broadcasting after training and content orientation. All stations with audio files submitted have aired a total of 64 live programs. The impact of these activities has been strengthened by engaging the Ghana Meteorological Agency, the Department of Agriculture, and other local partners, ensuring the relevance and practicality of the content. Regular program monitoring, field visits, and feedback loops are in place to refine the broadcasts further.Item Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate Basics Course Module(Report, 2024-10) Ekepu, David; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo; Dinku, Tufa; Grossi, AmandaAs 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.Item How to design and implement a climate-smart livestock operation: A capacity-building training for World Bank teams and project implementation units(Report, 2024-12) Recha, John W.M.; Arndt, Claudia; Whitbread, Anthony M.Item Evaluation of the agronomic and economic performances of integrated rice-fish systems in Mali(Report, 2024-12) Akpoffo, Marius A; Guindo, Jonathan; Dossou-Yovo, E.R"This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic and economic performances of integrated rice-fish systems in Mali. To this end, a 2-year field experiment was conducted on 3 sites including Baguineda, Selingue and in Massala in 2023 and 2024. The study included 6 treatments such as T1. Rice monoculture without fertilizer application; T2. Conventional fish monoculture; T3. Rice monoculture with fertilizer application at the recommended rate; T4. Rice monoculture irrigated using water from the fishpond; T5. Rice plot with a fishpond in the middle and T6. Rice plot with a fishpond in the border. The results showed that without fertilizer application, in year 1, paddy yield under the integrated rice-fish systems especially T4 and T5 were statistically similar to that of the conventional rice monoculture (6.88 t.ha-1; 6.75 t.ha-1 and 7.21 t.ha-1 respectively) while in year 2, the yield under T5 (6.51 t.ha-1) was significantly lower than under T3 (7.39 t.ha-1). Likewise, in year 1, fish yield under T5 and T6 were similar to under T2 (5.58, 4.34 and 5.22 t.ha-1 respectively). T5 resulted in the higher SPE (0.2 t.ha-1.day-1) and the best net benefit (13466 USD.ha-1). We concluded that integrated rice-fish systems especially T5 (with a fishpond in the middle of the plot) could be promoted as a promising rice-based farming system that enhance soil fertility, water and land use efficiency and thereby farmer income."Item Location specific recommendations on fertilization and cropping calendar with RiceAdvice in Mali(Report, 2024-12) Ahouanton, Kokou; Kone, Pierre; Guindo, Jonathan; Doumbia, Salif; Dossou-Yovo, E.RA total of 46,695 recommendations were provided to farmers in Sikasso and Segou regions using RiceAdvice, including 15,877 for females (34%), covering 38,990 ha of rice fields. The recommended fertilizer application rates were 114 kg/ha N, 23 kg/ha P, and 23 kg/ha K for Segou, and 91 kg/ha N, 21 kg/ha P, and 21 kg/ha K for Sikasso, considering crop growth stages and weather conditions. The use of RiceAdvice led to a 45% increase in average rice yield, from 3.1 t/ha under farmers’ practices to 4.5 t/ha. The partial productivity of nitrogen increased to 50 kg of grain per kg of N with RiceAdvice, compared to 48 kg with farmers' practices. Farmers applied less fertilizer than recommended, with average quantities of 65 kg/ha N, 32 kg/ha P, and 12 kg/ha K, but reported better fertilizer efficiency, highlighting RiceAdvice positive impact on yield and resource use.Item Effects of drought-tolerant rice varieties and alternate wetting and drying on irrigation water, rice yield, water productivity and farmers’ income(Report, 2024-12) Akpoffo, Marius. A.Y; Kone, Pierre; Guindo, Jonathan; Dossou-Yovo. E.R"In the context of climate change and its corollaries of resources challenges, it urges to promote climate smart agriculture to sustainably produce sufficient food to meet the demands of the ever-growing global population with limited resources. Growing drought-tolerant rice variety using water-saving irrigation technologies may reduce water use and enhance productivity and food security. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of drought-tolerant rice varieties and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) on irrigation water, rice yield, water productivity and farmers’ income. A 2-years field experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2024 at Selingue and Mbewani in Mali. The experimental design was a split plot: water management (continuous flooding: CF; alternate wetting and drying: AWD; and farmers’ practices: FP) as the main factor and varieties (ARICA3, GAMBIACA, KAFACI 1 and Sutura) as sub-factor with 3 replicates. The results revealed significant effects of water management and variety on agronomic and economic parameters. Compared to FP and CF, AWD resulted in the highest labour productivity (99.9 kg.day-1) and water productivity (1 kg.m-3), nutrient use efficiencies (88 kg.kg-1; 564.2 kg.kg-1 and 564.2 kg.kg-1) and the highest grain yield recorded (9.6 t.ha-1). The net benefit achieved under AWD (1758.5 USD.ha-1) was almost double of the one recorded under CF (924.4 USD.ha-1). ARICA3, KAFACI 1 and Sutura had higher yields and net benefit ranged (1497.4 - 1716.3 USD.ha-1) compared to the local check Gambiaka (704.3 USD.ha-1). The interactions between water management and varieties were significant with the highest yield and net benefit recorded under AWD combined with Sutura. We therefore concluded that bundling AWD and Sutura could be recommended to the smallholder farmers to increase water and labour productivity, rice yield and farmers’ income in irrigated systems in Mali."Item Impact of GEM parboiling technique on women’s income and food security in Mali(Report, 2024-12) Suh, Neville; Diallo, Aboubacar; Dossou-Yovo, E.RThe AICCRA Mali project focuses on building the capacity of both women and men to accelerate the adoption of climate adaptation strategies. A total of 250 participants (237 females and 13 males) were trained on the GEM parboiling process, a climate-friendly technique for processing rice. The study examined the impact of adopting the GEM parboiler on livelihoods and identified key drivers influencing its adoption. The results revealed that adopters of the GEM parboiler experienced a 24,276 FCFA increase in income per hectare compared to non-adopters. Factors positively influencing women’s adoption of the GEM parboiler included their years of schooling, the number of household members, and assistance from household members in GEM parboiling activities. These findings emphasize the importance of engaging women in climate adaptation initiatives through capacity building to improve household income and food security.Item Report on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial (RAL VAT) conducted in irrigated and rainfed lowlands in framework of AICCRA(Report, 2024-12) Ahouanton, Kokou; Dossou-Yovo, E.RThis report outlines the RiceAdvice Lite validation conducted during the 2024 wet season in Mali under the AICCRA project. The validation aimed to evaluate fertilizer guidelines from RiceAdvice Lite, compare actual yields using these guidelines versus farmers' practices, and assess fertilizer management on rice fields. A total of 96 farmers, including 39 females, participated in the trial, with 100 rice fields used for the validation. The trial included setting up plots with RiceAdvice Lite recommendations and collecting data on fertilizer use, sowing dates, and yields. Technicians and farmers were trained on the RiceAdvice Lite app and protocol. Despite some drought conditions in Sikasso, the trial proceeded smoothly. The data analysis showed yield increase by 45% due to the implementation of RiceAdvice Lite recommendations.