As the risk of floodwaters rise each rainy season, the people of Kano, Nigeria, face a battle against nature that feels more urgent each year. But there is hope at last, a project at Bayero University, under the vision of Prof Aliyu Salisu Barau, is changing the game. Through the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), this initiative by Prof Barau and his team is teaching communities to tackle flood risks head-on with Do-It-Yourself (DIY) adaptation strategies. Bayero University is one of the15 Rsif African Host Universities (AHU), focusing on climate change. This approach empowers the community to develop their own flood risk communication methods, equipping them to face the mounting impacts of climate change with resilience and resourcefulness.
Attending COP 29 this week with his team, Prof Barau is at the fore front sharing the successes and lessons of this initiative, showcasing Nigeria’s community-driven approach to resilience on the world stage. This is a significant step in climate change adaptation strategies.
We caught up with Prof Barua and had this conversation:
Q: What motivated you to initiate the “Do-It-Yourself Adaptation” project, and what specific challenges does it aim to address in Northern Nigeria?
A: People in every community have inherent and inherited strategies to cope with a wide range of issues based on their nature of environment. On this note, our project explored some of the local knowledge
systems and experiences that could help in promoting and integrating them in addressing flood risks. These knowledge systems are key motivations and also the inherent failures associated with government-driven flood mitigation interventions that have failed to support affected communities.
Q: Can you describe the main goals of the project and how they align with the needs of rural communities facing climate risks?
A: The main goals are to promote communication strategies that demystify the science of climate change and flood adaptation in such ways that such knowledge will be available to people in their local language and regardless of their level of literacy.
Q:Could you explain the key features of the flood risk hazards toolkit and how it will empower communities to adapt to climate change?
A: Loss of shelter and farm produce are critical forms of loss and damage for rural communities. However, development of knowledge streams of how to promote resilience through cartoons, stage dramas and songs, a flood messaging app, that specifically educates communities on pre-disaster, during, and post-disaster scenarios.
Q: What immediate benefits do you anticipate for communities involved in this project, and how will you measure its success?
A: The use of smart technologies is an important and easy way for communities to share flood risk information easily and immediately, which is very important. Similarly, the cartoons and songs are tool for easily reaching out to women and youths in
particular through these tools’ entertainment dimensions.
Q: How does this project fit into Nigeria’s broader climate adaptation strategies and its commitments under international agreements?
A: African countries and Nigeria inclusive at the moment need to give top priority to community-focused adaptation education, information sharing and engagement as best ways to achieve adaptation and climate resilience from the grassroots.
Q: What specific messages or outcomes do you hope to bring to COP 29 regarding community-led adaptation efforts?
A: African needs more creative ways to enhance, upgrade and improve climate resilience and adaptation strategies that include local knowledge systems and experiences.
Q: In what ways do you believe grassroots initiatives like yours can influence national and international climate policies moving forward?
A: This kind of effort must start from somewhere. We are glad to be among the set of researchers to push this forward.
Q: What final thoughts would you like to share about the importance of community engagement in addressing climate change at COP 29 and beyond?
A: Rounds of COP are for the privileged and messages of communities are expressed through intermediaries. However, community engagement is a vehicle that takes communities through COPs meetings through verifiable results of what communities can do on their own to achieve resilience and positive climate actions.
As world leaders and experts gather at COP29 to address climate resilience and adaptation, we shine a spotlight on Dr Fenet Belay, a Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) scholar, from Ethiopia. Rsif is the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit. Dr Belay focuses on the critical struggles faced by smallholder farmers in Southwest and Central Ethiopia. Her work reveals how the extreme Coefficient of Variability (CV) in rainfall in Central Ethiopia severely hinders these farmers’ ability to adapt to climate shifts. Rainfall unpredictability in this region disrupts crop yields and food security, illustrating the urgency of climate solutions that support the world’s most vulnerable agricultural communities. Dr Belay’s findings underscore the pressing need for resilientstrategies tailored to smallholder farmers, a theme at the forefront of this year’s COP agenda.
We sat down for an interview with Dr Balay recently:
Q: In light of COP29’s focus on climate resilience, how do your findings from Southwestern and Central Ethiopia illustrate the specific adaptation challenges faced by smallholder farmers, and what practical, scalable solutions have emerged from your research that could be spotlighted at COP29 to support climate adaptation across similar regions?
A: My findings from Southwestern and Central Ethiopia reveal a nuanced picture of the adaptation challenges smallholder farmers face, and they identify practical, scalable solutions that align well with COP29’s focus on climate resilience. Here’s how my research can inform global discussions on supporting climate adaptation for smallholders in similar regions:
Climate Variability and Water Stress: The data show significant rainfall and temperature variability, with regions like Tututi experiencing pronounced rainfall instability. This variability creates severe water stress, making farming less predictable and threatening food security. Scalable solution: Community-managed water harvesting and small-scale irrigation systems are practical interventions that can be adapted to other water-scarce, rain-dependent regions. Highlighting these systems at COP29 could illustrate how low-cost, localized water management approaches help farmers buffer against climate unpredictability.
Vulnerability Disparities by Agroecology: The finding that lowland farmers have higher vulnerability indexes than those in midland or highland zones underscores the need for tailored adaptation strategies based on agroecological context. Scalable solution: Promoting agroecology-specific adaptation measures—such as drought-resistant crops for lowland zones and soil conservation techniques for highlands—can help optimize resilience efforts across diverse landscapes. This approach could serve as a model at COP29 for customizing adaptation policies based on specific climate and topographical conditions.
Socioeconomic Barriers to Adaptation: Factors such as limited access to agricultural credit, lack of market access, and gaps in climate information significantly affect adaptation choices. These socioeconomic constraints are common among smallholders globally. Scalable solution: Expanding rural credit systems and mobile-based climate information services can bridge these barriers, providing farmers with the resources and knowledge needed to make informed adaptation choices. These scalable solutions could be highlighted at COP29 to showcase how addressing socioeconomic barriers supports resilience at the grassroots level.
High-Impact Adaptation Strategies: My research identifies improved crop varieties, irrigation technology, and crop diversification as highly effective strategies, significantly enhancing food security. Farmers who adopt these practices demonstrate notable caloric improvements, underscoring their effectiveness. Scalable solution: Encouraging the comprehensive adoption of these high-impact practices—through subsidies, extension services, and knowledge-sharing networks—can make adaptation more accessible and impactful. Spotlighting these strategies at COP29 could advocate for policies that encourage diverse, integrated adaptation approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Data-Driven Policy Support: The use of statistical models like the Multivariate Probit and Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression models provides robust evidence for the impact of adaptation on food security. Scalable solution: Promoting data-driven decision-making and incorporating similar analyses into policy design could improve the effectiveness of climate adaptation programs globally. COP29 could benefit from these insights, advocating for policies grounded in rigorous, context-specific research.
My findings highlight practical, evidence-based solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience, making a compelling case for policies that empower smallholder farmers with the tools and resources to adapt sustainably. Presenting these insights at COP29 would support the global agenda for building resilient food systems across vulnerable regions.
This evidence strongly supports advocating for policies that promote comprehensive adaptation strategies rather than isolated interventions, which could be a powerful message for COP29 discussions on food security. By showcasing these findings at COP29, my study not only underscores the adaptive capacity of smallholders in SSA but also provides practical, scalable strategies and policy recommendations that could influence global and regional climate resilience initiatives.
Q: In your view, how can innovations driven by African agribusiness leaders and researchers contribute to more resilient food systems, particularly in the context of Ethiopia’s rapidly changing climate?
A: Innovations driven by African agribusiness leaders and researchers can play a crucial role in creating more resilient food systems in Ethiopia, especially in the face of a rapidly changing climate. First, the development of climate-resilient crop varieties through research can significantly enhance productivity and food security. These varieties can withstand extreme weather conditions, pests, and diseases, ensuring stable yields even under stress. Secondly, agribusiness leaders and researchers can foster the adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as agro-ecology and regenerative agriculture. By promoting techniques that enhance soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, these practices can improve resilience to climate impacts while also increasing farmers’ profitability.
Innovations such as precision agriculture, mobile apps for market access, and climate-smart farming tools can provide farmers with real-time data and insights. This empowers them to make informed decisions regarding planting times, resource allocation, and risk management. Collaboration between agribusiness, research institutions, and local communities is essential. By engaging farmers in the innovation process and incorporating indigenous knowledge, solutions can be tailored to local contexts, ensuring greater acceptance and effectiveness. Furthermore, enhancing access to financial services, such as microcredit and insurance products, can enable farmers to invest on innovative practices and technologies. Financial services motivate smallholder farmers to adopt new methods and mitigate risks associated with climate variability.
In summary, climate-resilient crops, improved agricultural technology adoption, improved extension services, improved access to financial services significantly contribute to building more resilient food systems in Ethiopia, addressing both current challenges and future climate uncertainties.
Q: What role does climate-smart agriculture play in enhancing the food security and resilience of smallholder farmers, and can you share any success stories from your work that illustrate this?
A: Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) plays a vital role in enhancing food security and resilience among smallholder farmers by promoting practices that improve productivity while adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. CSA focuses on three key objectives: increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing resilience to climate variability, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
For smallholder farmers, implementing CSA practices such as crop diversification, soil health management, and efficient water use can lead to improved yields and stable food supply. For example, integrating drought-resistant crop varieties can help farmers maintain production levels during periods of low rainfall. Additionally, practices like agroforestry can enhance soil quality and biodiversity, further increasing resilience to climate shocks.
In my research, one success story emerged from a group of farmers in Central Ethiopia who adopted a combination of improved crop varieties, irrigation technologies and crop diversification. By implementing these climate-smart practices, they reported a substantial increase in their yields, even during periods of erratic rainfall. These groups of farmers not only improved their food security but also gained better market access, as they were able to sell surplus produce. Their experiences highlighted how targeted support and training in CSA practices can lead to significant improvements in resilience and economic stability.
Furthermore, community-based initiatives that promote collective action and knowledge sharing among farmers have proven effective resilience and adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers. In one case, a collective action of farmers implemented a crop rotation system using diverse crops, which not only enhanced their resilience to pests and diseases but also increased overall community food security.
The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as improved seed varieties and efficient irrigation, can significantly boost productivity while adapting to changing conditions. Photo/Courtesy
Q: When it comes to building resilient food systems, what lessons can other African countries learn from the adaptive strategies of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia?
A: There are several valuable lessons that other African countries can learn from the adaptive strategies of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. First, crop diversification has proven effective in enhancing food security and resilience by mitigating risks associated with climate variability and market fluctuations. The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as improved seed varieties and efficient irrigation, can significantly boost productivity while adapting to changing conditions. Community collaboration, exemplified by cooperative farming and knowledge-sharing initiatives, strengthens ties and facilitates access to resources. Moreover, utilizing mobile technology for disseminating weather forecasts and market information empowers farmers to make informed decisions. Strengthening agricultural extension services is also crucial for educating farmers about new practices, while access to microcredit and crop insurance can enable investments in resilience. Finally, supportive government policies that prioritize research, technology transfer, and farmer education can tailor interventions to local contexts. Therefore, other African countries can enhance their food security and resilience in the face of climate change and other disruptions embracing theses strategies.
Q: How has the support from Rsif contributed to your research, and in what ways can programmes like Rsif be scaled up to foster greater innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector?
A: The support from Rsif has been instrumental in my research on climate change adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Rsif provided essential funding for data collection, access to research facilities, and networking opportunities with other researchers and agricultural experts, enabling comprehensive fieldwork and engagement with local communities. To foster greater innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector, programs like Rsif can be scaled up by increasing funding for research initiatives, establishing collaborative networks between universities, research institutions, and local agricultural organizations, and implementing capacity-building training programmes focused on emerging technologies in agriculture. By enhancing these aspects, Rsif can play a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s agriculture and ensuring smallholder farmers’ food security.
Rsif have been instrumental in facilitating my sandwich placement at Greenwich Institute of Natural Resource, UK. This opportunity has provided me with invaluable exposure and network that have significantly enhanced both my academic development and international experiences.
In conclusion, the support from Rsif has been pivotal in shaping my academic journey and career aspirations. The sandwich placement and research experience at Greenwich Institute of Natural Resources have not only equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge but have also enriched my personal growth and professional network. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to apply what I have learned so far.
During my PhD journey, I had the invaluable opportunity to undertake an internship supported by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), specifically attached to the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project. Overall, this internship not only enriched my academic journey but also equipped me with practical skills and insights crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture. It reinforced my commitment to pursuing research that contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and food security in Africa. I am grateful for these transformative experiences.
Q: What are the key barriers you’ve identified that hinder smallholder farmers from implementing climate-resilient practices, and how can they be overcome through research and policy?
A: There are various factors that significantly influence farmers’ decisions to choose and implement adaptation strategies in the face of changing climatic conditions. Key among these factors is the agricultural extension services, which provide farmers with critical information on best practices and new technologies; those receiving regular support are more likely to make informed decisions that enhance their resilience to climate change. Additionally, the educational level of farmers plays a significant role in their ability to understand and respond to climate-related challenges, with higher education often correlating to improved comprehension of scientific information and technology. The size of a farmer’s land holding also impacts their capacity to implement adaptation strategies, as larger holdings offer more opportunities for diversification and investment in sustainable practices. Timely access to relevant climate information is essential, enabling farmers to anticipate and respond to changing conditions, while access to agricultural credit allows them to invest in necessary resources for adaptation. Furthermore, proximity to markets influences farmers’ ability to sell their products and reinvest in their operations; those closer to markets can more easily access resources and information, facilitating the adoption of adaptation strategies. Overall, understanding these influences is essential for policymakers and agricultural support organizations aiming to enhance the resilience of farming communities against climate change. Addressing these factors such as improving access to agricultural extension services, implementing educational programmes (farmers training), facilitating access to credit, improving market accessibility, and ensuring timely dissemination of climate information can significantly enhance farmers’ resilience and food security.
To overcome these barriers, targeted research can play a vital role in identifying effective and context specific adaptation strategies that are feasible for smallholder farmers. Policy interventions should focus on enhancing access to climate information through the development of localized weather forecasting systems and the establishment of information sharing platforms. Strengthening agricultural extension services by training more extension workers and ensuring they are equipped with up-to-date knowledge on climate resilience can provide essential support to farmers.
Q: Looking ahead, what innovations do you believe hold the greatest potential for building resilient food systems in Africa, and how can African researchers and agribusiness leaders work together to make this a reality?
A: Looking ahead, several innovations hold significant potential for building resilient food systems in Africa. First, climate change adaptation strategies, such as improved crop varieties, irrigation technologies and crop diversification can enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. Second, the development and dissemination of drought-resistant crop varieties can help mitigate the effects of climate variability. Additionally, the use of digital technology, including mobile applications for weather forecasting and market access, can empower farmers with timely information and resources. To make these innovations a reality, collaboration between African researchers and agribusiness leaders is crucial. Researchers can focus on generating evidence-based findings and developing new technologies tailored to local contexts. Agribusiness leaders, on the other hand, can leverage their market knowledge and networks to facilitate the adoption of these innovations. Joint initiatives, such as public-private partnerships, can provide platforms for knowledge exchange and resource mobilization.
Moreover, creating innovation hubs that bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and farmers can foster collaboration and drive local solutions. By aligning research agendas with the needs of the agricultural sector and ensuring that innovations are accessible and scalable, we can build resilient food systems that enhance food security and support sustainable development across Africa.
As the world gathers for COP29, we want to highlight the work of Rehema Mrutu, a Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) scholar, recognized at COP28 in Dubai last year for her research contributions to a sustainable future.
Rehema is a Tanzanian national pursuing a PhD in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change at the Centre of Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria with research placement at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in USA. Rsif is the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), an Africa-led, World Bank-affiliated initiative, managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit. With COP29 upon us, the world looks to build on environmental successes, such as the remarkable recovery of the ozone layer, showing that unified global action can bring real change.
We recently spoke with Rehema about her research and its connection to ozone layer protection—a topic that’s also high on the COP29 agenda:
Q: Can you share your journey and what inspired you to focus on climate change research, particularly in relation to the ozone layer? How has your background shaped your work on these crucial environmental issues?
A: I come from a cow farming family. And I have always been fascinated by any idea that boosted productivity because productive cows paid for my school fees. After my first degree at the University of Dar es Salaam, I pursued research on antimicrobial resistant bacteria in cows at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), as a master’s student in Biomedical Engineering. This led to publications that I later presented in a livestock conference. It was during this event that I first heard of the concept of lab meat as a strategy to curb methane– a potent greenhouse gas. This introduced me to the field of climate change and ignited my passion to find more sustainable ways to address the climate crisis while preserving the value of cows.
Because of my background in microbiology and molecular biology, the question then became how can we solve this at a molecular level? After reviewing the literature, I realized cows do not make methane, it’s the tiny little microorganisms called methanogens which are responsible for methane generation. With the help of genetic engineering tools like CRISPR technology I reasoned we could manipulate these organisms to stop producing methane and make other products that will enhance cows’ productivity. So, killing 2 birds with one stone. After three years of unsuccessful applications, I finally received a scholarship to pursue a PhD in a different area- maize fungus. One year into that project, my idea on mitigating cow methane emissions was recognized and funded by Rsif, and I could not think twice.
Q: How did your participation in COP28 impact you on both a personal and professional level? What significance did the recognition of your work hold for your ongoing efforts in climate change research?
A: Being recognized on a global stage like the COP28 in Dubai last year, confirmed that I am on the right path. Beyond the financial support, this recognition has expanded my network, provided access to world-class facilities, and connected me with leading experts in my field. I have had the opportunity to conduct research at prestigious methanogen facilities, such as the University of Connecticut (UConn), USA and Synthetic Biology Lab at Worcester Polytechnique Institute, USA. Additionally, I am now a member of Archaea Hour, a community that connects all archaea labs across America and Europe to facilitate the flow of knowledge, foster research collaborations and support outreach efforts. I’m also part of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, where members contribute significantly to advancing engineering, science, and technology.
Rehema Mrutu in the laboratory.
Q: How has receiving the Rsif scholarship influenced your academic and professional path in climate research? Are there any key opportunities or experiences facilitated by the program that have been particularly instrumental in advancing your work?
A: This project would not have materialized without financial support from Rsif. Having a great idea is one thing, but without funding, it remains just an idea. Rsif has profoundly impacted my life beyond just the academic and professional spheres. The program’s unique structure, which allowed me to study at an African institution (in Nigeria) before undertaking research placements globally (in the USA), has been truly transformative. This experience has profoundly reshaped my perspectives, challenging me to adopt a more balanced and inclusive view of the world.
I have come to understand that solving complex problems, such as climate change, requires diverse perspectives and expertise from various disciplines and backgrounds. Sustainable solutions are built through collaborative efforts that incorporate a wide range of viewpoints and experiences.
Q: In what ways has Rsif’s focus on empowering African scholars helped bring your work to global platforms like COP28? Can you provide examples of how this international exposure has shaped your research and collaborations?
A: For me Rsif set a competitive and inspirational grounds which motivated me to work even harder. When you are given the opportunity to hear the journey of those who have excelled in your research interests, you see possibilities. I am deeply grateful for the Rsif seminars, workshops and trainings where invited guests shared their stories. These experiences broadened my perspective and helped me to develop research ideas that meet global standards.
Q: What is your perspective on the importance of African-led climate research, especially regarding the protection of the ozone layer and other pressing environmental challenges? How does your research contribute to filling those gaps?
A: It is true that African data is missing from the global stage, and Rsif is working to change that by empowering Africans to conduct research within our own contexts. This not only helps fill the gaps in global knowledge but also allows us to make informed decisions on greenhouse gas mitigation strategies tailored to our region. One of my objectives has been to profile microorganisms that directly or indirectly contribute to methane emissions from cows in Tanzania. Due to the limited data from our region, identifying some of these organisms has been challenging, as existing databases are often dominated by information from outside Africa. My research aims to address these gaps. We are currently conducting a global analysis to compare and understand where we stand. Preliminary findings from this work have also provided a solid foundation for our genetic engineering work on methanogens.
Q: How do you see your work contributing to building Africa’s capacity for climate research, particularly in addressing environmental sustainability and the preservation of the ozone layer?
A: My research has generated new insights into the rumen microbiome, paving the way for novel interventions to reduce methane emissions from livestock. The detailed profiles of rumen microorganisms responsible for methane production developed in this study are valuable for microbial-based animal breeding strategies aimed at protecting the ozone layer—contributing to the idea of “green cows.” If the engineered strain we are developing proves successful, it has the potential to extend beyond Africa.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you envision Rsif and similar initiatives shaping the future of climate research in Africa? How has being part of this program empowered you as a young scholar in this space?
A: As an Rsif awardee, I envision Rsif and similar initiatives playing a transformative role in shaping the future of climate research in Africa by fostering a new generation of scientists who are equipped with the skills, resources, and networks needed to address our continent’s unique climate challenges. Rsif’s focus on advanced training, collaboration, and research within Africa, combined with international exposure, is creating a dynamic research environment that encourages innovative, locally relevant solutions. By supporting high-impact research in areas like climate change and environmental sustainability, Rsif is helping to build a solid foundation for evidence-based policy-making and sustainable development across Africa.
The Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund (Rsif) Regional Coordination Unit International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) conducted a physical monitoring and evaluation field visit to Haramaya University, located in Eastern Ethiopia. Haramaya is one of the 15 Rsif African Host Universities (AHU).
The visit’s purpose was to discuss the ongoing selection and shortlisting process of Rsif cohort 6 scholarship applications, implementation status and progress of the ongoing PASET-Rsif funded PhD students at the university’s Africa Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE Climate SABC).
The AHUs host Rsif sponsored PhD scholars in five priority thematic areas, including ICT including big data and artificial intelligence, Food security and agri-business, Minerals, mining and materials engineering, Energy including renewables and Climate change within the universities.
The team led by Dr Evelyn Nguku who is the capacity-building specialist, met the President of Haramaya University, Dr Jamal Yousuf (Associate Professor) and discussed the progress of Rsif scholars undertaking PhD in Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Management. They also discussed the development of future collaboration, including research and innovation projects.
Speaking during the occasion, Dr Yousuf stated that Haramaya University offers quality education and cutting-edge research and the university has received requests for collaboration in research from institutions across the world.
“We are happy the collaboration with Rsif programme has enabled several Ethiopian students to benefit from this scholarship,” he stated.
He added that education is a priority in Ethiopia and hopefully the Ethiopian Government will join other African countries as a contributing nation to the Rsif Project.
Rsif team led by Dr Evelyn Nguku, the capacity-building specialist, met the President of Haramaya University, Dr Jamal Yousuf.
The delegates participated in a campus tour to various laboratories led by Dr Tesfaye Lemma Tefera, Associate Professor of Rural Development and Agriculture Extension and the Rsif co-coordinator at Haramaya University, Dr Bobe Bedadi, the Deputy Centre Leader and Training Research Head and Dr Mulugeta Damie Watabaji, Project Manager at ACE Climate SABC.
On his part, Dr Tefera said the university has so far received two cohorts of Rsif scholars and all have successfully finished their coursework and defended their proposals.
Dr Bedadi took the Rsif delegation through a brief overview of Haramaya University’s milestones and mentioned that they are ensuring that they produce competent graduates. He also stated that the collaboration with Rsif has enabled them to have students from West Africa. “Initially, we had students coming from Eastern and Southern parts of Africa, but because of Rsif Programme, we now have students from Western Africa,” he stated.
Dr Watabaji said the university has several well-equipped laboratories that support various research projects undertaken by the students.
On her part, Dr Nguku mentioned Rsif’s objective of bridging the PhD gap in Africa in the Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (ASET) to support the broader objective of the continent.
“Rsif is contributing to the wider vision of PASET of producing 10,000 doctoral graduates in a decade,” Dr Nguku stated.
“We look at the quality of graduates, timely completion of the PhD programme and fostering partnerships between universities and the private sector/industries to find solutions to local challenges,” Dr Nguku stated and added that the laboratories at Haramaya University are undertaking cutting-edge research, and Rsif is confident its scholars will be mentored and be competent in their specific research areas.
Dr Nguku and the Rsif delegation also had the opportunity to meet Kenyan graduate students studying in the university’s Africa Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation.
More similar visits are being conducted across other AHUs.
Maputo, Mozambique – A pivotal symposium was recently held at the University of Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, to address the urgent need to strengthen PhD programmes and research collaborations aimed at tackling escalating food insecurity exacerbated by climate change.
The event which was organised by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) – the Regional Coordination Unit for the Africa Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund for Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (Rsif) – in collaboration with UEM’s African Centre of Excellence in Agri-Food Systems and Nutrition, brought together leading scholars, researchers and policy makers across Africa.
Themed “Building Resilient Agrifood Systems and Climate Action in Mozambique,” the symposium convened academics and researchers from Mozambique and Rsif African Host Universities (AHUs) with PhD programmes in food security – Sokoine University of Agriculture ( Tanzania), University of Ghana (Ghana), Makerere University (Uganda), and Haramaya University (Ethiopia) – to collectively share climate mitigation and adaptation strategies to improve food production, pest control, and environmental sustainability. Rsif has enrolled 282 PhD students since 2018 in 15 AHUs, with 33.69 % undertaking PhD studies in food security and climate change.
With a report from Food and Agriculture Organisation raising a red flag that over 282 million people across Africa are facing food insecurity, worsened by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, initiatives like Rsif play an important role in building resilient agrifood systems and addressing Africa’s skills gap in agriculture and climate science.
Keynote Insights and Future Directions
Dr. Rachida Mamade, Director of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, highlighted that Mozambique’s Government, through the MozSkills project, has pledged substantial resources to PhD training and innovation in agriculture, aiming to foster a skilled workforce capable of driving agricultural transformation.
Dr. Mamade remarked, “The support from Rsif and MozSkills is pivotal in creating sustainable solutions for Mozambique’s future.”
The symposium showcased UEM’s recent PhD programmes, focusing on pest management, microbial contamination in crops, and nutritional enhancements in soybeans and maize – all important for strengthening Mozambique’s agricultural resilience which in turn would boost food security for the citizenry.
On her part, Dr Ana Menezes, from The World Bank hailed the efforts of Rsif and the MozSkills project in advancing doctoral training and research capacity in Mozambique.
“The collaboration between Rsif African Host Universities and Mozambican institutions like the University Eduardo Mondlane is critical for addressing pressing challenges in food security and climate resilience. By working together, we can build stronger research ecosystems that not only benefit Mozambique but also contribute to sustainable development across Africa,” Dr Menezes said.
Dr Julius Ecuru, Manager, Research and Innovation Coordination Units at icipe, underscored the crucial role of such partnerships in equipping students with the skills needed to become independent scientists who contribute to their countries’ development. “With access to top facilities and diverse academic cultures, our students are globally competitive and can make significant contributions upon returning home,” Dr Ecuru stated.
The participants at the symposium also pointed out critical challenges in PhD training, including delayed graduation due to weak student- supervisor relationships, weak mentorship, low employability of PhD graduates and few post-doctoral programmes.
In tackling the challenges mentioned, the symposium participants proposed various recommendations to establish capacity building workshops, continuous mile stone tracking for the purpose of accountability and supervisor seminars to improve PhD completion timeline.
Group discussions during the symposium.
Besides a proposal to buttress university incubation centres to help PhD students commercialize their research, employers were also urged to recognize the diverse skillset PhD graduates have. Furthermore, participants highlighted the need for dedicated resources to establish postdoctoral and mentorship programmes and emphasized the importance of enhancing student and faculty mobility through international research collaborations.
The symposium discussed and agreed to work together to address challenges in fostering research collaboration, particularly poor research infrastructure and the weak link between research and industry needs. Universities were urged to allocate more funds to improve research facilities and leverage development grants to procure essential equipment. It was recommended that PhD programmes aim to solve real-world industry problems, with curricula updated to align with industry demands. Strengthening partnerships with industry and technical vocational institutes (TVETs) was also emphasized to enhance mentorship and provide PhD students with access to specialised resources and equipment.
Looking Ahead
The symposium set a strong foundation for continued collaboration between Rsif AHUs and UEM, aiming to grow this into a formidable network of African universities with globally recognised PhD programmes in agricultural and food systems and climate action.
The event provided a clear roadmap for strengthening doctoral training and promoting regional cooperation to build resilient agrifood systems in the face of growing climate adversity.
As the world marks International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, we highlight the work of Christelle Arielle Mbouteu Megaptche, a Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) scholar, recognised for her contributions to sustainability at COP28 in Dubai. The 28-year-old Cameroonian is pursuing a Ph.D. in renewable energy at the University of Nairobi, with a research placement at the Korea Institute of Energy Research. RSIF is the flagship program of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), an Africa-led, World Bank-affiliated initiative, managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit.
Christelle’s work involves developing hydrogen fuels as a renewable energy for pioneering automobiles and transforming the transport sector in Cameroon to be sustainable. Her focus on hydrogen as a renewal energy source reduces carbon emissions. The buildup of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes warming of the earth, and a cooling effect in the stratosphere where ozone is found. According to scholars, this cooling effect of the stratosphere increases the depletion of the ozone layer.
Reducing carbon emissions
Carbon emissions from fossil fuels use lead to warming of the earth as she explains, “reliance on non-sustainable energy sources like fossil fuels contributes to ozone depletion.” Therefore, developing more sustainable solutions like hydrogen fuels reduces carbon emissions. Her journey into sustainability began four years ago when she learned about Rsif’s mission to build a skilled workforce in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), especially among women.
“Applying was the best decision of my life,” Christelle said. “The funding allowed me to develop my master’s research on clean, affordable, and reliable electricity in developing countries. Rsif opened doors for collaborations with African and global institutions like the Korea Institute of Energy Research. I have worked on cutting-edge projects in carbon neutrality and gained invaluable professional skills.”
Christelle Arielle Mbouteu Megaptche participating in entrepreneurship training workshop organized by Rsif. Photo/Courtesy
One of the challenges Christelle faced pursuing a Ph.D. in Cameroon was the lack of financial support. “Rsif not only provided the funding I needed but also access to high-tech equipment and software crucial to my research. I’ve presented at local and international conferences and collaborated with leading researchers, and publishing in high-impact journals has boosted my work’s credibility,” she stated.
Christelle’s research addresses the critical issue of Africa’s high carbon intensity in energy production. Despite being the fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, only 24.37 per cent of Africa’s energy comes from low-carbon sources.
Ozone depletion
“Cameroon’s transport sector is its largest source of CO2 emissions,” she noted. “While at the Korea Institute of Energy Research, I developed a power-to-mobility model using hydrogen to decarbonize transportation. Several studies have pointed out that transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions which can indirectly affect ozone depletion. Therefore, Christelle’s efforts in the long run aims to contribute to the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions while supporting Cameroon’s energy transition which aligns with the global efforts of climate change mitigation to protect the ozone layer.
“I aim to contribute data-driven insights for policymakers to develop climate solutions,” she said. “It’s crucial that my research translates into real-world impact, addressing climate change through practical policies.”
Christelle’s work addresses two key challenges facing Africa: lack of access to power and climate change. The energy sector is a significant contributor to climate change which can exacerbate ozone depletion. Her innovative solutions like designing three mini grids to meet the energy needs of 18,000 people in Garoua, Cameroon are designed to provide clean, affordable, and reliable electricity across sectors like healthcare and transportation industry. This contributes to stabilizing the climate, which is essential for the recovery and maintenance of the ozone layer.
“I’m contributing knowledge that can influence socio-economic growth and strengthen local research capacities,” she said. “By publishing in international journals, attending conferences, and collaborating with institutions, I’m helping place African science at the forefront.”
Looking ahead, Christelle believes Africa’s future in climate research lies in sectors like food security, renewable energy, and materials engineering. Protecting the ozone layer is essential for ensuring food security through stable agricultural production, while advancements in material engineering can promote sustainable practices that enhance food security and mitigate environmental impacts. “Rsif is supporting young scholars like me to tackle these critical areas.”
She concluded with a message for young African researchers: “Focus on solving relevant issues within your community, ground your work in science and technology, and engage with local stakeholders to ensure your research makes a difference. Stay resilient, because climate action to reduce ozone depletion require long-term commitment.”
During global talks on climate change mitigation and adaptation at the recently concluded COP28 in Dubai, Rsif scholars Christelle Arielle Mbouteu Megaptche and Rehema Mrutu were recognized for their research contribution to a sustainable future. Christelle (28 years) is a Cameroonian national pursuing a PhD in renewable energy at the Department of Physics, University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya with research placement to the Korea Institute of Energy Research in Korea and Rehema (33 years) is a Tanzanian national pursuing a PhD in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change at the Centre of Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria with research placement at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in USA. Rehema was selected as a winning candidate at the Climate, Food and Farming Global Research Alliance Development (CLIFF-GRADS) award at the COP28 in Dubai. CLIFF-GRADS is a joint initiative of the Mitigate+: Research for Low Emissions Food Systems of the CGIAR and the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).
Rehema is developing a CRISPR engineered strain to cut down methane emissions in cows and improve meat and milk production. The award aims to advance one of her research objectives on developing cheap and efficient means to divert the key substrate “hydrogen” in methane production to acetic acid, which is a by-product that can be used by the cow to improve meat and milk production. Rehema believes these data are urgently needed for researchers to decide on which microorganisms in the rumen needs manipulation to both develop long term methane mitigations measures and ensure food security. The CLIFF-GRADS award comes with a grant of USD 14,000 for a 4-6 months research stay at The University of Connecticut, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology in USA.
Christelle on the other hand received a Best Paper Award for outstanding contribution to the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Renewable Energy (AFORE), held in Jeju, South Korea from 7-11 November 2023 with Theme: Pathways to Carbon Neutrality 2050. Her presentation was on Techno-Economic Comparative Analysis of Photovoltaic Panel/Wind Turbine/ Hydrogen Storage, Photovoltaic Panel/Wind Turbine/Battery Systems for Powering a Simulated House including Hydrogen Vehicle Load at Jeju Island (published in MDPI’s Energies journal here). Christelle is financed by the Government of Korea through a PASET-Rsif scholarship, and her research placement is at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) in South Korea.
Christelle’s PhD research work has also been published in the Journal Energy Conversion and Management (Impact factor of 10:4) here. One of the causes of frequent power outages in developing countries is the global mismatch between supply and demand, which can have devastating effects. The study highlights the techno-economic and environmental significance of using a supercapacitor (SC) as a backup in contrast to a diesel generator (DG), as well as the validation of its compatibility with storage batteries because of the provision of a robust energy management approach.
Christelle hopes that her research will provide insights into reducing frequent load shedding in Cameroon, which often leads to power surges that destroy equipment, cause fires, disrupt education services and the proper functioning of health care services.
“In Africa, our journey towards clean energy is not just a possibility; it’s an imperative. Our rich natural resources are the key to sustainable, accessible energy for all, shaping a greener, brighter future. I believe we can do it. “– Christelle Arielle Mbouteu Megaptche, Rsif scholar in Energy including renewables.
Christelle’s PhD supervisory team includes Prof. Bernard Aduda (UoN), Dr. Hanki Kim (KIER), Prof. Sebastian Waita (UoN) and Dr. Peter Moses Musau (South Eastern Kenya University).
Korea contributes to the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), since 2018. Its contribution of USD 9 million is to train Sub-Saharan African PhD students and to provide grants for research and innovation projects in strategic high potential sectors. Through PASET-Rsif Korea builds strong institutions and future science leaders to drive a science and technology-led growth and development to the mutual benefit of Africa, Korea and the world. The strong partnership between the Government of Korea, universities and PASET-Rsif contributes to boost exchange between African and Korean universities, researchers and faculties in the science and technology area.
Rsif combines intra-Africa academic exchange and international partnerships for world-class doctoral training. Research placement at an advanced institution gives exposure to cutting-edge technologies and nurtures connections with global research networks. Moreover, Rsif promotes Africa regional integration, strengthening centers of excellence and innovation ecosystems. The design of Rsif as a Pan-African partnership and a jointly pooled science fund gives better economies of scale and is professionally managed by the Rsif Regional Coordination Unit at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).
Photos: (1) Rsif scholar Christelle Arielle Mbouteu Megaptche (on the right) received a Best Paper Award at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Renewable Energy (AFORE) in Jeju, South Korea; (2) Rsif scholar Rehema Mrutu (in the lab) received a CLIFF-GRADS award during COP28 in Dubai.
