RSIF PASET | food security Archives - The PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund

Rsif Scholars Esther Aba Eshun and Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez Lead the Charge on International Women’s Day

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Janet Otieno

As the world marks International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action,” we hail two remarkable Rsif scholars: Esther Aba Eshun, a Nigerian who recently graduated from the University of Ghana with research on Livelihood Diversification and Food Security of Youth Headed Households in Coastal Fishing Communities in Ghana, and Rogia Gomez, a Beninese scholar whose research at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania focused on biosecurity measures within poultry farms, both embodying the spirit of accelerating progress towards gender equality and empowerment through their academic achievements. 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. Here is a recent interview with the two scholars

We recently interviewed the two scholars;

Interview with Esther:
Q: Explain more about your research on livelihood diversification in coastal fishing communities and how it can contribute to empowering women and enhancing gender equality in these areas, especially given the significant role women play in fisheries?

A: In recent years, the narrative of households in coastal communities who are dependent on fisheries as a means of livelihood have changed with the sea (natural resource) facing a number of challenges. This has made it very prudent for a need for interventions to support their livelihoods. More women are found along the fisheries supply chain with majority of their involvement in the processing into several forms and marketing of the fish. This research does contribute to the body of literature and the empowerment of women through the involvement of women in the data capture, analysis and reporting. In so doing their current livelihoods were assessed highlighting the need for the much-needed interventions to be able to diversify their incomes and improve their livelihood. Ability to target the different groups in fisheries supply chain and provide the needed resources to equip them, ensuring equality.

Q: Your study highlights the importance of skills development programmes for youth-headed households. How do you envision these programs being tailored to meet the specific needs of young women in these communities, who often face unique challenges?

A: A significant number of youth / youth -headed households involved in fisheries are limited in terms of skills to be able diversify and earn additional income. To be able to meet the specific demands of young women and as such ensure social inclusion, a needs assessment is a must for any Initiative. This will bring out the challenges, the opportunities available for diversification and the appropriate skills to equip the youth with.

Q: In your research, you emphasize the need for a gendered approach to livelihood diversification. Can you elaborate on how this approach can help address the broader issues of food security and economic stability in coastal communities, particularly for women and youth?

Different groups (men, women, PwDs) play specific roles in Ghana’s Food Systems, not just the fisheries supply chain. Livelihood Diversification is imperative to reduce poverty as earning additional income reduces household shocks and stress. A gendered approach provides the avenue for tailored solutions, determining specific group needs and appropriate interventions. These will make all groups better off and not just one group and economic stability all year round. The implication of no social inclusion approach: deepening the challenges and widening existing inequality gap in the food systems.

Esther Aba Eshun talking with members of the local community during her research.

Q: As a recipient of the Rsif scholarship, how do you believe this support has enabled you to contribute meaningfully to research on livelihood diversification and food security in coastal fishing communities, and what potential impact do you see your work having on broader policy and development initiatives in Ghana and beyond?

A: I am humbled and privileged to have been a cohort 2 scholar of Rsif. Without PASET/Rsif, my studies would have been very challenging. Also, the gender sensitive nature of PASET /Rsif scholarship further spurred me on to conduct my research with a gendered lens. The specific focus on youth and gendered approach of the research contribute to existing literature on livelihood diversification, food security and the broader food systems. It highlights additional livelihood interventions and the necessary skills needed to equip youth. As part of the broader dialogue to transform the Ghana Food Systems, my recommendations and research feed into the overall goal of the Food systems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interview with Rogia

Q: Congratulations on your academic milestone. Could you tell us more about your research focus?

A: My name is Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez, originally from Benin. My research focused on biosecurity in poultry farms in Tanzania, more specifically in the Kibaha and Mlandizi regions. Sokoine University of Agriculture in the Morogoro region of Tanzania was the university where this research was conducted in the Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences (DAARS-College of Agriculture) and under the supervision of my thesis supervisor Professor Hemed Said Mbaga. My study aimed to identify the different biosecurity routines/measures implemented on Tanzanian poultry farms, the reasons why each farmer chooses certain measures over others and the impact of these measures on the productivity of their farming activities and the final quality of the products from these poultry farms. Based on the results found in the field, less costly approaches to solving problems were proposed.

Q: As a scientist from Benin, your work on biosecurity in poultry farming is particularly relevant in a region where women play a significant role in agriculture. How do you think biosecurity practices can be tailored to better support women farmers in Benin, and what role do you see women playing in improving biosecurity standards in the poultry sector?

A: In Benin, women play a crucial role in the household, managing the entire household (carrying out various domestic tasks, looking after and educating children, etc.). She is therefore used to applying certain rules of hygiene and sanitation to ensure the cleanliness of her household and the health of her family. In addition, she generally works in the agricultural sector (subsistence farming, raising backyard poultry and small animals, etc.) and the textile sector (trading in sundries and food products, etc.). As a result, once she has been educated about biosecurity practices and knows the benefits of applying them, it will be easy for her to integrate these biosecurity practices into her daily routines, whether in her household, her breeding activities or any other production.

Q: Benin faces challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and limited local hatcheries, which impact the poultry sector. How do you believe your research on biosecurity can help address these challenges, and what specific strategies would you recommend for improving the health and productivity of poultry farms in Benin?

A: In Benin, the government in 2024 had planned to implement a ban on imports of frozen animal products, to boost local livestock production, in this case, poultry, to satisfy the demand for animal proteins in Benin, which is more focused on breeding local (endogenous) animals. However, this decision, although a good opportunity for local animal breeders, could lead to other situations, such as overproduction at the local level, a failure to comply with food safety standards in the various animal production processes, and therefore a reduction in the quality of finished animal products, all of which could encourage the easy spread of animal diseases. To counter such situations in the future, and given that women are more involved in most animal production at the local level, it would be good for the Beninese Government to instruct women in the various biosecurity practices (from the least complex and costly to the most complex and costly). Such an initiative on the part of the Beninese Government would make production easier (considerable reduction in the prevalence of animal diseases in livestock farms) and more profitable (less expenditure on animal health) for local women farmers, allow finished products of acceptable quality to be placed on local markets and ensure public health in terms of zoonoses and the fight against antimicrobial resistance through reduced use of antimicrobials.

Q: As an Rsif scholar, how do you think the programme has empowered you as a woman in science, particularly in terms of advancing research and policy on biosecurity in poultry farming?

A: This opportunity enabled me to deepen my knowledge of biosecurity in the poultry sector. It also enabled me to see the limits to the implementation of biosecurity in Africa, unlike on other continents, and to identify, still in the African context, the approaches to ideal solutions to the challenges facing livestock farming in Africa.Throughout this programme, I have been able to acquire some very enriching academic and professional knowledge that will be useful to me as I face up to the highly competitive job market.

It has been a time of self-learning for me because my skills (analytical and synthetic mind, interpersonal skills, autonomy, and ability to make proposals) have been improved, although I’m still learning how to improve. I would like to take this opportunity to thank once again the PASET through the Rsif coordinated by icipe.

Ivy Okello: Meet the Scientist Fighting Livestock Disease to End Hunger in Rural Kenya

Posted on October 18, 2024November 4, 2024 by Janet Otieno

In the heart of Southwestern Kenya lies Lambwe Valley, where livestock provides a lifeline for many rural households. This is one reason why Dr Ivy Okello, a PASET-Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund (Rsif) recent PhD graduate decided to tackle African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) and its devastating effects on livestock production in the Lambwe community. 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.

“In extreme cases, untreated animals may die, deepening the losses experienced by farmers. In a region like Lambwe Valley, where 15.63 per cent of cattle were found to be infected, the effects of AAT are stark. As cattle provide both milk and traction power for farming, any decline in their health directly impacts food production,” Dr Okello explains.

Dr Okello’s research dives into the effects of AAT, and identifying possible solutions to improve livestock productivity and, by extension, food security in the Lambwe community. Her key message is that the health of livestock is tied to food security, and we must not overlook that connection.

The implications of AAT extend beyond the individual farm and the effects are beyond reduced milk and meat production. This is because most farmers in rural communities rely on livestock to plough their lands. “Most households depend on animal traction for ploughing fields,” Dr Okello points out. “When animals are sick or die, it not only impacts food production but also increases the labour burden on families.”

AAT does not only affect Lambwe Valley but also countries with livestock-based agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, by causing low milk production, increased risk of infection by other diseases, low live weight gain, reduced fertility and mortality if not treated.

In the Lambwe community Dr Okello found that many farmers resort to self-treatment for their livestock, which often results in improper use of drugs and ineffective disease control due to poverty and lack of access to veterinary services. This negatively impacts effectiveness of disease control as most control measures will not work as predicted. It would also lead to persistence of AAT in such regions despite livestock receiving treatment. Another barrier that farmers face, according to Dr Okello’s research findings include poor access to veterinary care, the high cost of treatment, and the proximity of livestock to tsetse-infested wildlife areas. “Communal grazing and the closeness to national parks expose cattle to more tsetse fly bites, increasing the risk of AAT,” she notes.

Dr Okello recommends a mix of policy changes and community education. Key among her recommendations is to reduce communal grazing near wildlife areas, strengthen community-based disease control strategies. She also proposes integrated disease management practices, that combine drug treatment with effective vector control.

Just as this year’s World Food Day, Dr Okello also stresses the importance of building resilient food systems, and in her case, controlling AAT, can safeguard livestock health and ensure a steady supply of milk and meat for rural households in the Lambwe Valley.”

Dr Okello’s work is a powerful wakeup call that by tackling AAT, we can move closer to ensuring food security for the millions of people who rely on livestock for their survival. It also underscores the importance of regional research and training programmes like the PASET-Rsif in nurturing the next generation of scientists and leaders for Africa.

Shaping the Future: Experts Unite in Mozambique to Strengthen PhD Programmes for Food Security and Climate Action

Posted on September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by Janet Otieno

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.

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.