Youth-led households in Ghana’s coastal fishing communities face mounting economic and food security challenges. New research from Rsif PhD graduate Dr Esther Aba Eshun offers critical insights and solutions for a more resilient, inclusive future.
As the world marks World Environment Day 2025, with its theme “Restore Our Earth, Empower Our Youth,” the spotlight falls on communities where environmental changes directly impact daily life. In Ghana’s coastal fishing communities, declining fish stocks and the growing impact of climate change are putting immense pressure on young people — especially those heading households — to find alternative sources of income.
A new study by Dr Esther Aba Eshun, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Ghana and alumna of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), reveals how livelihood diversification can significantly enhance food security and economic resilience among these vulnerable groups.
Dr Esther Aba Eshun. Photo/ Sakina Mapenzi
“Different groups — men, women, persons with disabilities — play specific roles in Ghana’s food systems, not just fisheries,” Dr Esther explains. “A gendered approach provides the avenue for tailored solutions that address group-specific needs and ensure economic stability year-round.”
Esther’s research, carried out across 14 coastal communities in Ghana’s Greater Accra and Central Regions, used both quantitative and qualitative tools to explore the factors influencing livelihood choices among youth-headed households (YHH). The study finds that income from diversified sources is positively correlated with food security — and that support systems like education, training, and social group membership are critical to enabling youth to adapt. Her findings underscore the urgent need for environmental action and youth empowerment, echoing the global call to invest in young leaders as agents of change for a sustainable planet.
Her analysis, which used the household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), shows that increased income from diversified activities helps reduce household stress and shocks. Yet, women and youth often lack the skills or assets to take up alternative livelihoods — underscoring the importance of targeted interventions.
“To meet the specific needs of young women, a needs assessment is essential,” Dr Esther says. “This helps identify challenges, map out opportunities, and develop the right skills to equip them.”
The research also highlights the stark gender roles in Ghana’s fisheries supply chain and warns that failing to adopt an inclusive approach will only deepen existing inequalities. Esther’s findings point to the need for gender-responsive skills development and institutional support to empower youth-headed households in the face of climate and economic pressures.
Esther credits the Rsif program for enabling her research:
“Without PASET-Rsif, my studies would have been very challenging. The gender-sensitive nature of the scholarship encouraged me to adopt a gendered lens. My work contributes not just to academic literature, but also to national food systems transformation and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
With 424 households surveyed and clear policy implications, her research has the potential to inform national strategies in Ghana — and inspire similar interventions across Africa’s coastal and small-scale fisheries communities. This World Environment Day, Esther’s work serves as a reminder that environmental restoration and climate adaptation must go hand-in-hand with social innovation. By equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to diversify their livelihoods, Ghana — and the world — can build more resilient communities that thrive in harmony with nature.
Maimuna*, a promising postgraduate student, is hesitating to report an uncomfortable encounter with a faculty member. She tried discussing with her roommate who has advised her that reporting the issue will only make things worse for her because no action will be taken against her tormentor. Across institutions in Nigeria and beyond, many students and staff face similar dilemmas—uncertain if their voices will be heard, or if their safety will be protected. It’s stories like Maimuna’s that underscore why safeguarding in academic environments is so crucial.
Every student, lecturer, and staff member should feel safe in the university. This means all invisible barriers need to be broken so that every voice can be heard without fear. Achieving this vision requires more than just rules on paper; it demands a living culture of protection and respect and this is where safeguarding comes in.
The Director Center of Excellence for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin welcomes participants to the workshop.
Safeguarding in academic environments is about weaving together systems, policies, and everyday practices that shield everyone in the university community from harm—whether it’s sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse. But the most effective safeguards don’t stop there: they are inclusive by design, ensuring these protections reach everyone, regardless of gender, disability, or background, leaving no one behind.
This approach is not only about compliance with institutional rules but about fostering a campus where every individual feels empowered and respected to pursue their ambitions. It also involves fostering an equitable institution culture where all can feel safe.
This commitment to inclusive safeguarding was at the heart of a recent refresher workshop held by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) in collaboration with Bayero University Kano (BUK), Nigeria. The hybrid event, hosted at BUK’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), brought together 50 participants (28 male and 22 female)—including Rsif scholars, faculty, administrative staff, student leaders, and gender experts—from BUK and neighbouring institutions such as Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Northwest University Kano, Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, and AZMAN University.
Prof Amina Mustapha shares a point during the workshop.
According to Prof Amina Mustapha, BUK Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development who participated in the workshop, many forms of sexual harassment in academia—ranging from quid pro quo and hostile environments to digital and peer-to-peer harassment—have lasting impacts on individuals and institutional integrity. It is therefore important that this issue is urgently addressed because it constitutes serious violations of human rights and dignity.
Mr Bonface Nyaga addressing the participants of the workshop.
Mr Bonface Nyagah, Rsif Capacity Building and Safeguarding Officer, opines that it is of importance that all stakeholders continually remind themselves of the existing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) policies in the institutions. This can be done by utilizing refresher workshops, plugging SEA/SH and GBV awareness sessions in institutional and programmatic orientation for staff and project staff, including suppliers. Further, necessary information brochures can be provided.
“There is a need to have the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in all institutions that provide avenues for reporting and referral pathways for the survivors. This ensures that the survivors can access not only justice but much required medical, legal and psychosocial support,” he stated.
Dr Safiya Nuhu speaks during the workshop.
Dr Safiya Ahmad Nuhu, Director of BUK’s Centre for Gender Studies, detailed the university’s multi-layered response to sexual harassment. This includes tiered reporting structures, clear penalties, referral mechanisms, and the Confidential Corner—a safe space for confidential counselling.
“Prevention-first policies, such as gender and dress code guidelines, are foundational in a safeguarding environment”, Dr Safiya said.
Disability inclusion advocate Mr Oyeniye Kudus Olanrewaju believes that the unique vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities should be part of safeguarding policies that are intentionally disability-inclusive and should conform to Nigeria’s Disability Act and international conventions.
A panel discussion during the workshop.
The interactive panel discussion, featuring voices from across the university—including Rsif scholar Desta Mulu stated that SEAH (reporting mechanisms must be accessible and user-friendly to all stakeholders. Prof Aisha Ismail who served as the pioneer director of BUK Centre for Gender Studies stressed the importance of building trust in institutional policies to encourage timely reporting and discussed cultural factors influencing perceptions and responses to sexual harassment. On his part, the Director of the Centre for Economics, Social and Population Research (CESPOR) at BUK, Prof Ismail Muhammad Zango pointed out that institutional leaders have a critical role in raising awareness of safeguarding protocols and engaging stakeholders through continuous sensitisation.
Ms Haj Binta Lawan Saji from Servicom non-academic staff also expressed that safeguarding training should be conducted regularly and integrated into orientation programmes for new staff, students, and affiliates while Prof Ali Tijjani of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) opined that institutions must understand and respect how cultural contexts influence perceptions and reporting of SEAH and safeguarding issues.
Some of the participants of the workshop
The workshop highlighted several crucial lessons for enhancing safeguards within university settings. It emphasized the importance of adopting survivor-centered approaches to ensure that the needs and voices of survivors are prioritized. Additionally, it underscored the necessity of developing policies that are both inclusive—addressing the diverse needs of the university community—and actionable, enabling effective implementation. Finally, the workshop advocated for moving beyond mere compliance with regulations toward fostering genuine cultural transformation, creating safer and more supportive academic environments, and the value of moving beyond compliance toward genuine cultural transformation.
This workshop should be a wake-up call to all institutions on the need for annual refresher trainings, development of safeguarding toolkits, institutional disability audits, and the expansion of confidential support spaces—affirming that inclusive safeguards are essential for safe, accountable, and thriving academic environments. *Name has been changed.
A high-level side event organized by the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) convened leading researchers, policymakers, industry figures, and development partners at the 5th Biennial International Conference on Drylands at Bayero University, Kano Nigeria to chart a new course for climate-resilient agriculture in Africa. The event, held under the theme “Innovating for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice for Development Impact in Africa,” spotlighted the urgent need for transformative action as the continent faces escalating climate threats.
Bridging gaps for transformative change
Supported by the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), which coordinates the Rsif, the session underscored the critical role of higher education institutions and regional programs in driving agricultural innovation. Dr David Awolola, Director of Technical Services at the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES), delivered a keynote address, followed by an interactive plenary with diverse stakeholders.
At the 5th Biennial Conference on Dryland Agriculture in BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO , hashtag#Rsif proudly launched the Agri-Food Systems & Climate Action Network-uniting top African Centers of Excellence from Mozambique, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria to drive innovation for resilient food systems and climate solutions.
A major highlight was the launch of the “Agri-Food Systems and Climate Action Network.” This initiative aims to promote intra-Africa collaboration by connecting six universities that are centres of excellence across Africa’s regions to foster industry linkages, and build international partnerships to enhance PhD training, conduct research on pressing African issues, and scale up innovations for socio-economic development.
Key challenges facing African agriculture
The 50 participants including 20 women at the launch painted a stark picture of Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, citing frequent droughts, floods, and mounting food insecurity that cost some countries up to 3 per cent of GDP annually. Despite these challenges, Africa remains underrepresented in global climate finance and faces significant gaps in domestic resource mobilization.
While digital technologies and innovations-such as drought-resistant seeds and mobile advisory platforms-hold promise, their impact is limited by insufficient access, funding, and support for early-career scientists. The event also highlighted the limited global influence of African researchers, weak policy implementation at national levels, and the need for stronger integration of science into policy and practice.
The Director Center of Excellence for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin speaks during the side event.
Recommendations
The session produced a set of recommendations to bridge the divide between climate science, policy, and practice including call for stronger partnerships across governments, academia, the private sector, and communities to break down institutional silos and enhance climate policy implementation.
Delegates urged greater investment in research capacity, support for African-led innovation, and deeper engagement between scientists and policymakers to ensure evidence-based strategies.
They also emphasized the need to expand access to funding and technology, integrate local knowledge, and scale up successful agricultural practices to build resilience across the continent.
Scientists and experts from six Mozambique universities and research organisations came together in a three-day workshop on 22-24 April in Maputo to develop action plans for intellectual property (IP) management in Mozambican higher education institutions. The workshop brought together 32 participants including 12 women from universities and research institutes across the country, including a team from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), which manages the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).
An effective IP management is a critical part of an innovation system. IP are the creations of the mind, which are protected through patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Universities and research institutes can license their IP to private companies, which put them to industrial or commercial use. In this way, universities contribute to growth and development, when the out put of their research is put to use in the production of goods and services.
In her opening remarks, Dr Sheila Canda, Director of Mozambique’s Intellectual Property Institute stressed the importance of IP protection for national development. “The key role of the institute in supporting researchers is to protect novel ideas from their research work. Researchers need to embrace a culture of protecting their intellectual assets which will ultimately increase the number of protection rights in the form of patents, trademarks etc from higher education institution.”
Dr Fernando dos Santos, an IP expert who facilitated the workshop said, “There are several strategies that institutions can adopt to promote innovation and technology transfer within higher education and research centres across the country. However, for these strategies to be effective, it is critical to strengthen the linkages between innovation, technology transfer, and intellectual property management. This integration is key to fostering a strong culture of entrepreneurship among students and faculty in Mozambican institutions.”
Ms Cynthia Orangó, the Research and Innovation grants officer of Rsif underscored the role of universities in driving economic transformation through innovation. She said, “There is a need to co-create actionable, context-specific plans that will strengthen research translation, IP protection, and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions across Mozambique.”
Key sessions featured insights from Prof Manuel Rebelo who talked about Mozambique’s innovation policy landscape. Other presentations were on IP registration processes, and experiences from universities and research centres, including Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), among others. Panel discussions highlighted lessons in developing effective IP policies to foster university-industry linkages.
By the end of the workshop, all participating institutions had drafted tailored action plans to improve their innovation ecosystems, marking a critical step toward advancing research commercialization by Mozambique’s universities and research organisations.
Egas Armando, Rsif Scholar and faculty member at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, shares insights on how Business Incubation Centres and Technology Transfer Offices are helping universities turn ideas into real-world impact at the workshop.
The workshop was organised with the theme, “strengthening university innovation ecosystem and support for intellectual property management practices”, and specifically targeted Mozambique universities and research organisations that are benefiting from Rsif/ MozSkills project’s Institutional Innovation Capacity Building Program (ICBP).
Rsif s a flagship initiative of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET). It is implemented by icipe as the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) since August 2018. Rsif’s development objective is to strengthen the institutional capacity for quality doctoral training, research, and innovation in transformative technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Mozambique is a member of the PASET. It contributes to the Rsif through its Improvement for Skills Development (MozSkills) project. Through this contribution, Mozambique is supporting 40 PhD scholars (32 Mozambican) and 14 research and innovation projects across eight Mozambican higher education institutions and one research centre are being supported.
Climate change is affecting Africa’s natural forest ecosystems and threating the continent’s agriculture and biodiversity.
Dr Haftu Abrha Mengesha, a recent Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) PhD graduate (2024) at the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny (U-FHB) in Côte d’Ivoire, and a citizen of Ethiopia, reveals that Ethiopia’s Hugumbrda Grat-Kahsu National Forest — one of the region’s most ecologically significant but vulnerable dry montane forests, is being affected by climate change.
Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains one of the hardest-hit regions. The consequences are dire — affecting food systems, public health, and economies. However, Dr Mengesha, now an Associate Professor of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture at the Institute of Climate and Society (ICS) at Mekelle University in Ethiopia, is optimistic that conserving the natural forest ecosystem could help build resilience of farming communities against climate change.
Dr Mengesha’s work sheds light on how climate stressors are altering forest ecosystems and reveals the critical role forests play in both climate mitigation and adaptation.
Dr Haftu Mengesha. Photo/ Sakina Mapenzi
His research, conducted at U-FHB in Côte d’Ivoire used climate models, satellite imagery and ground truthing to track the long-term environmental changes of the Hugumbrda Grat-Kahsu Forest in Ethiopia. He noticed that shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are increasing wildfire risks and soil erosion, while also threatening the survival of key plant species. His findings show that water runoff in the forest more than tripled from 1984 to 2020, and soil loss rose sharply. Forest biodiversity also shifted, with noticeable differences in tree size and carbon storage across elevations. These findings underscore the urgency of rethinking conservation strategies to respond to the effects of climate change in Africa natural forest ecosystems.
Dr Mengesha has published 18 peer-reviewed papers. He serves as a reviewer for global journals, and is actively engages with policymakers seeking to build climate resilience.
The PASET Rsif invests in Africa’s brightest like Dr Mengesha, giving them an opportunity to grow as independent scientists and skilled professionals in their field of interest for the development of the continent. Supported by African governments, the World Bank, and development partners, Rsif builds world-class research capacity by funding PhD scholars in applied science, engineering, and technology fields. Rsif is helping African universities produce solutions to the continent’s biggest challenges — from food security to energy, ICT, and climate adaptation.
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) hosted a crucial seminar on April 15, 2025, at its Nairobi campus. The seminar explored how to transform research into real-world solutions. Dr Julius Ecuru, Head of Policy & Enabling Environment at icipe, led discussions on Africa’s urgent need to bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and development policies that benefit communities across the continent.
The seminar brought together researchers and stakeholders under the theme “Building the Science-Policy Bridge.” A key focus was the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), Africa’s premier PhD scholarship program in STEM fields, currently supporting its latest cohort through Kenyan government funding.
Dr Ecuru emphasized that groundbreaking research alone isn’t enough to transform societies. “The real test comes when we translate laboratory findings into practical solutions that improve lives,” he said. He illustrated this with icipe’s pioneering work on edible insects, where scientific breakthroughs await policy frameworks to reach consumers.
The discussion highlighted Africa’s pressing need for more homegrown scientists. With Rsif having already supported 302 PhD scholars across the continent, Dr Ecuru praised this as evidence of what strategic policy investments can achieve. “When governments commit resources to science, they’re planting seeds for future prosperity,” he remarked.
Dr Ecuru
A recurring theme was the communication gap between researchers and decision-makers. “We must present our findings in language that resonates beyond academic circles,” Dr Ecuru urged. Examples ranged from disease control innovations to sustainable pest management solutions that could benefit millions if properly implemented.
Addressing calls for instant results, Dr Ecuru drew parallels with global scientific achievements. “The COVID-19 vaccines didn’t appear overnight – they stood on decades of prior research,” he noted, stressing the need for sustained investment in Africa’s scientific infrastructure.
The seminar rallied cry for stronger collaboration. “Science informs policy, and policy enables science to flourish,” Dr. Ecuru said. “By working together, we can turn knowledge into tangible progress for all Africans.”
With programs like Rsif leading the charge, the event painted an optimistic picture of Africa’s scientific future one where research and policy walk hand in hand towards shared prosperity.
The University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) is making great strides in transforming its research and innovation into marketable solutions through its Strengthening Institutional Infrastructure for an Innovation Ecosystem” (UP-ECOSIN) project. The project empowers researchers, fosters industry partnerships, and transforms research into marketable solutions. The project is funded by Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund (Rsif) to address a critical gap in Nigerian universities: the lack of structures to translate research findings into marketable solutions.
The project is led by Onyewuchi Akaranta, a Professor of Industrial Chemistry, and Ibisime Etela, a Professor of Animal Science and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. Their goal is to transform the university into a hub for entrepreneurial research and commercialization.
The UP-ECOSIN project trains faculty and graduate students in competitive grant writing, as well as transform research output into commercialized products through start-ups and spin-offs. The key beneficiaries are post graduates at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR) who are carrying out applied research for the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry in Sub-Saharan Africa. They also promote university-industry cooperation and develop a sustainable innovation ecosystem framework, especially for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
Turning research into products and services
Speaking about what inspired the need for the UP-ECOSIN project at the university Prof Akaranta says, “There was a felt need to embark on the project because as researchers we realized that the university system does not have a clear structure or policy aimed at moving positive research results from the field and laboratories to the market or places where they can be commercialized. This gap has in the past made both the individual researchers and the university waste opportunities to benefit from projects with tangible results and potential for commercialization.”
Mobile Biogas Digester with improvised gas volume measuring device
He adds that this was part of an effort towards actualizing the overall vision of the UniPort, to become an entrepreneurial institution.
It was the first university in Nigeria to declare so in 2010 so they had to ensure that it is a research-intensive institution, which shall transform its products and services for addressing social problems.
Prof Etela emphasized that through the UP-ECOSIN project they train faculty and graduate students on competitive grants writing and has helped in positioning UniPort as a research and innovation hub in Africa and beyond.
“In deciding to carry out the project on strengthening institutional capacity building, we also realized that increasing awareness of researchers to commercialize results also means they have to conduct high quality transformative research.”
He went on to say that conducting such high-quality research requires funds, which are ordinarily not readily available through conventional funding from the government . Hence, the need to build the capacity of researchers to be able to actively solicit for grants to support their innovative research works.
Patents
According to Prof Akaranta, UP-ECOSIN project has, indeed, facilitated the transformation of research projects from laboratories into patents and ready for commercialization.
“Through the project, the importance of multidisciplinary approach to implementation became obvious with each team member bringing on board their perspectives to enrich the outcomes. For example, through the funding of the project we were able to engage the services of a lawyer who specializes in filing patents and this approach enabled us to speedily secure the national patents within three months. It usually takes longer to achieve the same,” Prof Akaranta stated.
15L Essential Oil Extractor
On the project were industrial chemists, engineers, agriculturists and other experts working together to move it from the theory to producing tangible products.
This gave rise to the five pilot plants: 0.5 cubic litres mobile biogas digester,15L essential oil extractor, 700 kg fish dryer with oil collector, organic manure pelletizer, and 54 cubic feet gas-fired kiln for ceramics.
“They were designed to be fired using biogas thus protecting the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and controlling deforestation since the plants do not depend on direct firewood as fuel. For example, the fifth pilot plant which is gas-fired kiln for ceramics will support sustainable education in ceramic studies at the Department of Fine Arts and Design in the Faculty of Humanities,” Prof Etela remarked.
Prof Etela indicated that in addition to the five pilot plants designed to be biogas-fired, there are five other green chemicals derived from agro-waste that are available for venture capitalists and other interested investors to promote commercialization.
Industry collaboration
Since the project emphasizes university-industry collaboration, four partnerships have been established so far. This has facilitated easy access to real-life societal/industry problems and resources, enabling staff and students at the university to conduct more relevant and impactful research.
Organic Manure Pelletiser with Rotating disc, electric motor and control panel
“The partnerships have created valuable networking opportunities for faculty members and students, fostering hands-on internship programmes and career planning and development for our students. Curricula reviews of academic programmes of students who benefited from the partnerships with the industry, through internships, have seen the integration of classroom learning with hands-on experience,” Prof Akaranta said.
Overcoming challenges
Despite challenges such as fluctuating exchange rates and vendor compliance issues, the team employed meticulous financial reporting and proactive follow-ups to ensure smooth implementation.
Transforming mindsets
“Before UP-ECOSIN, less than 1 per cent of UniPort staff and students understood the importance of commercializing research results. Training workshops have sparked curiosity among participants, paving the way for future innovation. The workshops have created awareness about commercialization of research outputs. Now more than50 of staff and students understand the importance of commercializing research products,” said Prof Etela.
Lessons for African universities
Both the professors pointed out that teamwork emerged as a cornerstone of success in implementing UP-ECOSIN. This offers a model for other African institutions seeking to strengthen their innovation ecosystems.
“UniPort technical staff were indispensable in translating theoretical concepts into tangible products,” Prof Akaranta stated.
The UP-ECOSIN’s impact extends beyond its initial funding period through grantsmanship workshops that have led to major wins like the Mastercard Foundation Grant for African universities and Erasmus Mundus funding for graduate programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Because of UP-ECOSIN, several research teams at UniPort have also secured grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 over the last three years.
With its focus on capacity building, commercialization, and industry collaboration, UniPort’s UP-ECOSIN project exemplifies how universities can drive sustainable development while fostering innovation across Africa.
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), serving as the Regional Coordination Unit for the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), has welcomed a new cohort of PhD scholars – the 6th Cohort since 2018. The scholars had a week long orientation at icipe Duduville campus from 17-21 March 2025. The orientation discussed the expected PhD journey of the scholars, and prepared them for the new academic environments they are entering into. Studies show that proper orientation of scholars at the beginning of their PhD journey increases retention, and reduces completion timelines. It is one of best practices in building science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) capacity.
Background on Rsif
The PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) is a flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), an Africa-led initiative aimed at bridging gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2015, Rsif focuses on transformative technologies with far-reaching societal impacts, including ICTs, food security, minerals and mining, energy, and climate change.
Rsif is supported by African governments – Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and other development partners. It provides high-quality doctoral training and research opportunities at competitively selected African universities, fostering partnerships with international institutions to enhance research and innovation capacities.
Past Cohorts and Achievements
With cohort 6 now onboard, Rsif has supported 302 PhD students across since 2018, when icipe took on the responsibility of being a Regional Coordination Unit. Out of these, 45 have so far graduated, and returned to their home countries. Rsif scholarships are competitive, and emphasizes international collaboration, and alignment with Africa’s development priorities.
Cohort 6 Orientation
The Cohort 6 scholars, supported by a $2 million USD grant from the Kenyan government, commenced their orientation at icipe. This cohort includes 21 scholars, 16 of whom are Kenyans and 4 are from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Tanzania. Using the PASET 80/20 rule, 80 per cent of the funds support nationalities of the countributing country and 20 per cent support other nationalities from Africa. In this case Kenya was the contributing country supporting Cohort 6. The event highlighted the importance of completing the programme and aligning research with African challenges.
Group photo of all Cohort 6 scholars and Rsif staff
Dr Julius Ecuru, Rsif RCU Manager at icipe expressed icipe’s appreciation for Government of Kenya’s renewed contribution that enabled support for this specific cohort 6 of scholars. He congratulated the scholars on being selection from thousands of applicants. ‘Rsif is prestigious PhD scholarship programme in both its form and content in Africa, and is highly competitive”, Dr Ecuru stated.
More than 810 applications were received, out of which only 21 were selected. Of the 21 selected,8 are women, highlighting the importance of gender considerations in STEM.
Ms Ruth Charo, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank Task Team Leader for the Rsif project encouraged the scholars to address African problems through their research.
“Since this is taxpayers’ money, the contributing countries have made a big sacrifice to ensure the African continent leapfrogs in STEM for its prosperity,” Ms Charo said.
“As the World Bank, we are very grateful to the African Host Universities (AHUs), International Partner Institutions (IPIs), African Governments, and the Government of Korea that came together to ensure that this programme is successful,” she added.
Mr James Muchiri, who represents the Ministry of Education at PASET Executive Board stressed the importance of scholars to add value to their countries through impactful research and partnerships.
“As a government, we would be interested to see the value you as scholars will be adding to our countries. We want you to make a difference make in the lives people and communities you come from,” Mr Muchiri who was in attendance said.
L-R: Cynthia Orang’o, Mr James Muchiri, Dr Everlyn Nguku
Prof Aminata Sall Diallo, the Chair of the PASET Executive Board also extended her gratitude to Government of Kenya for the additional financing. She encouraged the scholars to be pragmatic and pursue their studies with passion. “You are the next generation of thought leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers. The knowledge and expertise you will gain through this program will not only advance your careers but also contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Africa. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity fully—engage with your peers, seek mentorship, and push the boundaries of research and innovation. Your work has the potential to make a real impact, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time” Prof Diallo said.
Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo, Rsif PASET Chair of the Executive Board
“As you embark on this academic journey, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and excellence. Doctoral research is not easy—it demands resilience, hard work, and an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge”, Prof Diallo continued. Prof Diallo concluded by encouraging the scholars to “strive for excellence and seek to inspire and mentor others who will follow in their footsteps.”
Rsif has grown to become one of the largest academic and research networks in Africa, with more than 450 active scientists, including the scholars. In collaboration with 15 African Host Universities and 32 International Partner Institutions, the scholars and their academic advisors have published more than 370 papers in high impact journals with 1,807 citations as of February 2025.
Cohort 6 scholars during the Orientation
As the cohort 6 scholars embark on their academic journeys, they join a network of highly talented colleagues – brightest minds in the continent. But the real challenge is the stamina they should possess to complete their studies in time, and join the workforce in the continent to make a difference in the communities they serve.
As the world marks International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action,” we hail two remarkable Rsif scholars: Esther Aba Eshun, a Ghanaian 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.
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.
Esther Aba Eshun
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.
Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez defending her thesis.
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.
The World Bank, the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), and the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Executive Board wrapped up their Implementation Support Mission (ISM) in Kigali, Rwanda. This mission, which began at icipe’s Duduville Campus in Nairobi, Kenya, on 12 February focused on AI and climate change and involved Rsif African Host Universities with PhD programs in these areas: HU, and BU (Climate Change), UGB and UR (AI). It also involved visits to Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria, and University of Rwanda in Kigali. Rsif is a flagship programme of PASET managed by icipe since 2018. A key point of focus for the mission at Bayero University was “Innovative academic research for tackling climate change: solutions for a sustainable future” while at the University of Rwanda, the main theme was on “AI as an enabler for growth and socioeconomic transformation in Africa.”
The Rsif initiative spans several critical sectors, including ICT including big data and AI Food security and agri-business, Minerals, mining and materials engineering, Energy including renewables and Climate change.
With a focus on applied sciences and technology, the programme seeks to address Africa’s pressing socio-economic challenges by developing the skills necessary for transformative development. The mission’s discussions highlighted the transformative role that AI and Big Data can play in Africa’s development, particularly in research and education.
Dr Abdou Tenkouano, Director General of icipe, emphasized the critical role of Rsif in advancing human capacity across the continent. “Together with support from the World Bank and PASET, icipe has provided 302 PhD scholarships to African students from 24 nationalities, with a 37% representation of women. We have also funded various research and innovation projects across key thematic areas such as food security, energy, and AI,” Dr Tenkouano stated.
Dr Abdou Tenkouano, icipe Director General during the opening session of the ISM
He further added that with the Rsif programme, icipe’s role as a pan-African centre of excellence that provides quality PhD training, research, and innovation grants is strengthened. Through this effort, Rsif is contributing significantly to Africa’s goal of using science and technology for the socioeconomic transformation of the continent.
Ms Ruth Charo, World Bank Task Team Leader, noted that the mission was an opportunity to discuss the contribution of AI and climate change research to national and regional development.
Ms Ruth Charo, World Bank Task Team LeaderDuring the meeting at Bayero University, Nigeria, Prof Jibrin Mohammed, CDA Director, emphasized how innovative research is addressing climate change. He called for continued research and policy solutions to tackle the continent’s environmental challenges. Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Prof Sagir Abbas, reiterated the institution’s commitment to high-quality research and innovation.
Prof Sagir Abbas, Vice Chancellor, Bayero UniversityProf Jibrin Mohammed, Director, Centre of Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University
At the University of Rwanda, Ms Françoise Kayitare Tengera, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance, highlighted the importance of AI and Big Data in the university’s research and development initiatives. “The Rsif programme has contributed significantly to our postgraduate objectives, particularly through the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), which hosts several Rsif-funded PhD scholars,” she said.
Ms Françoise Kayitare Tengera, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance, University of Rwanda
Dr Julius Ecuru, Rsif’s Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) Manager, emphasized the importance of building a critical mass of highly skilled scientists to drive socio-economic transformation in Africa.
Dr Julius Ecuru, Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) Manager
He also mentioned three critical pillars for innovation: universities, government, and industry which should be interconnected. Dr Ecuru added that icipe is now developing its next vision and strategy for 2025-2030 with a strong emphasis on capacity building.
World Bank representative Gang I Kim highlighted both opportunities and challenges presented by AI integration within the programme.
Gang I Kim, World Bank representative
The PASET Executive Board Member Engineer Mike Hughes noted that Rsif was established in 2013 with founding countries including Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Senegal. Since then, it has expanded to include 11 member nations.
Eng. Mike Hughes, PASET Executive Board
AI’s integration into Rwanda’s education system was a key highlight, as the country ranks among the top three in Africa for AI utilization. Prof Ignace Gatare, Principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (CST), shared insights into how technology education has contributed to the country’s impressive rise in global technology rankings.
Prof Ignace Gatare, Principal, the College of Science and Technology, University of RwandaWhile closing the mission, Dr Tenkouano reiterated that “we cannot stop thanking PASET, the World Bank, African governments and all our partners for the continued support. We are especially grateful to the governments of Rwanda and Kenya for renewing their contribution to the Rsif in 2023 and 2024, respectively. It is our wish that other African countries will also renew their contributions, and that new countries will join PASET in the coming years.”
Dr Tenkouano closed the mission by thanking African governments for their continued support of Rsif. He also called for more African countries to contribute to the initiative to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the programme, which aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity to tackle the challenges of the future.
In conclusion, the ISM mission not only celebrated the achievements of the Rsif but also reinforced the importance of AI and climate change research in Africa’s development. By focusing on capacity building and fostering collaborations across universities, governments, and industries, the mission reinforced the shared commitment to driving Africa’s socio-economic transformation through science and innovation.
