Capacity development

 

Solutions to the complex challenges driving social-ecological crises require transdisciplinary research approaches involving the co-production of knowledge between researchers and research users for science-based decision making.

A core aim of Sentinel is to enhance capacity of UK and African researchers to co-develop with research users (notably policy makers) excellent and relevant interdisciplinary research on the impacts, risks and trade-offs within and between social, economic and environmental dimensions of different agricultural development pathways that relate to SDGs 2, 10 and 15.

Using a participatory process that combines state-of-the-art research with effective research user engagement, Sentinel will enhance the capacity of researchers in the UK, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Ghana to:

  1. Investigate sustainable development challenges through interdisciplinary research
  2. Increase the relevance of their research to key information needs of research users by engaging effectively with them throughout the research process
  3. Ensure that research findings can be readily applied both during the timeframe of the programme and on an on-going basis.

Our partnership with RUFORUM, a pan-African consortium of African Universities, will contribute to strengthening capacity of researchers beyond the three target countries to conduct relevant research at the agricultural/environment nexus and to strengthen their teaching in this respect. Capacity development is embedded throughout the programme as an integral part of the research agenda, building on frameworks of research capacity development developed as part of the UK Department for International Development’s research strategy. Sentinel recognises that effective organisational systems, processes and relationships are key to ensuring that research is relevant, makes the best use of existing knowledge, and that researchers are well connected, motivated and rewarded. As such, Sentinel is using collaborative research / learning, interactive training and mentoring of junior staff, and direct engagement with senior university managers in the UK and in Africa to overcome capacity constraints.

Based on a capacity needs assessment, Sentinel will also employ tangible activities to strengthen technical and 'process-oriented' capacities for co-developing research and implementing research outputs with researcher users to address the Sentinel aims. These may include knowledge-building workshops, training workshops, seminars, or webcasts.

 

 

Blogs

The 4 main hubs used for the Sentinel workshop
Sentinel holds final partner workshop

Ahead of Sentinel’s project close at the end of March 2022, partners came together in mid-February to hold a final project workshop. 

A screenshot taken during the training sessions. Source: RUFORUM
Through the Sentinel Project, RUFORUM trains masters and doctoral students in practical econometric modelling using STATA

Effective policymaking require rigorous evidence to be generated to guide the design and implementation of interventions that support social and economic wellbeing of citizens.

A snapshot of participants who attended the grant proposal development training.
RUFORUM trains masters and doctoral students on grant proposal development through the Sentinel Project

In recent times, there have been declining funding levels for the agricultural sector and university education coupled with institutional reforms that are characterized by institutionalization of competitive grants.

Publications

Transdisciplinary research partnerships for complex problem solving - meeting the challenges

Author(s)
Alexandre Chausson - University of Oxford, Adrienne Martin - Natural Resources Institute
Date published

Coherence and disconnects in agricultural and conservation policies in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author(s)
Katy Jeary - Consultant, Barbara Adolph - IIED, Phil Franks - IIED
Date published
Material type
Research report
Livelihood Vulnerability index: Gender Dimensions image

Livelihood Vulnerability Index: Gender Dimensions to Climate Change and Variability in REDD+ Piloted Sites, Cross River State, Nigeria

Author(s)
Adeniyi Okanlawon Basiru, Abiodun Olusengun Oladoye, Olubusayo Omotola Adekoya, Lucas Aderemi Akomolede, Vincent Onguso Oeba, Opeyemi Oluwaseun Awodutire, Fredrick Charity, Emmanuel Kolwole Abodunrin
Date published
Material type
Research report