AICCRA Region West Africa
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/115664
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Item A novel integrated computational approach for agroecological similarity(Journal Article, 2025-05-15) Tonle, Franck B.N.; Tonnang, Henri E.Z.; Ndadji, Milliam M.Z.; Tchendji, Maurice T.; Nzeukou, Armand; Niassy, SaliouAssessing agroecological similarity is crucial for shaping sustainable agricultural practices and resource allocation, especially in regions undergoing rapid environmental changes. Current evaluation methods face challenges such as managing large datasets, adjusting for temporal variations across locations, and the need for accessible, comprehensive analytical tools. Addressing these challenges, this paper presents the Agroecology Fourier-based Similarity Assessment (AFSA), an innovative computational approach that applies principles of the Fourier transform to systematically evaluate similarities among agroecological sites. To enhance usability, AFSA is complemented by webafsa, a user-friendly web application designed for researchers and policymakers, emphasizing ease of use and broad applicability. The implementation of AFSA and webafsa aims to improve land suitability assessments, enhance decision-making for resource allocation, and support better adaptation strategies for sustainable agriculture. By offering both a sophisticated computational methodology and an accessible decision-support tool, this study paves the way for more informed and environmentally considerate agricultural practices.Item Bias-Aware AI in Agricultural Extension: Enhancing Equity and Inclusivity Through Human-Centered Design(Poster, 2025) Nganga, Kevin Gitau; Ghosh, AniruddhaThis Info Note explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), in agricultural extension services. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and bias mitigation to ensure equitable outcomes for smallholder farmers, women, and marginalized groups. While LLMs can enhance climate resilience and decision-making by offering timely, context-aware advisories, they risk reinforcing systemic biases if not carefully designed. Moreover, it advocates for the integration of Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles and participatory methods throughout AI development to align technologies with diverse user needs. A novel methodology using the DALL·E image generation model demonstrates how prompt engineering can mitigate stereotypical representations in AI outputs. By combining ethical AI practices, localized insights, and inclusive visual and textual content, the InfoNote presents a roadmap for equitable innovation in agronomic and climate information systems. Policy and governance recommendations to foster trust, transparency, and broad adoption of AI tools in agriculture are also outlined.Item Regional plan for preparedness and response to pest and disease outbreaks in West and Central Africa 2024-2028(Report, 2024-10) CORAF; CIATItem Capacity building to facilitate the scaling of the gender-smart accelerator program and foster gender-smart investments in West Africa(Brief, 2024-12) Maiga, Mariame; Kpadonou, G. Esaïe; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Derenoncourt, Marie Ena Pascale; Ganyo, Komla Kyky; Lamien, Niéyidouba; Zougmore, Robert BellarminAs part of the synergy between AICCRA and the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), a regional event was conveyed to discuss and identify strategic actions to facilitate the replication of the Gender-Smart Accelerator program in FSRP countries. This deliverable reports the outcomes of the capacity building event to facilitate the scaling of the program in FSRP countries. It outlines key actions identified for scaling the gender-smart accelerator program to and its implementation in FSRP countriesItem Facilitating the scaling of climate-smart technologies and innovations in rice value chains in West Africa(Brief, 2024-12) Kpadonou, G. Esaïe; Ganyo, Komla Kyky; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Dossou-Yovo, Elliott Ronald; Ahouanton, Kokou; Lamien, Niéyidouba; Zougmore, Robert BellarminAs part of the synergies between AICCRA and the FSRP programs, a regional event was organized to facilitate the scaling of climate-smart technologies in rice value chains in West Africa. The workshop introduced FSRP stakeholders from seven countries to innovative climate-smart technologies for rice value chains and identified actionable steps to enhance the adoption and use of these technologies in FSRP countries.Item Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Seasonal to Sub‑Seasonal Forecasting Systems in West Africa and the Sahel(Brief, 2024-12) Houngnibo, Mandela C.; Ali, Abdou; Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal; Minoungou, Bernard; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Zougmore, Robert BellarminThis Info Note describes AGRHYMET's efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence into seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasting systems. It discusses how AI can contribute to improve the accuracy and reliability of forecasts, and the outcomes of the Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF). The report also highlights the different initiatives by AGRHYMET to integrate AI in forecasting systems and articulates AICCRA contributions. By integrating AI into its operations, AGRHYMET aims to address the unique challenges of forecasting in West Africa and the Sahel, regions characterized by complex and highly variable climatic conditions in addition to a poor ground-based data availability.Item Leveraging the Climate-Smart Village (CSV) approach to implement the Integrated Land Management (ILM) concept in FSRP countries(Brief, 2024-11) Ganyo, Komla Kyky; Kpadonou, G. Esaïe; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Ouedraogo, Harouna; Tall, Baidy; Lamien, Niéyidouba; Zougmore, Robert BellarminThis deliverable highlights the achievements, perceptions of the participants, lessons learned and outcomes of the regional training workshop on methods and tools for implementing and managing climate-smart villages. The capacity building event was organized in synergy with the FSRP program and targeted national agricultural, meteorological and hydrological services to support the implementation of CSV approach in the FSRP’s intervention areas. As results of the training, five FSRP countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Sierra Leone) have developed a national plan for implementation of CSV in their respective country with implementation budget ranging from 14,477 to 1,571,086 US $.Item On-the-job Training to strengthen the operational capacities of NMHSs to produce New Generation of Seasonal Forecasts in West Africa and the Sahel(Report, 2024-10) Houngnibo, Mandela C.; Ali, Abdou; Minoungou, Bernard; Seidou Sanda, Ibrah; Segnon, Alcade Christel; Zougmore, Robert BellarminThe on-the-job training is a designed one-month capacity-building program to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) from West African and Sahel countries (29 participants from 13 countries, including 11 non-AICCRA countries) on the full range of seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasting methodologies. The on-the-job training provided participants with practical experience in using WAS_S2S tools along with tools like PyCPT and Xcast, while it also introduced them to AI-based approaches. Additionally, the training focused on evaluating the different methodologies, helping participants understand the strengths and limitations of each approach and how they can be applied in their respective national contexts.Item Mainstreaming AICCRA CIS/CSA course modules in African Universities’ curricula(Report, 2024-08) Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Egeru, Anthony; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert MwanjaloloThe deliverable reports the achievements of use of AICCRA CIS/CSA course modules in various universities in Africa. It highlights the mainstreaming of the course modules in BSc program in Tanzania (through revision of curricula) and in a new MSc program (Green Economy) Uganda (through the use in the creation of a new program). It also highlights the formal requests of the course modules by several universities from 14 African countries including 11 non-AICCRA countries.Item Quelle approche stratégique pour une nouvelle génération des prévisions saisonnières en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Sahel : analyses et propositions(Report, 2024-12) Ali, Abdou; Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin; Segnon, Alcade ChristelA travers une analyse approfondie de l’état de l’art actuel des connaissances et des expériences en matière de prévision climatique en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Sahel, cette note fait des propositions qui serviront de cadre d’orientation pour la mise en œuvre effective d’une nouvelle approche intégrée de prévisions saisonnières dans cette région. Il s’agit d’une approche intégrée permettant de prendre avantage des aspects spécifiques de chacune des méthodes statistiques et dynamiques utilisées actuellement de manière différentielle. La mise en œuvre de cette nouvelle approche intégrée et appropriée pour la région Afrique de l’Ouest et du Sahel permettra de : (a) générer des prévisions saisonnières élaborées avec plus de traçabilité, plus précis, plus détaillé et plus adapté aux besoins spécifiques des utilisateurs ; (b) un format organisationnel du RCOF plus allégé, donc plus durable ; (c) une facilité de mise à jour mensuelle des prévisions ; (d) des capacités accrues des acteurs de la région pour fournir aux usagers des services basées sur les résultats récents de la recherche et de la technologie sur le climat et ses impacts ; (e) la consolidation de AGRHYMET comme centre climatique régional accréditée et disposant de toutes les capacités opérationnelles pour confirmer son leadership régional dans la fourniture des services climatiques. AGRHYMET en tant que Centre Régional Climatique s’appuiera sur certaines de ses initiatives en cours, notamment les projets AICCRA et FSRP pour assurer la mise en œuvre opérationnelle de la nouvelle approche, toute chose qui contribuera à renforcer le positionnement de AGRHYMET comme Leader régional sur les services climatiques accrédité par l’OMMItem Technical cooperation and Data-Driven Development for Digital Soil Maps under the West African Regional Hub for Fertilizers and Soil Health [A New Soil Health Vision for West Africa](Report, 2024-11) Crouch, Jonathan; Vanlauwe, Bernard; Muzata, BarbraSignificant progress was made in 2024 with strong partnership engagement across the region which culminated to Priority setting from in-country workshops in Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. These workshops highlighted digital soil mapping as a key input for Top 3 priority projects in all the countries above stressing the critical need to advance discussions to fill this gap. This reports details the progress made in achieving targets for AICCRA Performance indicators related to Regional Hub for fertilizers and soil Health (RHFSH).Item IITA-World Bank Establish Regional Hub for Fertilizers and soil Health in West Africa [Set-up and Operationalization of Regional partnership for impact](Report, 2024-11) Crouch, Jonathan; Vanlauwe, Bernard; Muzata, BarbraThis report highlights IITA's coordinated efforts toward the establishment of the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health, aligned with performance indicator IPI 1.2. It details key milestones achieved, including environmental and social compliance, governance structures, stakeholder engagement, and the official launch, showcasing progress in advancing sustainable soil health and fertilizer management across the region. The establishment of the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health (RHFSH) progressed significantly in 2024, guided by the leadership and technical direction of IITA. Key activities included: 1. Environmental and Social Screening: Initial compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) Framework enabled IITA to initiate physical renovations of the designated hub building at its headquarters in Ibadan. 2. Recruitment and Staffing: Recruitment processes commenced for the Director, Senior Agronomist, Senior Data Scientist, and Junior Data Scientist, who will oversee the hub's operations. 3. Governance and Consortium Framework: A Hub Advisory Committee was established, and a Consortium Agreement was signed with IITA, OCP Africa, ANPI, UM6P, and IFDC, aligning hub activities with the Priority Actions of the Lomé Declaration and its 10-year Road Map. 4. Country Scoping and Prioritization: Scoping missions were conducted in priority countries, leading to the development of country engagement guidelines and the categorization of countries into three cohorts (waves 1, 2, and 3). 5. Launch and Opening: The RHFSH was officially launched at the Fertilizer Summit in Nairobi on May 8, 2024, followed by its official opening in Ibadan on June 26, 2024. These actions confirms the establishment of the hub per its deliverables by 2024 and solidify its’s foundation, enhancing the capacity to drive sustainable fertilizer and soil health solutions across Sahel and West Africa.Item Development of e-learning materials for CSA and CIS course modules(Report, 2024-08) Nimusiima, Alex; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert MwanjaloloThe report documents the capacity building to CIS/CSA course module developers on translating the course modules into e-learning materials. It also reports the uploading of CSA/CIS modules developed as part of AICCRA into RUFORUM Regional E-Learning Platform. Uploading AICCRA CIS/CSA course modules has improved and strengthened RUFORUM E-Learning Platform.Item Facilitating the Access and Use of CSA and CIS Course Modules in African Higher Education Systems(Report, 2024-08) Nimusiima, Alex; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert MwanjaloloTo facilitate the access and use of CIS/CSA curricula developed by RUFORUM/WASCAL, the cluster has organised a side event during the RUFORUM Triennial Conference 2024 to create awareness of training curricula developed by the AICCRA project among university leaders, lecturers and students with a view of mainstreaming the developed CSA and CIS curricular in the training programmes of universities. This deliverable reports the outcomes of the event, especially the mainstreaming of the CIS/CSA course modules in a University in Tanzania and a request from 22 universities in 13 African countries, including 11 non-AICCRA countriesItem Climate-Smart Crop-Livestock-Aquaculture Integration Course Module(Training Material, 2024) Djagoun, Chabi; Rukarwa, Runyararo Jolyn; Sorho, FatogomaThis module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of agriculture as a dynamic and interactive system that uses crops, animals and fishes to produce food for livelihood improvement. At the end of the course, students are able to apply principles of climate-smart agriculture to improve the sustainability of crop-livestock–aquaculture systems; understand a case study of integrated farming systems and come up with their own observations, criticisms and probable ways of improving the system; assess environmental health risks from a crop-aquaculture-livestock integrated system; advise on the management of social-economic and environmental challenges pertaining to the crop-livestock–aquaculture systems.Item Indigenous Trees-based Agroforestry Systems Course Module(Training Material, 2024) Assogbadjo, Achille Ephrem; Avakoudjo, Hospice G. Gracias; Egeru, Anthony; Salako, Kolawolé ValèreAt the end of the course module, participants will acquire a comprehensive set of competences to effectively engage in Indigenous tree-based agroforestry systems. They will gain a deep understanding of the central role indigenous trees play in agroforestry systems, particularly in enhancing resilience and facilitating community adaptation to climate change. This knowledge will enable trainees to articulate the significance of indigenous trees in sustainable land management practices. Additionally, participants will develop robust planning skills essential for the successful adoption of agroforestry practices, including the identification and removal of constraints hindering implementation.Item Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate-Smart Agriculture Basics Course Module(Report, 2024-07) Ekepu, David; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo; Nakayiwa, Florence MayegaAs part of the AICCRA, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) are tasked to develop curricula and training materials to accelerate the mainstreaming of Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA) into University’s curricula in Africa. This report documents the training of trainers’ (ToT) workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture Basics course module. The overall objective of the training of trainers’ workshop was to increase awareness and scale adoption/integration of the module on Climate-Smart Agriculture Basics across the RUFORUM Network and other non-AICCRA countries. 304 (Male=221; Female=82, Prefer not to say=1) participants from universities in 23 countries attended the training. The module is aimed at contributing towards promotion of the CSA approach among researchers, academia and practitioners. It introduces the concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the various CSA practices in Africa, the approach and tools for implementation and scaling of CSA practices, and discusses the barriers and enablers of adoption and scaling of CSA. The training increased awareness among academic staff in RUFORUM member universities. Participants indicated strong interest in incorporating the training material into their university curricula and cited several approaches including workshops, seminars, short courses and field demonstrations of the practical aspects of the module.Item Opportunities and experience of integration of CIS/CSA modules in the university curriculum: A case of Sokoine University of Agriculture(Presentation, 2024-08) Nyambilila, Amuri; Tindwa, HamisiItem Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate Basics Course Module(Report, 2024-10) Ekepu, David; Nakayiwa, Florence Mayega; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo; Dinku, Tufa; Grossi, AmandaAs part of the AICCRA, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) are tasked to develop curricula and training materials to accelerate the mainstreaming of Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA) into University’s curricula in Africa. This report documents the training of trainers’ (ToT) workshop on Climate Basics course module. The overall objective of the training of trainers’ workshop was to increase awareness and scale adoption/integration of the module on Climate Basics across the RUFORUM Network and other non-AICCRA countries. 498 (Male=353; Female=145) participants from universities in 31 countries attended the training. This training introduces various ways that climate is described and quantified, describes the components of climate, and discusses the differences between climate and weather. It introduces climate classifications and zones and discusses where these exist across the globe. The training increased awareness among academic staff in RUFORUM member universities. Participants indicated strong interest in incorporating the training material into their university curricula and cited several approaches including workshops, seminars, short courses and field demonstrations of the practical aspects of the module.Item Elaboration of Additional Modules on Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate Information System for Staff, Students, and other Stakeholders in Universities in Africa(Report, 2022-07) Otto, Francisco; Amponsah, William; Gilbert, Majaliwa M; Nakayiwa, Florence MThe Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA) working through CCAFS, intends to make CGIAR-led cutting-edge science practices/technologies/tools available throughout Africa; especially in Sub-regions extremely vulnerable to climate change. The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a network of 150 universities in 38 countries spanning the whole African continent is a partner in the AICCRA project. RUFORUM’s contribution in the AICCRA project is focused on mobilising African universities, create awareness and enhance the use of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Climate information services (CIS) knowledge and products developed by the CGIAR Centres and other research institutions engaged in CSA and CIS. Enhancing the use of CSA and CIS involves capacity, knowledge and technology audits at national and institutional level, mobilise CGIAR and other research centres to provide CSA and CIS knowledge, technology and skills and training of faculty to deploy the CSA and CIS products in training, research and outreach. Knowledge transfer and capacity building activities therefore form the central part of RUFORUM’s participation in the AICCRA project.