Creation of research linkages in Africa by regional bodies

Agriculture is the mainstay of most African countries and research in the sector is one of the key ways to make it more efficient and thus beneficial to the rural communities. Establishment of research linkages is key to enhancing efficiency. A case study of two research projects supported by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) was undertaken to analyze the development of these linkages. The first case was for a research project based in Vihiga Kenya and Jinja in Uganda. The design of the project allowed the MSc students from the respective country to visit, use public transport, undertake research, learn and exchange views with communities in the alternate country. This enriched the experience for all stakeholders especially because the students were both male and female. Undoubtedly, there were higher costs due to travel but the experience achieved a network output that was beyond the initial expectation. The second case study involved an investigation of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) a goat disease that has devastated East African countries. The research was carried out in both Tanzania and Kenya. Due to challenges of distance, remoteness and the fact that one of the two students was pursuing a PhD course, in addition to RUFORUM, leveraged funding and support was obtained from an NGO-Vetworks East Africa; training skills for participatory research were obtained from International Livestock Research Centre (ILRI); Veterinary Government officials were trained by funds from FAO and PCR tests were performed in the government Vet laboratory with assistance of IAEA. In Tanzania, Mtwara Vet labs assisted with the PCR diagnosis. In Tanzania, PPR vaccination was commenced by the Government due to the irrevocable proof by the student that PPR was the cause of deaths in goats. The two Principle Investigators (PIs) (Gitao and Karimuribo) later wrote another proposal to EAPP on dairy in East Africa which was funded. Research networks can therefore create synergy within the network and achieve more than expected. Research networks can grow and include other stakeholders which enhance sustainability and impact. They can also achieve a life of their own and establish a knowledge network.