The African Climate and Environment Center – Future African Savannas (AFAS) Annual Stakeholder Workshop, held on November 18, 2024, in Nairobi, convened a diverse range of participants from academia, policy, industry, and civil society. With the theme "Transferring Science into Practice," the event emphasized the urgent need to convert research into actionable strategies for climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation in Africa's savanna ecosystems. Organized by the University of Nairobi's Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA) in collaboration with international partners, the workshop highlighted the transformative potential of nature-based solutions in addressing the continent's pressing environmental and social challenges.
The AFAS initiative, launched in May 2021 and funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is part of a global effort to develop science-driven strategies for the sustainable management of Africa’s savannas. Covering 43% of the continent and supporting around 325 million people, these ecosystems face mounting pressures from climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. The project seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice, offering solutions that address environmental challenges while fostering economic opportunities for local communities.
During the workshop, Prof. Leonida Kerubo, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, urged academics to prioritize practical innovations over traditional measures of scholarly success, such as high-impact publications. She commended the AFAS project for its leadership in driving interdisciplinary collaboration and mentoring emerging scientists. Prof. Kerubo encouraged participants to craft strategies that integrate research findings into policies, innovations, and technologies capable of driving sustainable development.
Prof. Daniel Olago, Chair of the Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, provided an update on the AFAS project’s progress, now in its third year. He detailed how the initiative connects interdisciplinary research across biosphere, atmosphere, and human impacts, focusing on climate adaptation in East Africa and biodiversity conservation in West Africa. Prof. Olago emphasized the importance of linking scientific advancements to practical applications, particularly in semi-arid regions vulnerable to climate variability.
A pivotal moment of the workshop was the keynote presentation by Dr. Aster Gebrekirstos from the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (ICRAF. Her address emphasized the critical importance of integrating research with practical solutions to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development, highlighting actionable strategies and global best practices for addressing the pressing challenges facing Africa's savanna ecosystems. Complementing her insights, the workshop showcased research findings from the first cohort of master’s students participating in the AFAS project. Their studies explored various aspects of climate adaptation and sustainability, presenting actionable recommendations for addressing the interconnected challenges of biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
The workshop also featured contributions from industry representatives, including PASS Africa Ltd. and Ecospa Corporation Ltd., who shared insights on integrating climate-resilient solutions into business practices. This underscored the critical role of collaboration between academia, policy, and the private sector. A networking session employed a “speed-dating” format, enabling stakeholders to engage in focused discussions, further strengthening partnerships and fostering future collaboration.
In conclusion, the AFAS Annual Stakeholder Workshop 2024 highlighted the transformative role of interdisciplinary research and cross-sector collaboration in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. With its focus on translating science into practice, the event provided a platform for showcasing innovative research, such as the impactful work of master’s students on climate adaptation and sustainability. As the AFAS initiative continues to advance, the workshop reaffirmed the need for sustained partnerships and innovative solutions to build resilience and secure a sustainable future for Africa's savannas and their communities.