2022 edition of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Africa

12 - 16 December 2022. This year, the AGM of the of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Africa (RUFORUM) emphasized on the needed actions by African universities and their partners to strengthen Agri-food systems in Africa while building resilience to especially the emerging challenges posed by climate change and variability.

The 18th RUFORUM AGM was convened with the following objectives:Provide a forum for the RUFORUM Governance organs to reflect on progress made on the implementation of various programs and initiatives of the RUFORUM network;

• 
  Provide a platform for RUFORUM Secretariat to sensitize the Network members about the 2nd
  RUFORUM Operational Plan for the RUFORUM Vision 2030 Strategy (The African Universities’ Agenda for Agricultural Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation – AHESTI) which consolidates and builds upon the achievements of the first Operational Plan (2018-2022), which sought to attract and nurture (through the transformative process of learning and knowledge accumulation) superior postgraduate talent into agriculture in Africa to achieve significant economies of scope and scale in rigorous and relevant training;
  
• 
  Profile and inform the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and other Development Partners and other stakeholders about RUFORUM engagements at regional and national levels, including, among others, RUFORUM support for Higher Education and Agricultural Development in Africa;
• Provide opportunity for scientists, researchers and students to share their scientific findings and experiences
• Provide a platform for RUFORUM members to establish partnerships and/or teams to respond to various opportunities; and
• 
  Engage African Governments and Development Partners to support the operationalization of the five continental initiatives agreed upon by African Ministers meeting in Cape Coast Ghana in 2019 (link)

11/12 Moving forward the UNFSS 21 Action Plan: Need for collaborative undertakings

Opening Remarks: Prof. Adipala Ekwamu, Executive Secretary, RUFORUM 

Keynote Address: Ms. Pauline Gangla, Head of Scholars Program, Eastern & Southern Africa Partner Network, the Mastercard Foundation Interactive session with Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation Evidence of TAGDev Impact 

Panel One: Finding meaning and fulfillment in Community Service 

• Ms. Monique Sognigbe, Serving Marginalized Pastoral Communities (Benin) 
  
• Ms. Mahoussi Simone Assocle & Mr. Nelson Koliesuah: Empowering refugees (Benin & Liberia) 
• Anthony Emaru: The 4Pillar Giveback (Kenya) 
• Olivier Nihimbazwe: Water for Development (Burundi) 

Panel Two: Translating entrepreneurship training into viable businesses 

• Mr. Gabriel Mahindu Kwendo; Comrade Dairy-Delivering value to local milk producers (Kenya) 
• Ms. Helvi K. Unoovene; Profiting from Shea butter from Uganda in Namibia (Namibia) 
• Ms. Ochama Juliet; Producing wine from local fruits enabling local women earn more 
• Mr. John Mugonya, Empowering youth in entrepreneurship Agripreneurship Alliance (Uganda)

Panel Three: Adapting Institutions to deliver unique training approaches: Experiences from pilot Universities and adapting Universities 

• Prof. Duncan Ongeng, Gulu University, Uganda 
• Prof. Nancy Mungai, Egerton University, Kenya 
• Prof. Abdirizak M. Aden, President, Nugaal University, Somalia: Experiences of adopting and adapting the Egerton University and Gulu University model 
• Reflections: Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor, Uganda Martyrs University, Uganda-Re-orienting Africa’s Universities for impact

12/12 Official Opening of the Scientific Conference

RUFORUM Business Meeting

Closing ceremony

• Final Address by Outgoing Executive Secretary and Introducing New Executive Secretary 
• Prize awards: Outstanding Farmers & Outstanding Upcoming Scientists from Zimbabwe, Africa Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs, and Outstanding Contributors to Africa’s Development