NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network

In May 2026, the NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network successfully delivered a four-session Competency-Based Education (CBE) Co-Design Training Series, bringing together more than 30 participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. 

The four-session CBE Curriculum Co-Design Training was delivered virtually on 11, 15, 20, and 25 May 2026. 

Facilitated by learning design and CBE specialists in collaboration with GFAiR and RUFORUM, the virtual training equipped subject-matter experts and university representatives with practical skills for developing competency-based curricula. The sessions focused on defining competencies, writing learning outcomes, designing authentic assessments, and aligning curriculum content with enterprise creation, jobs, and livelihoods. The training formed a critical step in the development of an open-source curriculum on neglected and underutilized species (NUS), ensuring that learning is grounded in real-world challenges and workforce needs.

Beyond strengthening participants’ understanding of CBE principles, the training series also fostered collaboration across a diverse network of contributors from 26 countries. The experience generated valuable insights into curriculum development, highlighting both the enthusiasm of a committed core group of experts and the need for continued support and engagement throughout the co-design process. Outcomes from the training directly informed the development of the CBE-enhanced curriculum framework, the drafting of prototype learning materials across seven knowledge blocks, and the identification of block leaders who will guide future curriculum refinement. 

As the network moves toward pilot implementation, the CBE Co-Design Training Series stands as a key milestone in building an inclusive, learner-centered, and globally relevant educational resource for NUS education.

Block prototype documents produced: 

1. Block 0: Foundations and Systems - 3 modules
2. Block 1: Production and Agronomy - 4 modules 
3. Block 2: Post-Harvest and Processing - 3 modules 
4. Block 3: Value Addition and Markets - 4 modules 
5. Block 4: Nutrition and Health - 4 modules 
6. Block 5: Climate and Biodiversity - 3 modules 
7. Block 6: Policy and Food Systems - 3 modules 

The NUS Open-Source Curriculum Network was presented at the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa, hosted by FAO and FARA in Accra, Ghana (10 June 2026). The presentation, titled “Building an Open-Source NUS Curriculum: Evidence from a Multi-Regional Network of Universities,” drew on findings from the baseline institutional survey and the curriculum contributors scoping exercise. 

A physical workshop in Kampala will be convened for block leads and core contributors to review peer review findings and finalise prototype materials. (week of 13 July 2026). 

Related:

Another e-learning module is currently being designed by FARA with funding of FAO to build awareness and capacity on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), or “Forgotten Foods,” by equipping learners with knowledge on their nutritional, agronomic, economic, and food systems value, and their role in strengthening sustainable, resilient, and diversified food systems across Africa. This e-learning module will support AU policy making by building the knowledge, evidence, and stakeholder capacity needed to integrate Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) into African food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and agricultural development policies.

11-12 December 2025, Nairobi, Kenya. Residential workshop Transformative Teaching of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) -  Linking Education, Innovation, and Enterprise Development

• Interviews with participants of the Residential workshop Transformative Teaching of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)