Cooperation for Holistic Agriculture Innovation Nests in Sub-Saharan Africa (ERASMUS CHAIN)

Projects

Project Summary

The Erasmus CHAIN project aims to develop a competency-based Master’s curriculum focusing on the Holistic Agriculture and Food Value Chain (FVC) at six partner higher education institutions. The primary objectives include determining relevant content for the Master’s program, identifying institutional procedures for accreditation, and enrolling the first cohort of students by the end of the third year. The project employs comprehensive needs assessments, fieldwork, focus group discussions, and stakeholder meetings to tailor the curriculum to address the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Principal Investigator

  • Prof. Christopher Obel-Gor (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology)

Funding Source

  • European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)
  • Grant Amount: EUR 547,276.80

Key Activities and Milestone

  • Needs Assessment Fieldwork: Conducted in eight Kenyan counties to evaluate agricultural challenges.
  • Data Analysis and Validation: Comprehensive analysis of fieldwork data completed in March 2024.
  • Course Content Development Meeting: Held in April 2024 to develop the curriculum content.
  • International Capacity Building Workshop: Conducted at Triesdorf University in February 2024.
  • Stakeholder Consultative Meetings: Ongoing discussions with stakeholders to refine curriculum content.
  • Curriculum Accreditation Process: Scheduled presentations and approvals through various academic and regulatory bodies from April to August 2024.

Impact and Relevance

The Erasmus CHAIN project is poised to significantly impact agricultural education and practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. By developing a curriculum that integrates practical training, innovative technologies, and entrepreneurial skills, the project aims to produce graduates capable of addressing the complexities of the agricultural value chain. The collaboration between educational institutions and industry ensures the curriculum’s relevance and sustainability, ultimately contributing to food security and economic development in the region.