2023 Cohort Report – Science Advice Skills Development Program (SASDP)
Science advice is a key area for science capacity development in Africa. It has the potential to create notable contributions to developing research and innovation in Africa. The scientific community in the African continent is engaged in a range of scientific research in different areas, specifically to address the continent’s various challenges. The employment of relevant African scientific knowledge in decision making must be emphasized as this is important for society. There is an urgent need for effective communication to connect scientists and policymakers. There is also a responsibility for scientists to convey their knowledge and findings of their research to policy makers, and to the public.
INGSA-Africa, the Regional Chapter of the International Network for Government Science Advice, in its aim to build capacity of African Scientists across Africa for effective communication of science advice, developed a mentorship Program – Science Advice Skills Development Program (SASDP) the first cohort of which ran over a period of 3 months in 2022.
The objective of the SASDP is to support mid-career African scientists and researchers in strengthening their skills to communicate their research results and viewpoints as science advice to their identified audiences and to foster their overall development. The theme of the SASDP was Climate Change in Africa, focusing on areas of Health, Water, Energy and Food Security.
Following the success of the first cohort of the program, INGSA-Africa launched a 2nd Call for Mentees in June 2023. Fourteen mentees from 6 African countries and 18 mentor applications from within and without Africa (including some from the first cohort) were received by the deadline of 25 July 2023, from which all mentee applicants were paired with 14 mentors.
This 2nd cohort of the program was run over a period of 6 months, starting on the 25th of September 2023 with a virtual introductory workshop and ending on the 24th of March 2024, but with a closing workshop on the 4th of April 2024. As usual the virtual introductory workshop served as a mentee-mentor contact phase during which core topics – such as introduction to tools for transformative policy advice and experiences, balancing political realities and scientific advice and the role of science in addressing climate change in the African continent – were addressed by invited specialists in science advice. The closing workshop, which was also virtual, enabled 12 remaining mentees to share their findings and outputs, as well as dissemination and implementation plans.
Below is a summary of 2023’s mentees and mentors and their final projects. For full details, download the 2023 SASDP Report here.
Mentee
Dr Akeem Babatunde Dauda
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology Complex, Main Campus, Federal University, Nigeria.
Mentor
Dr Kalule Okello David
Uganda National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda.
Project
Antibiotics use and residue in cultured fish in Nigeria: Implications for public health and way out
Summary
The study seeks to understand the use of antibiotics in fish farms in the North-western part of Nigeria and the farmer’s understanding of the risk associated with the use and consumption of fish with antibiotics residue. The study is expected to provide information on the potential risks associated with consuming cultured fish and provide evidence-based policy guidance.
Mentee
Dr Noah Pierre Marcel Anicet
Chargé de Cours à l’ENSET de l’Université de Douala, Cameroon
Mentor
Dr Nega Emiru
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Team, Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Project
Climate Change and Its Effects on Human Population in Bamenda Region, Cameroon: Combating the adverse effects of flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains.
Summary
The city of Bamenda, located in northwest Cameroon, is suffering from war and the ravages of climate change. This policy brief offers advice to local and national decision-makers on how to reduce the vulnerability of communities to flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains.
Mentee
Dr Samuel Mong’are
Lecturer, School of Health Science, Kisii University, Kenya.
Mentor
Prof Lahcen El Youssfi
Associate Professor and Researcher, National Higher School of Chemistry, IT University, Morocco.
Project
Mitigating Leishmaniasis Impact in Marigat, Kenya
Summary
Leishmaniasis, a significant public health concern in Marigat, Kenya, is exacerbated by climate change and socio-cultural factors. Proposed solutions include economic cost assessment, climate change impact analysis, and community engagement assessment, aiming to develop evidence-based policies and reduce disease burden. Stakeholder engagement and a budget of $49,990 are crucial for project success, targeting an 80% reduction in morbidity and mortality by 2025.
Mentee
Dr Christelle Noelle Dzesse Tekouo
Senior Lecturer, School of Chemical Engineering and Mineral Industries, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
Mentor
Dr Mario Rivero Huguet
Head, Science, Policy and Innovation, AI and Digital Technologies Lead. British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada
Project
Bridging the gap: Addressing instrumentation challenges for researchers in Cameroon
Summary
Cameroon like many other developing countries face the problem of lack of instrumentation. Here, we address the pressing challenge of insufficient instrumentation in Cameroon, impacting scientists’ ability to conduct vital research. The rationale behind this issue, its geographical context as well as the affected parties are highlighted. Proposed solutions include policy recommendations to enhance funding and infrastructure. Key stakeholders include policymakers, academic and research institutions, and international organisations.
Mentee
Dr Fridah Kanana Erastus
Senior Lecturer, Department of Literature, Linguistics and Foreign Languages, Kenyatta University, Kenya.
Mentor
Jean E. Saint-Vil
Canada
Project
Science communication and outreach in building climate resilience communities in Rural Kenya
Summary
I have developed a project on science communication and outreach, and its impact in building climate resilient rural communities. By breaking down/repackaging complex scientific jargon into consumable and practical application by rural communities, the project mitigates local community problems through the community itself, and later on it will be upscaled for a long term- impact to rural communities which bear the brunt of climate change.
Mentee
Dr Devina Lobine
Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology
Mentor
Prof Paul Berkman
Founder and President, Science Diplomacy Center™, USA; Senior Fellow, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Switzerland
Project
Harmonizing Voices: Cultivating Sustainable Growth at the Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change
Summary
The inaugural edition of Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change showcased the power of youth voices in driving global discourse towards tangible action, gathering global recognition. Building on the legacy initiated last year, our vision is to cultivate GIYSCC into a sustainable network. This involves not only involving more indigenous youth leaders but also forging partnerships with prestigious organizations like Future Earth, Global Young Academy and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. A distinctive feature of GIYSCC2024 is the inclusion of youth leaders from Small Island Developing States.
Mentee
Dr Alfred, Moses Oladele
Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Osun State, Nigeria.
Mentor
Dr Abdess Salem Saumtally
Chairman, Higher Education Commission/ President, Mauritius Academy of Sciences and Technology, Mauritius
Project
Policy Imperatives for Managing Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Water
Summary
Drug resistance is a global health threat exacerbated by PPCPs in water. The project evaluates government and stakeholder efforts to address PPCPs in water, aiming to provide scientific evidence for policy formulation. It produced a review article aimed at a policy document through a workshop scheduled for April 25-26 2024.
Mentee
Dr Chukwu, Emelda Eberechukwu
Microbiology Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research/Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Trinity University, Sabo Yaba, Nigeria
Mentor
Dr Gustave Mabiama
Senior Lecturer-Researcher
Department of Social and Family Economy (ESF), University of Ebolowa, Cameroon
Project
Climate change and antimicrobial resistance: Understanding the Link in bacteria pathogens
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and Climate change poses a significant threat to public health and the achievement of SDGs. We systematically synthesized evidence to gain insight on the influence of climatic variations on the rate of AMR across different hosts proposing evidence-based strategies to mitigate further emergence and transmission of AMR.
Mentee
Dr Anita Asamoah
Senior Research Scientist, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission/ Senior Lecturer/Coordinator
Nuclear and Environmental Protection Program, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon.
Mentor
Salah A. Rahman El-Sadi
Sheikh Redwan Ibu Iskander St., Gaza Strip, Palestine
Project
Removal of heavy metals and pesticides residues from water and other environmental matrices.
Summary
The mentorship was tailored in three sections; using natural and available raw materials in remediation, grantsmanship, career growth and development. Through the mentorship, pilot research in using local materials in heavy metal remediation has been initiated. Hopefully to upscale it to treat Polluted River water from illegal mining.
Mentee
Dr Chinwe Chukwudi
Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Nigeria, Nsukka Enugu State, Nigeria
Mentor
Dr Anywar Godwin
Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Project
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Nigeria: Eliminated or Undiagnosed?
Summary
HAT is an NTD targeted for elimination in 2030. WHO records show only one case in Nigeria from 2013. Our recent study showed ~10% prevalence among patients attending a primary healthcare facility located outside of previously known HAT foci. This raises concerns about the true prevalence of HAT in Nigeria.
Mentee
Dr Bolawa, Olatundun Eniola
Senior Lecturer/ Environmental Toxicologist, Department of Biochemistry
College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
Mentor
Prof Benjamin Vallejo Jr
Professor of Environmental Science, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, National Science Complex, University of the Philippines
Project
Nigeria Cosmetic Policy Reform: An Essential Need to Protect Communities from Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Summary
This paper analyzes existing Federal legislations with a view to propose policy alternatives. The following criteria were used: consumer safety, political feasibility and implementability. This paper recommends a policy approach that will expand the Nigerian’s Authorities involved in cosmetic regulation to include enforcement against counterfeit cosmetic products and community education.
Mentee
Dr Yussuf Motari Okari, Lecturer
Kisii University School of Business and Economics, Kenya
Mentor
Dr Abdalhadi M. Alijla
Senior Research Officer at the Department for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding, Folke Bernadotte Academy, Sweden
Project
Disability and Climate Change driven emergency Response in ASAL Counties, Kenya
Summary
PLWD suffers higher rates of morbidity and mortality during climate related emergencies as response is not guided by sound policies and programs. The current project seeks to develop a profile of the cases which will be used to develop policies and plans to improve emergence response.