Nature-Based Solutions for Business in the African Savannas

Of the eight centres, four are dedicated to climate and environment and four are focused on health and pandemic prevention. These international centres are situated at higher education institutions in the Global South, where international and German scientists jointly teach, conduct research and promote social transformation in dialogue with business, politics and the civil society. The aim is to provide a German contribution to overcoming the crises of our time.

About AFAS

AFAS, which commenced in 2021, is a consortium between two African and two German universities and strives for interdisciplinary and international exchange beyond academia by working on the science-policy-practice interface for climate change adaptation and protection of the environment. The other collaborating universities that are part of AFAS are the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn; The African Center of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CEA-CCBAD); University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB), Côte d’Ivoire and Global South Studies Center (GSSC), and the University of Cologne.

AFAS aims to create solid and reliable evidence-based, science-supported strategies to safeguard the West and East African savannas from the combined threats of extensive and varied land use and rapid climate change. It trains young African scholars in the interdisciplinary fields of climate change adaptation and biodiversity, transferring scientific findings into practical applications, while also minimizing the climate and environmental impact of education, research, and international cooperation.

Networking in the Science-Policy-Practice Interface

The breakfast meeting sought to meet three objectives: share and exchange knowledge on nature-based solutions in the savanna ecosystem, share business opportunities in nature-based solutions, and create and enhance a community of practice and networking in the Science-Policy-Practice Interface.

The meeting began following a welcome to the guests by Mr. Brian Ouma, the Director of Advancement and Institutional Development at the University of Nairobi. The DAAD Regional Office Director, Dr. Dorothee Weyler as well as the Director of the centre, Prof. Daniel Olago gave opening remarks and also engaged in the conversation.

The event, well attended and highly engaging, saw the participants network and discuss nature-based concepts, environmental stewardship, sustainability practices, and business prospects.