Research to improve the safety of food and water begins in Tamale

Regional News from Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Source: Ghananewsagency.org

2018-11-28

A project to develop research capacity in autonomous institutions focused on improving the food and water security of the poorest in society has been launched.

The project "Strengthening Research Capacity for Sustainable Water and Food Security in the Drylands of Sub-Saharan Africa (BRECcIA)" is a four-year initiative (2018-2021) implemented by the School of Public Health and the Regional Institute. for Population Studies (RIPS) of the University of Ghana with funding from the UK Government through its Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

The project also aims to strengthen the research capacity and capacity of Ghanaian, Malawian and Kenyan institutions to conduct sound research leading to a positive policy for sustainable water and water security. food, which will benefit the inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa dry land.

Dr. Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, Lecturer at the Faculty of Public Health of the University of Ghana and co-investigator of the BRECcIA project, who explained Tuesday the details of the project at a launch workshop at the University of Ghana. The intention of the stakeholders in Tamale, indicated that it would have positive spin-offs. a capacity building, partnership building and focused research agenda on water sustainability and food security.

The initial stakeholder workshop was to present the project and discuss it with relevant stakeholders, ensuring a general understanding of the objectives, potential outcomes for the institutions and the crucial role that stakeholders should play in ensuring that objectives are achieved.

It also involved identifying research questions in the areas of existing research and policy gaps, existing barriers to food and water security in drylands, community priorities in drylands, among others, to help influence policies.

Local authorities, non-governmental organizations, research institutes and the media were represented at the workshop to ensure that local priorities and knowledge were taken into account.

Dr. Dzodzomenyo said that climate variability has an impact on water security and food security in arid areas of sub-Saharan Africa, affecting many lives. This is why collaborative research work by all disciplines, institutions and countries has an influence on policies for the sustainable security of water and food.

Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Deputy Director of the Center for Sustainability and Resilience Kazuliko Takeuchi (KTCSR) of the University of Development Studies, Nyankpala and Wa Campus, welcomed the project as it would strengthen the research capacities of institutions to find solutions that are relevant to societal challenges.