Capacity development

ACPC is involved in three major areas of engagement that enhance African capacities targeting the Policy, Research, Academia and Journalist target groups through fellowship programmes, capacity development and research support. These are envisioned through various programme areas and major activities elaborated below.

Objectives

The main objective of this particular ACPC capacity strengthening work programme is to enhance the capacity of African institutions and individuals in relation to climate change policy analysis.

The specific objectives are to:

  • Build solid climate change knowledge based on facts and scientific evidence;
  • Promote climate change education, research and innovation;
  • Build the capacity of key stakeholders to become active participants in the response to climate change through training;
  • Build the capacity of young Africans with fellowship programmes by engaging university students and academics;
  • Enhance climate change research capacity in African universities and research institutions by offering research grants, supporting programme development and mainstreaming climate change related university curricula;
  • Build capacity and increase the awareness of African policy makers such as government officials, parliamentarians, negotiators, and regional economic commissions through direct short term training, seminars and roundtables;
  • Provide tailor-made climate change training programmes for journalists and media professionals;
  • Develop innovative programmes and initiatives such as national and regional networks, communities of practice and an African panel on climate change; support national panels so that knowledge generation in Africa is enhanced, and relevant platforms are developed and owned by Africans.

Expected achievements

The following results are expected:

  • Improved capacity at national and regional level in research, analysis, formulation of policy to monitor and evaluate the impact of climate change on African development;
  • Improved research capacity of selected African universities to address climate change;
  • Increased awareness of policy-makers, legislators and other selected stakeholders on climate change risks and their impact on socio-economic development;
  • Increased availability and more efficient utilisation of climate information and knowledge resources in support of Africa’s development;
  • Strengthened collaboration and networking for more efficient climate change information, knowledge and services sharing, and programme implementation.

Indicators of achievement

  • A number of students receive thesis grants to undertake research pertinent to climate change (at least 20) students supported. ACPC recruits 10 fellows at postgraduate and post-doctoral levels. At least five teaching fellows and two senior fellows are working with ACPC;
  • At least five universities in Africa are networked; five new climate science research frontiers are implementing climate collaborative research; five partnership climate research projects are supported; and an Africa-wide panel on climate change is established.
  • Capacity building of African policy-makers and parliamentarians is conducted.
  • A number of national or regional communities of practice, networks or panels dealing with climate change are promoted.