Human Capacity Strengthening
RUFORUM plays a pivotal role in transforming higher education and research institutions in Africa through its multifaceted support to human capital development. Under its Research, Innovation and Development (RID) unit, RUFORUM has implemented several strategic programs aimed at nurturing a new generation of researchers, academics, and innovators who are well-equipped to address the continent’s pressing development challenges. The key pillars of this support include Graduate Research Grants (see), Post-Doctoral Fellowships, Graduate Teaching Assistantships (see), skills enhancement trainings, and mentorship programs, all of which contribute significantly to strengthening institutional and individual capacity.
RUFORUM Regional Post-Graduate Degree Programmes
RUFORUM supported regional MSc and PhD programmes were designed in response to capacity gaps in support of the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP). Specifically the regional programmes were designed to address the following needs:
• Building the teaching and research capacity of member universities in order to strengthen undergraduate and MSc programmes, improve the quality and relevance of graduates.
• Enhancing capacity for training and research that targets improving food and nutrition security and access to knowledge.
• Pooling and rationalize the use of scarce resources and expertise for joint action towards improving the livelihoods of farmers in Africa.
Graduate Research Grants: Fostering Relevant, Impact-Oriented Research
RUFORUM’s graduate research grants are designed for university faculty to support masters students in conducting research that is not only academically rigorous but also socially and economically relevant. These grants empower students to explore real-world problems in agriculture, environment, health, and other development sectors, often in collaboration with local communities, industry, and policy stakeholders. By funding student research, RUFORUM also strengthens the research capacities of host institutions, enhances their visibility, and contributes to knowledge generation that is context-specific and actionable. Read more
Doctoral Research Grants: Advancing Specialized Knowledge
Doctoral research grants provided through the RID unit enable students to delve deeper into complex, specialized research areas. These grants often align with RUFORUM’s thematic areas such as food security, climate change, and agribusiness. By funding PhD research, RUFORUM is not only developing highly skilled experts but also generating knowledge that informs policy and practice in development sectors. These grants are typically competitive and come with mentorship and technical support, which enhances the quality and impact of the research conducted. Read more
Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Strengthening Teaching Capacity
Recognizing the burden placed on limited faculty in many African universities, RUFORUM’s Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) program is a strategic intervention that strengthens teaching capacity while also supporting young scholars in their doctoral studies. Through this initiative, PhD students are placed at partner institutions where they contribute to undergraduate teaching and curriculum development. This not only reduces the teaching workload for existing faculty but also builds a cadre of qualified lecturers for the future, thereby addressing long-term academic staffing challenges. Read more
Post-Doctoral Fellowships: Building a Pipeline of Early-Career Researchers
To address the critical shortage of research leaders and mentors in African universities, RUFORUM offers post-doctoral fellowships that support early-career academics to deepen their expertise, publish scholarly work, and engage in collaborative research. These fellowships help retain talent within African institutions, providing emerging researchers with the time, resources, and mentorship needed to build their academic profiles. Institutions benefit by gaining access to skilled professionals who contribute to teaching, research, and proposal development, thereby expanding the overall research portfolio. Read more
Skills Enhancement Trainings: Bridging the Skills Gap
RUFORUM complements its academic programs with targeted skills enhancement trainings that prepare graduates for both academic and non-academic careers. These trainings cover a broad range of competencies including research methodology, data analysis, academic writing, proposal development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. By embedding these practical skills into the educational experience, RUFORUM ensures that graduate students and early-career researchers acquire practical skills that improve their employability, innovation capacity, and research effectiveness.
Mentorship: Cultivating Leadership and Professional Growth
Mentorship is a cornerstone of RUFORUM’s human capital development approach. The organization connects students and young professionals with experienced academics, industry experts, and policymakers who provide guidance, support, and career advice. These mentorship relationships foster confidence, broaden perspectives, and help mentees navigate the complex landscape of research, academia, and professional life. At an institutional level, mentorship enhances the quality of student supervision and helps build a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
