Climate-smart Agropreneurship Education for Jobs and Sustainability in Western Africa (AgrBIZZ)

• How can climate-smart, competence-based agri-entrepreneurship curricula be effectively developed and implemented in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cameroon and Ghana to enhance graduates’ employability and entrepreneurial skills?
• What are the most effective student-centered teaching and learning methods, including problem-based learning (PBL), for capacitating faculty and staff in climate-smart agriculture and innovative entrepreneurship education in Cameroon and Ghana?
• How can a collaborative learning ecosystem involving academia, industry, and societal partners be created and sustained to support the development of climate-smart agropreneurship in Cameroon and Ghana?

• Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) – HAMK  Häme University of Applied Sciences - HAMK
• University of Cape Coast (UCC) – UCC Home | University of Cape Coast (ucc.edu.gh)
• University for Development Studies (UDS) – UDS Home - University for Development Studies (uds.edu.gh)
• University of Bamenda (UBa) – Uba The University of Bamenda (uniba.cm)
• University of Buea (UB) – UB University of Buea – Knowledge with Wisdom (ubuea.cm)
• University of Copenhagen (UCPH) - UCPH
• Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture – RUFORUM ruforum.org

WP1: Management and Coordination This work package focuses on establishing project management structures, communication systems, and quality assurance methods. It includes organizing a kick-off workshop, preparing management guidelines, and conducting mid-term and final evaluations to ensure the project is implemented successfully and meets its objectives.

WP2: Curricula Development This package aims to revise and develop climate-smart, competence-based agri-entrepreneurship curricula. It involves online training, workshops, and supporting partner HEIs in updating and approving new curricula, ensuring they are aligned with problem-based learning and industry needs.

WP3: Teacher Capacity Building This work package enhances the teaching skills of HEI staff through certified online training in problem-based learning and climate-smart agropreneurship. It includes intra-HEI training sessions, workshops, and the implementation of new teaching methods to improve student-centered learning.

WP4: Collaborative Learning Ecosystem This package creates a collaborative learning ecosystem by mapping existing partnerships, establishing new ones, and organizing industry challenges. It includes coaching for mentors and webinars to share lessons learned, aiming to integrate real-world industry problems into the learning process.

WP5: Impact and Dissemination This work package focuses on maximizing the project’s impact through effective communication and dissemination strategies. It includes preparing a dissemination plan, participating in conferences, publishing articles, and organizing a final seminar to share project results and ensure sustainability.

Chirinda, N., Abdulkader, B., Hjortsø, C. N., Aitelkadi, K., Salako, K. V., Taarji, N., Mhada, M., Lamdaghri, Z., Romanova, G., Assogbadjo, A. E., Chadare, F. J., Saidi, M., Sassi, M., Mugonola, B., Gogo, E. O., Ssekandi, J., Okalany, E., Egeru. A., Mshenga, P. M., & Chfadi, T. (2024). Perspectives on the integration of agri-entrepreneurship in tertiary agricultural education in Africa: insights from the AgriENGAGE project. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8:1348167. DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1348167.

Hernández-Chea, R., Mahdad, M., Minh, T. T., & Hjortsø, C. N. (2021). Moving beyond intermediation: How intermediary organizations shape collaboration dynamics in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Technovation, 108, 102332. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2021.102332.

Alexander, I. K., & Hjortsø, C. N. 2019. Sources of complexity in participatory curriculum development: An activity system and stakeholder approach to the analyses of tensions and contradictions. Higher Education. DOI: 10.1007/s10734-018-0274-x.

Hjortsø, C. N., Alexander, I. K., & Hernandez Chea, R. R. (2017). Experiences and lessons learned from the UniBRAIN Agribusiness Incubation Programme. Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen. IFRO Report, Nr. 266.

Hjortsø, C.N., & Meilby, H. (2013). Balancing research and organizational capacity building in front-end project design: Experiences from Danida’s ENRECA programme. Public Administration and Development, 33(3), 205-220.

Hjortsø, C. N. (2010). Project management in research capacity building projects: A review of management experiences, challenges, and opportunities in ENRECA projects. Danish Development Research Network, Copenhagen.

Jensen, M. B., Hjortsø, C.N., Schipperijn, J., & Nik, R. (2007). Research capacity building through twinning: experiences from a Danish-Malaysian twinning project. Public Administration and Development, 27(5), 381-392.

Aagaard-Hansen, J., C. E. S. Larsen, N. Halberg, C. N. Hjortsø, Q. Gausset and J. Kabirizi, (2007). Main-streaming participatory and cross-disciplinary approaches in animal science research in developing countries. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2(4), 119-130.