Egerton University recently hosted the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) partners engagement forum, an event that brought together experts from various African and international institutions to address pressing environmental issues and the role of research in policy formulation.
The forum opened with remarks by Dr. H.W. Obulinji, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resources Development (FERD), Prof. Wilkister Moturi.
Dr. Obulinji highlighted the importance of collaborative engagement on environmental issues, setting the tone for a series of insightful discussions. He acknowledged the significance of partnerships in addressing the region's environmental and policy challenges, emphasizing that cross-border collaboration is essential in combating the multifaceted effects of climate change.
A keynote presentation followed by Prof. Serge Zebaze from the University of Yaounde, Cameroon. Prof. Zebaze delved into some of Africa’s most persistent environmental challenges, citing poverty, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, and issues with water supply, quality, and sanitation as key contributors to climate change.
"Climate change has been happening for many years," he noted, stressing that the impact of these factors on the environment is significant. Prof. Zebaze highlighted the importance of urban wastewater management, pointing out that while urban populations are projected to increase by 2030, water coverage remains limited. “We must harness wastewater management as a solution,” he added.
Dr. Obulinji’s perspective on policy and research sparked an engaging debate. He observed that “policy informs research more often than research informs policy,” a situation he believes often leaves researchers with extensive data and findings that go unused by policymakers."This leaves us with the question of whether policy should be based on facts?" he posed, challenging the forum to consider the alignment of research outcomes with policy decisions.
Later in the session, Dr. Dowtin Asia from Michigan State University joined the discussion, sharing insights from the U.S. perspective. She noted that evidence-based research has become instrumental in justifying increased federal funding for sectors like environmental justice, climate change adaptation, and health.
"In these sectors, research remains pivotal as a basis for informing policy changes," she remarked. Dr. Asia later made closing remarks and expressed her hope for strengthened international partnerships in environmental research.
Participants also discussed the role of researchers in policy advocacy, with Dr. Obulinji urging his peers to actively engage opinion leaders to help bridge the gap between research and policy. He emphasized the importance of simplifying research findings for policymakers.
“We need to disseminate our research findings in a language that those who are not specialists can understand—one that minimizes jargon and enhances accessibility,” he stated. Dr. Donde, the Chairman of Egerton University's Environmental Science Department, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need for effective communication in influencing policy.
The forum also included perspectives from young researchers, with Mr. Enock Nyamira, a master's student in Environmental Studies at Egerton University, stressing the importance of sustainability in research practices.
"Locals may revert to their traditional ways at the end of a project if sustainable approaches are not integrated into the interventions," Nyamira cautioned. He highlighted the need for sustainable research that can create long-lasting impacts on local communities.
The forum concluded with a tour of Egerton University's Department of Environmental Science, where attendees viewed ongoing projects and initiatives. The event underscored the necessity of linking research with actionable policy to address climate change and environmental challenges effectively.
With experts like Prof. Zebaze advocating for research investment, and Dr. Asia pointing out the U.S.'s commitment to evidence-based policy, the forum at Egerton University showcased the transformative potential of cross-border partnerships in addressing Africa's pressing environmental issues.
By Kurian Musa
Communication Officer
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
