This book explains and explores how collaborations can be built and strengthened
between African universities and farming communities to address real-world
contemporary challenges.
The book focuses on Community Action Research Platforms, an approach that
has successfully enabled African universities to break free of the ivory tower and
prove their relevance to society through deep collaborative engagements in targeted
agricultural value chains. Developed in a pan-African network of universities
(RUFORUM) focused on capacity building in agriculture, the approach has been
tested in diverse settings over the last 15 years. The book draws on the experiences
and lessons from 21 different projects initiated by RUFORUM member
universities in Benin, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia,
South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It highlights a critical yet

underutilised role for African universities as collaborators and catalysts for multi-
sector solutions. These are solutions that increase productivity and address climate

change. They develop livelihoods and resilience in rural communities, as well
as promote farmers’ access to markets, innovation and trade while safeguarding
biodiversity and enhancing food and nutrition security. The book makes a case
for repositioning African universities as fulcrums of development in society. It
shares the rich experiences, learnings and scientific findings of diverse researchers,
practitioners and students who have been working towards achieving this reality
on the ground.
This multidisciplinary book holds appeal for university leaders, higher education,
agrifood and development specialists, researchers and practitioners, policymakers
and development agencies engaged in African agriculture and rural development,
higher education and sustainable growth.