Africa Climate Mobility Academy 2024 mentors and mentees showcase their certificates of participation outside Golf Hotel-Kakamega.In a significant move to elevate research from Africa’s global south, the African Research Network (CMARN), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) have partnered to support early-career scholars in publishing research on climate, peace, and migration in high-impact journals. A week-long “Writeshop,” held from October 14-19, 2024, at MMUST, brought together mentors and young researchers from across the globe to develop high-quality manuscripts.
The primary goal of the Writeshop was to refine young researchers' manuscripts, a critical step in raising awareness of climate-induced migration and conflict issues affecting Africa. Participants engaged in manuscript reviews, peer feedback, and writing workshops, equipping them with skills to navigate high-impact academic publishing. As climate mobility continues to pose challenges across the continent, the need for globally visible African research has grown more urgent.
Professor Solomon Shibairo, Vice Chancellor of MMUST, described the Academy as a groundbreaking platform for advancing collaborative research. “This Writeshop nurtures emerging scholars, providing tools to engage in global challenges, particularly those at the intersection of climate change and migration,” Shibairo stated. He emphasized the Academy’s role in fostering a community of African researchers poised to contribute to impactful policy and practice.
Dr. Bina Desai of CIAT highlighted the necessity of boosting African research visibility in reputable journals. “While a great deal of research occurs in the global south, it remains underrepresented in prominent publications. This Academy aims to correct that imbalance,” Desai remarked, applauding the cohort's innovative research contributions.
Dr Nicodemus Nyandiko of MMUST and CMARN underscored that the Academy not only prepares scholars for high-impact journal publishing but also aims to influence climate policy in Africa. “This initiative strengthens individual researchers and addresses the broader need for academic contributions from developing countries,” Nyandiko stated.
The program underscores the commitment to enhancing Africa’s role in shaping global climate and migration discourse, building a bridge for future-focused research from the global south.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
Photo/MMUST
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