The idea
Complex challenges need collective intelligence.
Many of Africa’s agricultural challenges are shared across countries. Communities of Practice bring researchers together across institutions and borders to solve them collectively.
Formed through the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF), these alumni-led groups extend the value of a fellowship far beyond one person or institution—combining expertise, infrastructure and ideas around a common research purpose.
Shared Proprities
Research that responds to real-world needs
The Communities of Practice align their expertise with Africa’s agricultural priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals for poverty, hunger and climate action. The following were established or supported through BecA's ABCF research and alumni networks.
Local Chicken Genetics Research for Development
A collaborative network of researchers focused on improving indigenous African chicken breeds through genetic characterisation, selective breeding and sustainable poultry production to enhance food se…
Goat Genetics
Brings together scientists and livestock specialists to advance genetic research, breeding strategies and conservation of African goat breeds, improving productivity, adaptability and resilience.
Taro Improvement
Connects agricultural researchers working to improve taro varieties through genetic research, disease management and sustainable cultivation practices to strengthen crop productivity and food security…
African Swine Fever
A research community dedicated to understanding African swine fever, advancing disease diagnostics, epidemiology and control strategies, and protecting pig production systems across Africa.
Brachiaria Grass
A network of forage researchers and livestock specialists advancing the development, adaptation and adoption of improved Brachiaria grasses to enhance livestock nutrition and sustainable farming syste…
Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases
Brings together animal health researchers to investigate ticks and associated diseases, improve diagnostic and surveillance capabilities, and develop effective prevention and control strategies.
Bioinformatics (BiX CoP)
A collaborative community strengthening bioinformatics expertise across Africa through training, knowledge exchange and computational analysis of genomic and biological data to support agricultural an…
Many agricultural problems in Africa are common to more than one country. A concerted approach across countries and institutions is more effective.
Roger Pelle · BecA–ILRI Hub principal scientist