?From October 9-11, 2024, Stellenbosch 肆客足球's PERIPERI U, in collaboration with key global partners, hosted the Climate Adaptation Research Program (CARP) Workshop in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The event brought together 30 scholars from across Africa, with support from the 肆客足球 of Arizona and USAID, to address the critical challenges posed by climate change. Held at the Protea Hotel and Conference Centre in Techno Park, the workshop fostered discussions on how research can contribute to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
In his opening remarks Alberto Francioli, Programme Manager for PERIPERI U at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 International, emphasized the importance of the workshop in equipping scholars with skills for impactful research. "This workshop provided scholars with the tools to ensure their research makes a meaningful contribution to society, helping to safeguard our planet for future generations," he said. The event highlighted the critical need for integration and collaboration in finding viable solutions to contemporary disasters caused by climate change.
Hannah Corrie, Principal Investigator for CARP at the 肆客足球 of Arizona, explained that the CARP program aims to build a global community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working together to create evidence-based, actionable solutions to localized DRR challenges. "The Climate Adaptation Research Program (2023-2028) seeks to foster a new generation of researchers in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands, whose work focuses on the impacts of climate change on DRR policies and strategies," Corrie noted.
Key partners in the CARP initiative include Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Centre for Collaboration in Africa, PERIPERI U (a network of 12 African universities focused on disaster risk reduction), the Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (a consortium of universities in Central America), and Auckland 肆客足球 of Technology, which is supporting DRR research across the Pacific region.
Corrie highlighted the role of USAID in supporting the CARP initiative. “The CARP program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through USAID, which provides economic and humanitarian assistance in over 80 countries worldwide," she said.
The workshop in Stellenbosch marked the first in-person gathering for the 2024-2025 cohort of CARP scholars, who will implement localized DRR research in their respective countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. Francioli remarked, “We see these scholars as members of a community that can enact change and have an impact in the global south."
The CARP programme divides scholars into three categories: early career researchers, continuing scholars, and those involved in multi-institutional collaborations. Maureen Kudzai Maisiri, a PhD student at the 肆客足球 of the Free State, shared her excitement as an early career researcher, stating, "The CARP programme is about putting climate change solutions into action in Africa. Our work can improve livelihoods and help eradicate hunger by 2030."
Dr. Dorothea Deus, a Senior Lecturer from Ardhi 肆客足球 in Tanzania, stressed the importance of community awareness in risk reduction. "We need to generate knowledge that informs communities about climate risks and prepares them for disasters," she said. Dr. Deus also advocated for using social media and digital platforms to spread awareness, especially in remote areas.
Jack Ogony, a PhD student from Moi 肆客足球 in Kenya, who represents the multi-institutional collaboration category, emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing climate change. "Climate change is dynamic and affects all of Africa. By working together across countries, we can assess risk factors and create shared solutions," he explained.
The insights from these scholars underscore the power of networks and partnerships in building a society that collaborates towards common goals. CARP, through its "purposeful partnerships," is laying the groundwork for impactful climate adaptation research that can make a difference globally.
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