Food security in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is under threat, and unless agricultural productivity in the region doubles within the next 2 decades, it will face major consequences in terms of famine and associated problems. Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) are microscopic roundworms whose unmanaged presence has a massively deleterious effect on crop productivity. They infect many plants of great economic importance, including maize, potato, soybean and banana, resulting in annual yield losses of billions of USD worldwide. Notably in SSA, a poor understanding and awareness of nematology within higher education has resulted in a lack of trained nematode scientists and professionals, both in non-profit and private sectors. As a consequence, the importance of PPN management remains overlooked, effectively sabotaging potential for improved agricultural productivity. The inclusion of nematology at the initial stages of higher education in Africa is crucial to maximise the number of students exposed to the discipline, resulting in better-prepared, fully-informed BSc and MSc graduates entering the job market. In SSA, increasing the numbers of well-trained nematology students will be vital in addressing the many nematology-related problems in the area, as well as in providing sustainable solutions to food security and environmental health in the region.The main aim of the NEMEDUSSA project is to support this academic transformation via promotion of nematology in selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and by transforming these selected HEIs into regional centres of excellence for nematology education. To achieve this overall objective, the aims of NEMEDUSSA are to:• enhance nematology capacity at HEIs by professionalisation of staff and by upgrading facilities;• develop BSc and MSc modules in nematology to be incorporated into existing HEI programmes; • establish a Pan-African Nematology Network; • disseminate awareness aand information to a range of stakeholders.
The NEMEDUSSA project's main aim was to promote nematology in selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and transform them into regional centres of excellence. Its objectives were to: •enhance nematology capacity at HEIs by professionalisation of staff and upgrading laboratory facilities;•develop BSc and MSc modules in nematology to be incorporated into existing HEI programmes;•establish a Pan-African Nematology Network;•disseminate awareness & information to a range of stakeholders
Food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is threatened by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), which cause significant crop losses. Suboptimal nematology education led to a shortage of trained professionals and practitioners, hindering effective PPN management. Including nematology in education is crucial to prepare informed graduates who can address nematology-related issues and provide sustainable solutions to communities, contributing to food security and environmental health in the region.
<< Background >> Food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is threatened by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), which cause significant crop losses. Suboptimal nematology education led to a shortage of trained professionals and practitioners, hindering effective PPN management. Including nematology in education is crucial to prepare informed graduates who can address nematology-related issues and provide sustainable solutions to communities, contributing to food security and environmental health in the region. << Objectives >> The NEMEDUSSA project's main aim was to promote nematology in selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and transform them into regional centres of excellence. Its objectives were to: •enhance nematology capacity at HEIs by professionalisation of staff and upgrading laboratory facilities;•develop BSc and MSc modules in nematology to be incorporated into existing HEI programmes;•establish a Pan-African Nematology Network;•disseminate awareness & information to a range of stakeholders << Implementation >> This project followed a structured, multi-faceted approach. Stakeholder needs assessments and training surveys shaped the plan. Each partner was incentivised to (co-)lead a Work Package to encourage ownership. Digital learning materials were developed for implementation in nematology curricula at HEIs and evaluated by staff and students. A robust and open communication strategy addressed any issues, and regular monitoring of project output and activities ensured objectives were met. << Results >> Building on previous education initiatives, this project enhanced the quality of nematology science through staff training and laboratory equipment upgrades. This resulted in better outreach to all stakeholders and integration of nematology into BSc/MSc programs in SSA, enhancing student skills and employability. The project established the Pan-African Nematology Network and organized 3 workshops across the continent, connecting nematologists, farmers, extension workers, officials and students.