The Scaling out Resilient Water and Agricultural Systems (ScaleWAYS) project held a virtual workshop on “Scaling Sustainable Land and Water Management on East Africa” on 18th of January 2023.
The workshop shared key findings of the integrated biophysical and political economy analysis for up-scaling sustainable rice and fodder production systems in the region. It was also geared towards facilitating knowledge co-generation and agreement on strategic opportunities for sustainable up-scaling of these two agricultural production systems in the extended Lake Victoria Basin (eLVB).
In his remarks delivered by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Eng. Coletha Ruhamya, the LVBC Executive Secretary Dr. Masinde Bwire, underscored the achievements of the project stating its importance on strategic planning and programing for the Lake Victoria Basin.
“The ScaleWAYS project has been a very unique and special project for LVBC. Its research for development approach, has been instrumental in generating the much-needed evidence, data and information to effectively guide not only policy dialogue but more importantly the strategic planning and programming for the shared Lake Victoria Basin’’ read the remarks.
the ScaleWAYS project, is a research for development project that investigates agricultural, water and environmental management practices to enhance the resilience of land and water resources and improve human well being and ecosystems in the extended Lake Victoria Basin (eLVB) in the context of increasing food demand and climate change. The project is jointly being implemented by IIASA, LVBC and ICRISAT with financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation.
He further stated, “the ScaleWAYS project has been instrumental in strengthening the capacity of not only the commission but that of researchers and practitioners in the region by facilitating knowledge and experience sharing under the Community of Practice platform for the EAC region and beyond.”
The sentiments were echoed by Mr. Deo Bukayenza from the republic of Burundi, who urged for the up-scaling of the project for the benefit and well being of the people of the basin.
Dr. Bwire further highlighted other achievements of the project including; the support and capacity strengthening of young scholars in Eastern Africa through master studies, research and analytical studies on sustainable intensification of agriculture in the basin. The workshop also saw the recognition and appreciation of the valuable inputs of the master students who benefited from the scaleWAYS research grant facility by awarding them certificates of recognition.
The workshop was attended by the ScaleWAYS-East Africa Community of Practice, Partner States delegates drawn from LVBC line ministries, national research organizations and Universities. Also, in attendance were the ScaleWAYS master students and their supervisors, NGOs and other organizations working in the riparian countries.
