Climate-smart Agropreneurship Education for Jobs and Sustainability in Western Africa (AgrBIZZ)

The primary goal of the AgrBIZZ project is to enhance the employability and entrepreneurial mindset of graduates in Cameroon and Ghana by modernizing agropreneurship education.

About the project

We aim to update climate‑smart, competence‑based curricula, strengthen teaching through problem‑based learning, and enhance collaboration between academia and industry. 

By equipping students with 21st‑century skills and promoting sustainable agriculture, AgrBIZZ addresses job creation challenges while supporting sustainable development and climate mitigation. 

The project brings together higher education institutions and industry partners and applies participatory action research, integrating problem‑based learning and design thinking to develop climate‑smart agri‑entrepreneurship curricula. 

This approach fosters active learning, industry engagement, and continuous feedback, improving the employability and entrepreneurial skills of graduates in Cameroon and Ghana.

Project information

Primary investigator (PI)

Project period

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Organisation

Climate-smart Agropreneurship Education for Jobs and Sustainability in Western Africa (AgrBIZZ) is part of: Section for Production, Markets and Policy

Central research questions

  • How can climate-smart, competence-based agri-entrepreneurship curricula be effectively developed and implemented in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cameroon and Ghana to enhance graduates’ employability and entrepreneurial skills?
  • What are the most effective student-centered teaching and learning methods, including problem-based learning (PBL), for capacitating faculty and staff in climate-smart agriculture and innovative entrepreneurship education in Cameroon and Ghana?
  • How can a collaborative learning ecosystem involving academia, industry, and societal partners be created and sustained to support the development of climate-smart agropreneurship in Cameroon and Ghana?

More about the project

WP1: Management and Coordination This work package focuses on establishing project management structures, communication systems, and quality assurance methods. It includes organizing a kick-off workshop, preparing management guidelines, and conducting mid-term and final evaluations to ensure the project is implemented successfully and meets its objectives.

WP2: Curricula Development This package aims to revise and develop climate-smart, competence-based agri-entrepreneurship curricula. It involves online training, workshops, and supporting partner HEIs in updating and approving new curricula, ensuring they are aligned with problem-based learning and industry needs.

WP3: Teacher Capacity Building This work package enhances the teaching skills of HEI staff through certified online training in problem-based learning and climate-smart agropreneurship. It includes intra-HEI training sessions, workshops, and the implementation of new teaching methods to improve student-centered learning.

WP4: Collaborative Learning Ecosystem This package creates a collaborative learning ecosystem by mapping existing partnerships, establishing new ones, and organizing industry challenges. It includes coaching for mentors and webinars to share lessons learned, aiming to integrate real-world industry problems into the learning process.

WP5: Impact and Dissemination This work package focuses on maximizing the project’s impact through effective communication and dissemination strategies. It includes preparing a dissemination plan, participating in conferences, publishing articles, and organizing a final seminar to share project results and ensure sustainability.

Chirinda, N., Abdulkader, B., Hjortsø, C. N., Aitelkadi, K., Salako, K. V., Taarji, N., Mhada, M., Lamdaghri, Z., Romanova, G., Assogbadjo, A. E., Chadare, F. J., Saidi, M., Sassi, M., Mugonola, B., Gogo, E. O., Ssekandi, J., Okalany, E., Egeru. A., Mshenga, P. M., & Chfadi, T. (2024). Perspectives on the integration of agri-entrepreneurship in tertiary agricultural education in Africa: insights from the AgriENGAGE project. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8:1348167. DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1348167.

Hernández-Chea, R., Mahdad, M., Minh, T. T., & Hjortsø, C. N. (2021). Moving beyond intermediation: How intermediary organizations shape collaboration dynamics in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Technovation, 108, 102332. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2021.102332.

Alexander, I. K., & Hjortsø, C. N. 2019. Sources of complexity in participatory curriculum development: An activity system and stakeholder approach to the analyses of tensions and contradictions. Higher Education. DOI: 10.1007/s10734-018-0274-x.

Hjortsø, C. N., Alexander, I. K., & Hernandez Chea, R. R. (2017). Experiences and lessons learned from the UniBRAIN Agribusiness Incubation Programme. Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen. IFRO Report, Nr. 266.

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Hjortsø, C. N. (2010). Project management in research capacity building projects: A review of management experiences, challenges, and opportunities in ENRECA projects. Danish Development Research Network, Copenhagen.

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IFRO researchers