In 1985, against a background of deepening political, economic and social crises in Africa, and, in response to the 1980 OAU Lagos Plan of Action for Economic Development of Africa, the United Nations University (UNU) assembled a group of distinguished African scientists and technologists to define what role UNU could play to enhance the ability of African universities and research institutions to contribute to finding solutions to Africa's developmental problems.
African countries have subscribed to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and expectations of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Meeting these goals and expectations requires well-articulated strategies to develop and harness human and institutional capacities for development. A critical element for this to occur is the application of new knowledge in science and technology by African scientists to advance solutions to key challenges of food insecurity and degradation of natural resources, which impact negatively on the livelihood of the African people. The conservation, development and management of Africa’s resources in a sustainable way are critical for generating wealth to alleviate poverty. The NEPAD document identifies strengthening the weak research and training infrastructure in African universities and research institutions as a necessary first step to harness Africa’s people and natural resources for development through the application of science and technology.
The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) was established in 1986 with a mission to support the building of African capacity by strengthening national institutions to promote sustainable use of the continent’s natural resources for development. UNU-INRA’s research and training activities are targeted at ensuring that African scientists, technologists and institutions acquire capabilities to generate, adapt, and apply knowledge and technology to promote more efficient utilization of natural resources for self-reliant development and thus contribute to eradicating rural poverty and improving food security.
UNU-INRA currently has 4 Operating Units focusing on:
- Mineral Resources (University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia),
- Coastal and Marine Resources (Henties Bay Center, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia),
- Application of Computer Technology to the Management of Natural Resources (University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon) and
- Socio-Economic Aspects of the Management of Natural Resources (CIRES, University of Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
UNU-INRA’s activities focus on four main thematic areas:
- Climate, water, land,
- Biodiversity, medicinal plants,
- Innovations, socio-economics, policy, and
- Capacity building.
See ‘Programme Areas & Projects’ for details about activities in each area.
add comment
