African Lecturers Trained at KNUST to Tackle Climate Change Through Higher Education

WASCAL Hosts Climate Change Education Workshop to Empower African University Lecturers at KNUST

In a bold move to integrate climate change education into higher learning institutions across Africa, the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) has launched a three-day intensive training workshop at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana.

The workshop, held under the Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project, aims to build the capacity of over 50 university lecturers and researchers across the continent. It focuses on climate-smart agriculture and climate information services, crucial areas in addressing the continent’s growing vulnerability to climate change.

During the opening ceremony, KNUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative, noting that the collaboration between WASCAL and the Regional Universities Forum (RUFORUM) is essential for curriculum development. “We’re excited to be part of a program that empowers lecturers to influence future generations through climate education,” she remarked.

The workshop covers key areas such as pest and disease management under climate stress, disaster risk reduction in agriculture, and soil carbon sequestration. The overarching goal is to embed these modules in existing university curricula, ensuring that graduates from African universities gain a deep understanding of climate change and its wide-ranging impacts.

Prof. Konè Daouda, Director of WASCAL’s Capacity Building Department, explained, “We are training lecturers so they can transfer this knowledge to thousands of students. Our aim is to make climate literacy a standard part of university education across Africa.”

WASCAL has played a leading role in advancing climate education in West Africa. Its Climate Change and Land Use program at KNUST alone has produced 41 PhD graduates, with 10 more expected this year. Across its broader network, more than 300 scientists have earned master’s and doctoral degrees through WASCAL-supported programs.

Prof. Wilson Agyei Agyare, Director of WASCAL-KNUST, emphasized the growing reach of the program. “KNUST involves 13 departments in this initiative. We’re no longer focusing solely on PhD students—we’re extending this training to both master’s and undergraduate levels to reach more future leaders,” he said.

The workshop also introduced participants to cutting-edge innovations, including artificial intelligence applications for climate modeling and agricultural forecasting. Lecturers were encouraged to incorporate these technologies into their teaching and research to better equip students for real-world climate challenges.

From the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Dr. Alcade C. Segnon highlighted the development of 11 specialized modules created by expert teams. These modules have undergone thorough review and are designed to fill critical gaps in university-level climate education.

“As climate change intensifies, it’s vital that our educators are not only trained but fully equipped to prepare the next generation,” Dr. Segnon noted.

This forward-thinking initiative positions Africa to better respond to climate threats, ensuring sustainability, food security, and resilience through knowledge-driven solutions.