The months of August and September 2025 marked a period of intense activity and significant achievement for the Aga Khan University's Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER). The Centre solidified its reputation as a leading hub for environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience across Africa, driven by reinforced institutional partnerships, groundbreaking academic collaborations, and robust community engagement.
August: Forging Strategic Partnerships and Academic Depth
August set a strong foundation for future research endeavours. AKU-ACER hosted Dr Cyriaque Hakizimana from the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) and Dr Sandro Simon from University of Cologne, for a crucial scoping mission related to the Medium-Scale Farmers in Rural Africa project. This visit was vital in refining the project's objectives and stakeholder engagement strategy. Set to officially launch in October at the University of the Western Cape, the project promises to yield critical insights into how medium-scale farmers are transforming rural livelihoods, sustainable food systems, and economic growth in Africa.
Later in the month, the Centre welcomed the senior leadership team of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), including the CEO, for a high-level dialogue. Discussions focused on strengthening the AKF–AKU-ACER partnership, identifying key areas for joint action in agricultural innovation, climate-smart practices, and regenerative solutions for rural African communities. Furthermore, preparations advanced for two upcoming flagship events to be hosted at AKU-ACER: the First International Artemisia Symposium (October 8–10) and the major Maendeleo Regenerative Africa Conference (November 24–28), both set to convene global experts.
September: Advancing Conservation and Next-Generation Engagement
September highlighted AKU-ACER's dedication to both global conservation agendas and local capacity building. Demonstrating its commitment to inspiring future scientists, the Centre welcomed 30 students and four teachers from Jaffery Secondary School in Arusha. Students received hands-on exposure to climate change adaptation and environmental conservation initiatives, touring AKU-ACER's tree nurseries, arboretum, and agri-ecology demonstration plot, engaging interactively with researchers.
On the scientific front, AKU-ACER convened the IUCN Cycads Conservation Action Workshop in Tanzania from September 21 to 25. The workshop successfully gathered 15 global experts, scientists, and conservation practitioners, including Dr Vanessa Handley, Chair of the Global Conservation Consortium for Cycads, to define strategic priorities for these rare and endangered plant species. This event underscored the Centre's leadership in advancing critical national and international biodiversity agendas.
AKU-ACER also played a central role in the Five University Consortium Conference at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Under the theme “Beyond Survival: Building Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Societies," the conference involved AKU's senior leadership, with academic staff presenting research on health, agriculture, and climate resilience. AKU reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration by offering to continue chairing the Consortium's Technical Committee, which steers joint programs and knowledge sharing.
Finally, AKU-ACER's scholarly visibility was boosted with Dr Emmanuel Sulle co-authoring a peer-reviewed article, “Diagnosing scaling bottlenecks in 10 community conservation initiatives in southern and eastern Africa," published in Conservation Biology.
