Flagship Action Focus Areas
Human induced disruption of natural ecosystems requires a systems and nexus approach to tackling associated challenges. We therefore tackle and contribute to ecosystems sustainability and improved human wellbeing through a nexus of the following action areas:
Air Pollution, Climate Change, Water and Health
Air and water pollution is associated with millions of premature deaths in Africa and globally. The pollution is also attributed to climate change. We partner with leading scientific, economic and policy organizations to not only catalyze but also intensify action at all levels.
Ecosystems Restoration, Biodiversity and Ethno-Conservation
Biodiversity loss is a key threat to human survival, more so in Africa, where rural resource poor communities rely heavily on different plants and animals, as sources of human and livestock medicine, food, fuel, fiber and soil fertility.
We appreciate that a landscape is a composite of small farms, rivers, ocean-estuaries and open public spaces in institutions. Each of these spaces require a specific approach to restoration and conservation of inherent natural resources.
We apply farm-to-farm approach, embedded in a value-chain framework. This approach supports actions by different actors across a landscape to address specific restoration needs. The farm-to-farm model enables co-creation of locally appropriate interventions.
Furthermore, we promote the approach of mimicking natural regeneration. Restoration action therefore, takes into account growing grass like vetiver, ground covers, shrubs and trees of economic, medicinal, ecological and nutritional value.
Policy Influence and Application
Many policies in Africa are fit for purpose but fail to create impact because often-times, the beneficiaries are not informed about the intent of the policies and benefits of action by all.
Environment and related policies and legislations are important instruments of governance that aid action at all levels. However, public education and awareness tends to be limited and this delays uptake by the beneficiaries.
We continuously synthesize knowledge products and communicate the same to beneficiaries, policy makers and influencers at the interface of science, policy and action.
Gender and Youth Empowerment
Africa’s demographic structure shows over 60% are youth below the age of 25 years. Approximately 50.2% of Africa’s population in 2021 was female. Over half of agricultural labor in Africa is provided by women.
Consequently, action to protect and manage the environment for sustainability benefits women and benefits from womens’ labour and intellectual investments.
The youth are the promise of a better Africa. Agile and aligned to the knowledge economy, they are able to take up disruptive technology and innovations to upscale improvements in all spheres of socio-economic development.
We engage women and youth in programs that foster action on climate change, ecosystems restoration and management of biodiversity loss for their socio-economic empowerment.
Research, Knowledge Management and Capacity Development
Large volumes of data and information on climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss are generated daily given the current technological advancements. However, this information does not reach the intended ends-users in appropriate formats and content and through appropriate media to ensure effective communication.
At PRISE, we specialize in research and tailored knowledge management to ensure optimum uptake of data and information for impact by various end-users. We employ appropriate communication channels and media to ensure that all our stakeholders get suitable knowledge products.
We are a learning and capacity building organisation. We strive to improve ourselves over time by monitoring and assessing our experiences to create new knowledge to further develop capacities of those we work with. Monitoring evaluation and learning (MEL) form the core of our knowledge management.
The generated knowledge provides critical input for capacity development not only of our organisation but also our networks of partners.
