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For many people coffee serves as an important ritual in their daily routines; for others, coffee makes up most of their income. As the world’s second most traded commodity, after oil, coffee plays an integral role in many economies. For countries in the so-called “bean belt” in Africa-Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo-the…

For many people coffee is an important ritual in their daily routines—for others, coffee provides most of their income.  As the world’s second most traded commodity, after oil, coffee plays an integral role in many economies.  For countries in the so-called “bean belt” in Africa—Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—coffee  accounts for a considerable…

Four teams of intrepid African innovators form the centerpieces of the fourth round of the Global Knowledge Initiative’s (GKI) award-winning LINK (Learning and Innovation Network for Knowledge and Solutions) program. GKI is proud to work closely with the LINK winning team and three finalist teams, all selected by an independent, international technical committee. With small-scale…

Since the devastating 1994 genocide, Rwanda has enjoyed rapid economic growth and social transformation. It now stands as a model of effective governance and economic planning for Africa. Much of this success derives from a commitment to building the capacity of Rwandans, as well as through forward-looking economic policies and investments in science, technology, and…

Energized to tackle poverty in the Kamwenge district of Uganda, LINK Finalists Dr. Fredrick Tumwine and Dr. Frank Mugagga of Makerere University joined team members Jeniffer Tumwine of Kyabanswa Rural Integrated Farming Systems (KRIFS) and Mr. George Tunanukye of Bee Keepers Cooperative Savings and Credit Society (KABECOS) in Kyabanswa Village in mid-August. With approximately 65% of…

The Green Revolution saved billions of people on the brink of starvation. Yet, nearly 50 years later, 1 in 8 individuals in the world are still hungry. We know the right tools and technologies for maximizing agricultural productivity, so where is the missing link? In Sub-Saharan Africa, the most food insecure region in the world,…

Dairy cattle in East Africa are more than just cash cows. With dairy demand expected to continue to rise, dairy cows represent the enormous opportunity in the dairy sector to transform livelihoods all along the dairy value chain. Yet, pressing challenges—including poor access to animal care, insufficient knowledge on animal breeding and handling, and weak…

If GKI had a 2014 “back to school” reading list, this would be it. Take a look at some of the interesting, inspiring, and provocative books and articles our staff has been reading lately.  We’d also love to hear about the best things you’ve read this month, or what you’re looking forward to reading next! …

Facilitators possess the power to unlock the potential of diverse groups to solve challenges that impact millions of people. Skills for team leadership, workshop facilitation, and group problem solving prove especially important in developing countries, where decisions made on interventions in agriculture, environmental management, education, and a host of other science and technology-related domains can…

GKI staff had a fantastic time training LINK IV Winners and Finalists in Uganda and South Africa in June 2014.  We are inspired by these fantastic innovators.  We’ll be posting more on these trainings in the coming weeks, but for now we’re sharing these photos from the training in Uganda.