PBL-BioAfrica is a collaborative project for strengthening the capacity in bioeconomy HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) in Kenya and Zambia. We integrate problem-based learning (PBL) methods into bio-entrepreneurship education to equip graduates with practical and entrepreneurial skills needed in working life. We also strengthen open distance learning to reach a large number of students. Climate-smart agriculture will be introduced as the guiding principle in business development. In addition, recognising the role and potential of women in agriculture will improve both equality and economic development.Through PBL-BioAfrica, students can participate in real-life industry projects.
Teachers are also provided training courses on PBL, participatory online teaching and climate-smart agriculture.Another objective of PBL-BioAfrica is to strengthen the networks among HEIs nationally and internationally, as well as with the industrial sector. Project results and best practices in student-centred learning are spread to wider sub-Saharan Africa through the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), to make an impact even after the project lifetime of 2020–2023.
21st Century Skills for Bioeconomy Graduates
PBL BioAfrica Project exhibited the methodology "Problem Based Learning" at the 2024 Nairobi Innovation Week event.
On 8th to 10th May 2024 at University of Nairobi, Kenya, the Problem Based Learning innovation won a prize as one of the best innovations at Nairobi Innovation Week that provided a clear linkage of Academia, Industry, Community and Government in with this year's theme: "Strengthening innovation ecosystem in higher education institutions through academia-industry-government-community linkages for sustainable development".
Consortia representatives from Egerton University, South Eastern Kenya University, University of Zambia, Mulungushi University and Häme University of Applied Sciences were in attendance to share the project message at the exhibition. The award is celebrated by consortia.
