The West Africa Centre for Shea Innovation and Research (WACSIR) at the University for Development Studies (UDS) successfully hosted its second Guest Lecture Series on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Faculty of Law Auditorium, Nyankpala Campus.

The event, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, brought together a diverse audience of researchers, academics, and industry professionals to discuss critical issues affecting the shea industry and share insights on securing research funding.

Setting the Stage
In his welcome address, Prof. Abubakari Alhassan, Director of WACSIR, underscored the centre’s commitment to advancing research and fostering collaborative learning in the shea sector.

"This lecture series is part of a broader effort to create a platform for open discussions on critical issues affecting the shea industry and its associated livelihoods," he said. Prof. Alhassan introduced the day’s distinguished speakers, emphasizing the importance of the lecture series in bridging gaps between academia and industry.

Shea Livelihoods and Access to Resources
The first lecture, titled “Shea Livelihoods and Access to Trees: Impact of Increased Demand on Producing Communities in Ghana and Burkina Faso,” was delivered by Dr. Marieve Pouliot, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Research at the Institute for Food and Resource Economics (IFRO), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark.

Dr. Pouliot provided a comprehensive analysis of the global shea industry’s expansion and its implications for local communities. She highlighted the increased participation of women in the shea nut-picking industry, driven by rising global demand for shea butter. However, she noted that despite the industry’s growth, the economic benefits for these women remain limited.

"The rising global shea prices have not translated into significant livelihood improvements for local women who are the primary harvesters," Dr. Pouliot observed. She called for sustainable practices and policies to ensure equitable benefits for local communities, urging stakeholders to consider both economic and ecological sustainability.

Mastering Grant Proposal Writing
The second presentation, “What Goes Into Writing Winnable Grant Proposals,” was delivered by Prof. Christian Lund, Chairman of the Consultative Research Committee for Development Research (FFU/DANIDA) and a scholar at IFRO UCPH.

Prof. Lund offered invaluable advice to researchers on crafting strong and competitive grant applications. Using examples from FFU/DANIDA, he provided practical tips, such as submitting proposals well in advance of deadlines, forming partnerships with Danish organizations, and adhering to funding criteria such as gender balance in PhD training.

"Successful grant applications require clarity, collaboration, and an alignment with the priorities of the funding body," Prof. Lund advised. His insights were particularly valuable for early-career researchers and those seeking international funding opportunities.

Reflections and Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, Vice-Chancellor of UDS and an expert in the shea sector, commended WACSIR for organizing the guest lecture. He urged researchers to deepen their focus on the shea industry, highlighting its potential for economic transformation in West Africa.

"Advancing research in the shea sector is critical to unlocking solutions to the challenges faced by local communities and maximizing the opportunities presented by the global market," Prof. Al-Hassan remarked.

He also expressed gratitude to Prof. Lund for his insights into grant writing, noting that such guidance would empower researchers at UDS to secure funding for impactful studies.

A Step Toward Collaborative Growth
The event concluded with positive feedback from attendees, who praised the lecture series for its practical insights and relevance to the shea industry. WACSIR’s ongoing initiatives continue to position UDS as a leading hub for innovation and collaboration in the shea sector, driving sustainable growth and knowledge exchange across West Africa.

Story By: Sumaila Mohammed (UDS Media)