International Development Grant

Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa - Phase II

Project Number: CA-3-A032229002

Status: Closed

Country/Region: Unknown

Regional Focus:

South of Sahara 100%

Maximum Contribution: $24,100,562.00

Start Date: January 12, 2007

End Date: March 31, 2010

Duration: 3.2 years

Project Description

CIDA provided funding to establish a Centre of Excellence in Bioscience in Agriculture (called Biosciences eastern and central Africa). Implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Secretariat BecA supports Eastern and Central African countries to develop and apply bioscience research and expertise to produce technologies that help farmers to raise their productivity and income and to increase their market opportunities. It provides a focal point for the African scientific community to address agricultural health and environmental-related problems of the highest priority for alleviating poverty and promoting development. A second component of the project provides funding to the NEPAD Secretariat to support the establishment of three other networks of Centres of Excellence in North Africa (NABNet) West Africa (WABNet) and Southern Africa (SANBio) within the framework of the African Biosciences Initiative. The definition phase of the project with an allocation of $4.5 million was completed in 2007.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of the end of the project include: with the completion of construction state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities as part of the biosciences network established in East and Central Africa were made fully operational and accessible to African scientists and students in the region and across the continent. Short- and long-term training provided to African scientists have increased their capacity to conduct research and training in biosciences and related disciplines addressing agriculture food security poverty health and nutrition priorities in Africa. In addition the establishment of 3 similar networks in West South and North Africa has enhanced science and technology capacity in Africa as well as the quantity and quality of biosciences research that is addressing critical issues constraining agriculture in Africa. Overall these achievements have contributed to improved capacity of scientists and researchers to produce new technologies and products that are accessible and affordable to farmers in Africa’s resource-poor communities which will improve their livelihoods.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
WGM Africa

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Agricultural development 10%
Agricultural education/training 20%
Agricultural research 60%
Agricultural services 10%

Aid Type: Project-type interventions

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Pre-APP

Policy Markers
Level 1 Gender equality
Level 1 Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting)
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2006-04-01 to 2007-03-31 $24,100,562 CAD
Geographic Information
000
Project Number: CA-3-A032229002