POTSDAM INSTITUTE FOR CLIMATE IMPACT STUDIES (PIK) – AfriValue Project

Strategic Objective

The primary objective of NXTNU’s involvement in the AfriValue project is to integrate design thinking methodologies into scientific research processes. This involves identifying barriers to selected adaptation options and co-designing recommendations through collaboration with an expert consortium comprising stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and politics.

Context

 Agricultural value chains in East Africa face significant threats from climate change, endangering food security, livelihoods, and economic stability in the region. The ongoing AfriValue project aims to address these challenges by analyzing climate risks and developing tailored solutions to enhance the resilience of coffee value chains.

Implementation

1. Capacity Building:
   The AfriValue project team has undergone continuous training in human-centered design methodologies to equip them with the necessary skills and mindset for integrating design thinking into scientific research.
   
   
2. Workshops and Collaboration:
   Collaborative workshops are regularly organized with project partners to facilitate the multi-stakeholder participation (MSP) process. These workshops serve as platforms for brainstorming, ideation, and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders.
   
   
3. Adaptive Strategy Development:
   Leveraging the principles of design thinking, an adaptive coordination and research strategy is continuously being refined to guide the project’s activities. This strategy emphasizes empathy, creativity, and iterative problem-solving to address evolving challenges in the East African coffee value chains.
   
   
4. Consulting and Application of Design Thinking:
   The project team consults and applies design thinking methodologies throughout the ongoing research process. This involves conducting continuous user research, generating insights, prototyping solutions, and testing iterations in collaboration with stakeholders.

Key Outcomes and Impact

1. Continued Understanding:
   By integrating design thinking into the ongoing research process, the AfriValue project continues to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving needs, challenges, and aspirations of stakeholders within the East African coffee value chains. This ongoing insight informs the development of adaptive adaptation strategies.
   
   
2. Sustained Collaboration:
   Design thinking methodologies foster ongoing collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, policymakers, and researchers. By involving stakeholders throughout the ongoing design process, the project sustains ownership and commitment to implementing recommended solutions.
   
   
3. Ongoing Innovation:
   The iterative nature of design thinking enables the ongoing exploration and testing of innovative adaptation options tailored to the specific context of East African coffee production. These ongoing recommendations go beyond conventional approaches, offering sustainable and contextually relevant solutions.
   
   
4. Continuous Capacity Building:
   Through ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives, the AfriValue project continues to enhance the competencies of project team members in integrating design thinking methodologies. This ongoing investment in human capital strengthens the project’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Conclusion

The ongoing integration of design thinking into the AfriValue project exemplifies a pioneering approach to addressing the ongoing challenges in agricultural value chains affected by climate change. By prioritizing ongoing stakeholder engagement, empathy, and creativity, the project not only generates ongoing innovative solutions but also fosters ongoing collaboration and the broader agricultural ecosystem.