Empowering African Research Through the ARPPIS PhD and MSc Programmes**

1. ARPPIS Collaborating Universities ARPPIS participating universities, 2008 Cameroon • University of Dschang Egypt • Assuit University Ethiopia • Addis Ababa University* • Alemaya University Ghana • Cape Coast University • University of Ghana* Kenya • Egerton University • Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology • Kenyatta University • Maseno University • Moi University • University of Nairobi Malawi • University of Malawi Namibia • University of Namibia Nigeria • Ahmadu Bello University • Enugu State University • University of Agriculture, Makurdi • University of Ibadan • Nnamdi Azikiwe University • Ogun State University • Rivers State University of Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Rwanda • National Univeristy of Rwanda South Africa • University of Pretoria • North West University Sudan • University of Gezira • University of Khartoum Tanzania • Sokoine University of Agriculture Uganda • Gulu University • Makerere University Zambia • University of Zambia Zimbabwe • University of Zimbabwe*

2. ARPPIS PhD Programme • 3-year programme hosted at icipe • Funded by DAAD, Netherlands, Kirkhouse Foundation, as well as donors funding research projects • Some 195 PhD students from 29 African countries trained since 1983 • Average of 5-8 PhDs enrolled in any one year under ARPPIS under full fellowships • An additional 10-15 African students access specialised research facilities for thesis research annually • All Students undergo upgrading courses in essential areas such as biostatistics, project formulation provided in partnership with the universities.

4. Quality Assurance in ARPPIS • Overall responsibility for the programme is through the ARPPIS Academic Board (AAB) comprising of the vice chancellors of the participating universities or their nominees; • Students do research under icipe programmes; universities award the degrees (1 icipe supervisor, 1 University supervisor); • icipe operates a Board of Postgraduate Studies (IBTPS) composed of icipe scientists and university representatives, and which reports to the AAB. • Students go through rigorous annual performance evaluations based on self assessment and verification by both supervisors which determine future contracts.

5. ARPPIS MSc Programme • Started in 1992 to provide qualified students for the ARPPIS PhD programme through fellowships and national funding • Also, a complete MSc-level course for mid-level scientists • Hosted in 3 centres around Africa: • Southern Africa — University of Zimbabwe, Harare • Western Africa — University of Ghana, Legon • Eastern and Northeastern Africa — Addis Ababa University • Franco- & Luso-phone Africa — discussed but not yet implemented • Two-year programme (1st yr: Coursework 2nd yr: Research thesis) • Some 165 students trained from inception of programme • 10-15 students supported with fellowships annually