In this summer school we aim at getting a holistic view of the existing food system by looking at different agricultural sectors (horticulture, cereals, fruits, livestock etc.), and different lines of processing and retailing. Hence, we will meet small-scale farmers as well as large-scale industrial producers. With the help of various researchers, we will adopt a sustainability lens by considering the social, economic and environmental aspects in evaluating the performance of the food system. Yet, we do not stop here. We also aim at systematically and critically identifying key challenges and coming up with innovative solutions that make the food system sustainable.
Program:
The first three days in Nairobi are dedicated to an extensive introduction into various aspects of the main topic of this summer school through lectures and input speeches by local and international experts. These are complemented by a visit to an industrial production site. The subsequent three days are spent in Nanyuki, Central Kenya, where excursions and field visits will allow participants to experience rural economies in a developing country and learn about the dynamics of agricultural markets, as well as challenges smallholders face with respect to food security. The leisure day in Nanyuki is meant for the participants to explore the area and connect with their peers. Back in Nairobi, participants will become active themselves: in a guided innovation process called “innovation challenge”, participants will work in groups on real life challenges proposed by different experts, organisations or stakeholders. At the end of the summer school, participants are expected to present their findings in an oral presentation to a diverse audience (experts, fellow participants, invited guests).
Framework:
This summer school is a joint project between Aiducation International and the Swiss Study Foundation and was developed in close collaboration with experts from academia and business. Working in interdisciplinary groups composed of students from Kenya and Switzerland and young employees from Kenya/Africa greatly adds to the diversity of viewpoints, but also requires the participants to overcome taken-for-granted, ethnocentric views and be open-minded towards the prevailing local conditions.
Leaders:
Dr. Sabin Bieri *, Director Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University Bern
Dr. Stellah Mukhovi Mikalitsa, senior lecturer, University of Nairobi
Beatrice Adoyo, PhD Candidate and Research Fellow Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)
Katharina Hilker (Sustainability Manager, Bühler Group)
Lisa Mwaiseghe (Project Manager, Bühler Group)
Neva Sadikoglu-Novaky (Business Sustainability Lead for Africa & Middle East, Syngenta)
Felistars Obonyo (Business Development Manager – East Africa, Syngenta)
George Jilani, CEO of Aiducation International Kenya
*involved in the planning but not present on site
Coordination: Matthias Meier and Cynthia Brauchli, Aiducation Switzerland; Barbara Dankwa-Egli, Schweizerische Studienstiftung
Administration: Michelle Hug
Dates:
Summer school: Sunday, 26th March – Thursday, 6th April 2023*
Preparatory Event: date still needs to be confirmed, app. 2-4 weeks before departure **
*If the pandemic situation does not allow the summer school to be held, it may be postponed to a later date. Depending on the flights we might also have to leave one day earlier or arrive one day later.
**Participation at the one-day preparatory event in the country of residence is a prerequisite for participation at the summer school. The date will be announced as soon as possible
Location:
Summer School: Milling School of Bühler in Nairobi and research site of CETRAD (Center for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development) in Nanyuki
Preparatory Event: in Uzwil and in Nairobi, respectively
Accommodation: Hostel in Nairobi and Nanyuki, in evaluation
Working Language: English
Participants: 15 Swiss students (members of the Swiss study foundation), 15 Kenyan students (Alumni of the Aiducation programme) and 6 young talented employees of two corporates (Bühler AG and Syngenta). To ensure similar age ranges between the groups, Swiss students in their Bachelor studies have priority.
Costs: 600 CHF, (incl. flights, accommodation, excursions and most meals). In exceptional cases, this fee may be waived.
Preparatory reading: A reader will be provided prior to the course.
Further remarks:
- Insurance and sufficient medical cover (incl. precautionary measures such as vaccinations) is the participants’ own responsibility.
- Students travelling to Kenya will have to organize the visa themselves. Inform yourself well ahead of time if you need a visa.
- Costs for the flight and the visa fees are covered by the organisers. Cost for the individual medical precautions are covered by the individuals.
- Please note that living standards in Kenya are different form the ones in Switzerland. Participants will be accommodated in a local hostel.
