The African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education (ANAFE), was established in 1993 by 29 African tertiary agricultural institutions. It is now composed of 146-member institutions (Figure 1, yellow dots) present in 37 African countries (Figure 1, dark green shaded areas). It is registered in Kenya, Tanzania and Niger as an international organization. A summary of institutions and countries is given in appendix 1.
Figure 1. ANAFE Presence in Africa as at 2015
ANAFE has been largely involved in enhancing regional capacity for delivery of quality and relevant tertiary agricultural, agroforestry, forestry and the related natural resources education and training to contribute more effectively to the improvement of livelihoods, economic growth and environmental sustainability in Africa. This was intended to be achieved through ANAFE’s overall strategy of integration of Tertiary Agricultural Education2 (TAE) by putting together all TAE educational levels from Certificate to doctoral level and linking them to local communities and farmers. ANAFE’s mission is “to work with member institutions to improve the quality, relevance and effectiveness of tertiary education, research and extension in Agriculture, Agroforestry, Forestry and other Natural Resources for sustainable socioeconomic transformation in Africa” and its vision is “a continent with quality and relevant tertiary agriculture, agroforestry, forestry and other natural resources education, research and extension for increased benefits and sustainable management of natural resources”. ANAFE identified the following as its priority strategic issues; 1). ANAFE Institutional Strengthening, 2). Enabling Policy and Institutional Environment for Quality Education and Research at national, regional, pan-African and global levels, 3). Business Approaches to Agriculture, forestry, agro forestry and the related natural resources and 4). Center of Excellence for training and research in Agriculture, Forestry, Agroforestry and related Natural Resources.