UON Among Varsities to Roll out PBL – Bio Africa Project in Africa

The University of Nairobi is one of the 3 selected universities in Kenya that are introducing the PBL - Bio Africa project in Kenya. Through C4DLab, the university will work with Egerton University and the University of Southeast Kenya (SEKU) to implement the bio economy-focused project.

PBLBioAfrica is a cooperative project to strengthen the capacities of bio economy universities (higher education institutions) in Kenya and Zambia. The focus is on developing problem-based learning (PBL) methods in bio economy education and using distance open learning (ODL) and open educational resources (OER) formats to reach large numbers of students in partner universities.

The Problem Based Learning Bio Africa (PBLBioAfrica) program aims to jointly shape change in agricultural education, first in Kenya and Zambia and then more broadly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In doing so, the project contributes to the long-term development of the HEIICI program by strengthening the capacity of bio economy universities to provide educationally innovative, work-relevant and accessible higher education to large numbers of students in sub-Saharan Africa.

This effect is possible thanks to the specific result of PBLBioAfrica, which is being enhanced in the curricula, teaching and management capacities of partner universities and the broader SSAs for climate-smart organic entrepreneurship. 4,444 students and graduates are equipped with business and work-related skills. Close cooperation with industry is essential to provide students with practical learning cases.

Climate smart Agriculture (CSA) is introduced as a guiding principle in business development. Furthermore, recognizing the role and potential of women in agriculture will enhance both equality and economic development. The three partner countries Finland, Kenya and Zambia carry out the Problem-Based Bio economy Entrepreneurship and Capacity Building Program in Africa (PBLBioAfrica).

The project is coordinated by the Häme University of Applied Sciences. The PBLBioAfrica project aims to strengthen the network of universities at the national and international level, as well as with the industry.

A web-based learning ecosystem is being created for the long-term development of bio-entrepreneurship training.