WORK PACKAGES
In order to accomplish the defined objectives of the TRANS-SAHARA project, a work plan has been established. This work plan consists of 8 primary, interconnected work packages that will be executed during the project’s lifetime.
9 Work Packages
WP 01
Project management & coordination
Leader: TUM
Within WP1, crucial is the swift establishment of management and communication structures and processes to ensure the central monitoring of project activities, deliverables, and deadlines. This facilitates the timely and high-quality achievement of project results through scientific coordination and impact-orientated project management. The activities in WP1 are designed to prioritise efficiency, exceptional quality, and the maximum usability of project outcomes while also incorporating thorough risk analysis and effective conflict management.
WP 02
Multi-stakeholder engagement
Leader: INRGREF
Within WP2, co-led by UNU-EHS as an Associated Partner, key activities focus on identifying and engaging stakeholders in the Living Labs, as well as at national and international levels, to address policy gaps and develop policy recommendations. WP2 also includes establishing a baseline for the three Living Labs in collaboration with stakeholders by analysing current land-use practices, including agroforestry, and conducting a data and technology audit. Furthermore, use-case-specific methodologies are developed to demonstrate the TRANS-SAHARA WEFE Nexus-based agroforestry innovations in the Living Labs, contributing to the objectives of WP6.
WP 03
Strategies for data identification, collection & sensing and database development
Leader: WASCAL
Within WP3, the activities focus on identifying the parameters and variables required to build comprehensive agroforestry models in WP4. This involves assessing data availability based on the specifications of the Living Labs and other sources, such as satellite data. Strategies for data collection are developed, including the creation of innovative in-situ sensing solutions “Made in Africa,” alongside mitigation measures for addressing missing data. Additionally, WP3 includes setting up a Data Management System for newly collected data, collecting the required data, and establishing a region-wide database for drought-resistant plant and animal species by consolidating existing national databases.
WP 04
Development of TRANS-SAHARA Models and the Agroforestry Intervention Design Tool
Leader: EURAC
Within WP4, the focus is on developing comprehensive digital models that integrate agroforestry with current land use systems through optimised land use/land cover (LULC) allocations. These models aim to achieve the best compromises for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the potential for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Additionally, WP4 involves creating an Agroforestry Intervention Design Tool, a decision support system designed to translate the insights from these models into specific agroforestry interventions.
WP 05
Socio-economic innovations
Leader: ICRAF
Within WP5, co-led by UNCCD as an Associated Partner with inputs from UNU-EHS, the focus is on developing a range of socio-economic and non-technical innovations to enhance the framework conditions necessary for the adoption of novel agroforestry measures.
WP 06
Agroforestry Nexus Living Labs Demonstration
Leader: KNUST
Within WP6, UNCCD will contribute as part of the Associate Partner dialogue. This work package focuses on establishing Living Labs in specific locations based on feasibility study results previously conducted, while ensuring all required permissions are obtained. It includes designing and engineering specific agroforestry interventions within the Living Labs, utilising the Agroforestry Intervention Design Tool developed in WP4. The required equipment and technologies will be installed, tested, and commissioned prior to the official demonstration kick-off. Additionally, capacities and technical skills will be built among end-users to operate and maintain agroforestry technologies during the demonstration. Upon completion, the methodology for establishing agroforestry pilots will be validated, and lessons will be drawn to support further upscaling and replication across other regions of the African Union.
WP 07
Capacity building programme development (beyond local level)
Leader: PAUWES
Within WP7, UNU-EHS will contribute as part of the Associate Partner dialogue. This work package focuses on enhancing capacity building, promoting regional entrepreneurship programmes, and facilitating the adoption of innovative WEFE-Nexus approaches beyond the TRANS-SAHARA project. The aim is to support climate change adaptation and mitigation while fostering sustainable development, job creation, and the transition towards a circular economy. Additionally, Nexus security committees and plans will be established at local and regional levels, with efforts to link these to national-level institutionalisation.
WP 08
Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation
Leader: ZABALA
This work package involves defining the dissemination, communication, and exploitation strategy and vision of the TRANS-SAHARA project. It includes developing operative tools, approaches, and an action plan for dissemination and communication activities. These activities will be implemented through the deployment of the project’s online presence and the creation of offline materials. Additionally, opportunities for synergies with other initiatives will be identified to maximise the project’s impact.
WP 09
Ethics requirements
Leader: TUM
The objective is to ensure compliance with the ‘ethics requirements’ set out in this work package.
Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme Grant Agreement Nº: 101182176. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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