AN EVER-GROWING NETWORK
The SFA Network is an ever-growing network of NGOs and academics working on global sustainability challenges. The initiative started in 2016, and has grown to encompass five hubs around sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
CONCEPTION
2016
Identification of collaborating institutions | Proposal writing, and first grant awarded (ESRC) | Conception of trial projects | Commitment equal to North-South relationships
INCEPTION
2017
Members clarified the vision, the purpose and the objectives of the network | Network launched | Symposium in Botswana | Trial projects initiated | New members joined the network | New funding secured (SFC) | Scoping meeting in Glasgow
GROWTH AND COMMUNICATION
2018
Botswana report on trial project | Publication | Administrative staff recruited in hubs | Establishment of leadership structure and nomination of hub directors | New partners join the network | Symposium in Nigeria | Elson’s documentary | Uganda media articles | Arts and culture funding | Website | Meeting in Glasgow | Co-Direction of the network
STRATEGIC PLANNING
2019
Symposium in Uganda | Strengthening of stakeholder’s engagement | Capacity building | Glasgow hub founded | Writing workshop in Glasgow | Revision of goals and objectives | Analysis of strengths and weaknesses | Implementation of guidelines | New website launched | Strong cross-hub connections | Publications
OUR CURRENT PRIORITIES
Strenghtening the Structure and Capacity of the Network
This year, the overarching objective is to strengthen the current structure and capacity of the SFA Network by : 1) Continually decreasing non-project-based infrastructure funding and diversifying funding sources; 2) Strengthening the Scotland-led research projects; and 3) Formalising and developing the roles of graduate students and ECRs in the network.
Autonomous Hubs
Maintaining the solid and sustainable base for each hub whilst moving towards the continued increase of diverse and external funding sources.
PGR and ECR Association
Support the explicit mentorship and career development of the growing number of PGR and Masters students engaged in our network across and between hubs.
OUR FUTURE AMBITIONS
Sustainable Futures
The SFA Network wishes to expand and explore work partnership opportunities. Over the coming years, we aspire to launch new hubs in Africa and beyond to multiply our initiatives.
New Partnerships
Hubs are invited to expand their reach within (new partners) and outside (new communities) their focal research projects.
New Hubs
The Network wishes to explore partnerships with new countries in Africa and beyond and possibly establish new hubs.