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A consortium of 7 universities is attending the second Joint Steering Committee meeting of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme under the project “Mobility 4 Agricultural International Networks Supporting Thematic Resilience and Enhancing Adaptation and Mitigation (MAIN)STREAM” at the University of Free State in South Africa. The project has provided pathways for institutional modernization and internationalization reforms to drive innovative solutions and value-added outcomes in interdisciplinary agricultural programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, and further inspire their inclusive implementation. The meeting has been attended by representatives of the 7 partner universities that include Mountains of the Moon University (Uganda), University of Kara, (Togo), Arsi University, (Ethiopia), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), (Kenya), Université du Sine Saloum El-Hâdj Ibrahima NIASS (USSEIN), (Senegal), University of Free State, (South Africa) and Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, (Germany).

The meeting has 3 key objectives that include: 1) selecting the next scholarship beneficiaries of the short-term mobility exchange 2) prepare a joint proposal application for the sustainability of the MAINSTREAM network and 3) evaluation and strengthening of the current collaboration. The selected scholarship beneficiaries for the second cohort are expected to start their mobility starting January 2026.

 The team also met the scholarship beneficiaries from the consortium universities hosted by the University of Free State to discuss their experience so far and deliberate on the future of the MAINSTREAM Alumni network for continued support beyond the mobility period. According to the students, this mobility scheme has increased their qualifications, skills, and exposure in different domains, e.g. interpersonal and intercultural skills, agricultural skills, and green and digital skills, stemming from diverse cultural and environmental exposure.

Mwanguhya Christopher, a Bachelor of Agriculture student at Mountains of the Moon University, recently completed a mobility placement at De Oude Kraal Country Estate in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
In his report, he states:

“During my mobility program at De Oude Kraal Country Estate, I gained hands-on experience in livestock production and farm management. I developed practical skills in animal health care, feeding and nutrition, breeding management, record keeping, and biosecurity practices across dairy, sheep, and piggery enterprises.

This experience strengthened my technical competence, problem-solving ability, teamwork, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. It shaped me into a more confident and resourceful Animal Scientist and Nutritionist. The supportive administration and collaborative environment provided a strong foundation for my professional growth.”

A student from Mountains of the Moon University has shared a reflective account of their academic and cultural experience during a mobility program at Université de Kara in Togo. The mobility opportunity exposed the student to a new learning environment, diverse communities, and hands-on academic engagement that strengthened both personal growth and professional development.

During their stay, the student participated in academic activities, interacted with peers and staff from various cultural backgrounds, and gained practical insights that broadened their understanding of regional education systems. They highlighted the warm hospitality, the unique cultural setting, and the supportive academic atmosphere at Université de Kara as key elements that made the experience memorable.

This reflection forms part of the ongoing collaboration between Mountains of the Moon University and partner institutions across Africa to promote capacity building, student mobility, and cross-cultural learning. Such initiatives aim to expose students to new ideas, enhance their academic competence, and strengthen regional networks within the higher education sector.

The mobility program continues to provide students with transformative opportunities that enrich their academic journey and prepare them for the demands of a globalized workforce.

Arsi University proudly hosted three international MSc students under the Inter-Africa Academic Mobility (MAINSTREAM) Project, who successfully presented their Thesis Research Progress and Seminar Reviews in Agricultural Economics on September 24, 2025. The students — one from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Kenya and two from the University of Kara, Togo — have been based at Arsi University for the past six months. Their research, jointly supervised by professors from Arsi University (Prof. Fikadu Mitiku, Prof. Mustefa Bati, and Prof. Getachew Nigussie), JOOUST (Prof. Christopher Obel Gor), and the University of Kara (Prof. Yovo Koffi), is now nearly 90% complete.

The students received valuable feedback from examiners and colleagues, which will be incorporated into their final theses for defense at their home universities. Each also successfully defended their Seminar Reviews, earning commendable scores. This milestone reflects the success of the MAINSTREAM Project in building research capacity, fostering cross-border collaboration, and promoting academic excellence. Arsi University warmly congratulates the students and wishes them great success in their final thesis defenses!

Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) was honored today to host Dr. Alice Nakhumicha Murithi, a Senior Lecturer and Horticultural Scientist in the Department of Plant, Animal and Food Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Kenya.

Her visit to MMU was specifically to supervise an international student under the MAINSTREAM project (#StudentExchanges for Shared Academic Goals). This engagement reflects the spirit of academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mentorship that the program seeks to foster among partner institutions.

The University appreciates such scholarly interactions that strengthen cross-border cooperation, enrich student learning experiences, and advance shared academic goals.

The MAINSTREAM Project (Mobility 4 Agricultural International Networks Supporting Thematic Resilience and Enhancing Adaptation and Mitigation) is pleased to announce that its Second Call for Applications for Master’s, PhD, and traineeship mobility scholarships will officially be launched on 15th August 2025.

This prestigious programme promotes academic exchange and applied research in climate-sensitive agricultural education across Africa, with a strong commitment to gender inclusion and the participation of underrepresented groups, especially women and persons with disabilities.

Participating Universities:

• Mountains of the Moon University (Uganda)
• Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (Kenya)
• Université de Kara (Togo)
• Université du Sine Saloum El-Hadj Ibrahima Niass (Senegal)
• University of the Free State (South Africa)
• Arsi University (Ethiopia)
• Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf (Germany)

Opportunities to be Offered:

• Master’s mobility (up to 6 months)
• PhD mobility (up to 12 months)
• Traineeship mobility (up to 3 months with industry partners/farms)

Full scholarship benefits will be provided, including tuition coverage, monthly stipends, travel insurance, and support for scholars with disabilities.

📅 Mark your calendars: Applications open 15th August 2025 and close 15th October 2025. Results will be announced by the end of December 2025.

Stay tuned for detailed guidelines and the application link on mainstreamafrica.org.

Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!

The MAINSTREAM Project has successfully concluded its selection process for the 2024 scholarship beneficiaries. Following a rigorous review and assessment of applications, 30 outstanding students from 11 different nationalities have been awarded mobility funding to pursue studies across partner universities. The selection process, which took place from December 3rd to 6th, 2024, at Mountains of the Moon University, ensured that candidates were chosen based on academic excellence, research potential, and relevance of their studies to sustainable agricultural development.

The MAINSTREAM Project provides financial support for students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs, as well as internship and research placements, across various universities within the partnership consortium. This initiative aims to enhance knowledge exchange, foster regional cooperation, and develop skills essential for agricultural transformation.

The following students have been awarded scholarships under the MAINSTREAM Project:

Scholarship Beneficiaries

The MAINSTREAM Project remains committed to fostering academic excellence and cross-border collaboration in higher education. The selected students will benefit from high-quality education and training opportunities, equipping them with the skills and expertise needed to drive sustainable agricultural development in their respective countries.

For more information, visit the MAINSTREAM Project website or contact the project coordinators.

Signed: Prof. Violet Kisakye
Mountains of the Moon University - Uganda
Chair of the Selection Committee

Dr. Befekadu Chemere Beyenssa
Arsi University - Ethiopia

Dr. Nazer Famah Sourassou
Université de Kara - Togo

Prof. Corli Witthuhn
University of Free State - South Africa

Prof. Khalifa S. Babacar SYLLA
Université du Sine Saloum El-Hâdj Ibrahima NIASS (USSEIN) - Senegal

Dragan Brković
Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf - Germany

Prof. Christopher Obel-Gor
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology - Kenya