POLICY RESEARCH, CAPACITY, AND INFLUENCE (PRCI)

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research, Capacity, and Influence (PRCI), led by Michigan State University (MSU), plays a pivotal role in supporting the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI). Operating under the auspices of USAID’s Feed the Future initiative, the PRCI project serves as a catalyst for ANAPRI’s growth, empowering the network to enhance its institutional capacity, elevate research excellence, and foster sustainable partnerships across Africa.

A key focus of PRCI is Institutional Capacity Building. This includes strengthening the executive, administrative, and financial management systems within the ANAPRI Secretariat, which are essential for efficient operations. Additionally, PRCI promotes Africa-Africa learning by facilitating capacity development programmes.

The project also prioritises Research Excellence by supporting the establishment of a strategic research agenda that addresses critical food security challenges on the continent. This strategic alignment enables member institutes to conduct high-quality research that informs agricultural policy and practice. Furthermore, PRCI fosters Partnership Development by encouraging collaboration within ANAPRI and with external stakeholders. This collaborative approach enhances research capacity, promotes knowledge exchange, and builds sustainable partnerships that contribute to long-term food security initiatives.

Knowledge sharing is another cornerstone of PRCI's initiatives. The project supports the dissemination of research findings and best practices among ANAPRI member institutes through workshops, seminars, and conferences, thereby promoting dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Overall, PRCI is significantly enhancing ANAPRI's capacity to tackle the complex challenges of food security, ensuring impactful contributions to sustainable agricultural development across Africa.