WACCI Director Appointed to International Steering Committee of African-German Centre for Food Systems and Data Science.
Prof. Eric Y. Danquah, the Founding Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, has been appointed to the International Steering Committee of the newly launched African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA).
UKUDLA is a groundbreaking initiative designed to boost expertise in agricultural and food systems, alongside applied data science, through practical and interdisciplinary research. The Centre's main goal is to strengthen the abilities of Master’s and PhD students, early-career researchers, and university lecturers. It also seeks to enhance teaching methods and mentorship across these fields.
The Centre’s work is based on three core areas: research, practical application, and knowledge transfer. A Graduate Centre complements these activities by connecting applied data science directly to food systems analysis. It also provides structured training and ongoing learning opportunities.
UKUDLA was jointly developed by the University of Hohenheim in Germany, and the Universities of the Western Cape, Pretoria, Mpumalanga in South Africa, and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Malawi.
With headquarters at the University of the Western Cape, UKUDLA will coordinate activities across all partner institutions. Its unique approach integrates science with practical solutions, emphasizing digital technologies and teamwork to drive meaningful innovation.
In his role on the International Steering Committee, Prof. Danquah will help oversee the Centre’s strategic direction, advising on business planning, outreach activities, networking, sustainability measures, and exploring new funding opportunities.
WACCI warmly congratulates Prof. Eric Y. Danquah on this prestigious appointment, a reflection of his outstanding leadership in agricultural research and his dedicated efforts to improve food and nutrition security in Africa.
