The aim of this research is to respond to the challenge of adjusting technology to local contexts in the field of ICT for development, by developing a comprehensive approach (methodology) for the analysis and design of sustainable and scalable socio-technical information systems that promote societal development of local communities in varying developing-country contexts. In addition, the project has a capacity building objective of forming a sustained tripartite international research group capable of disseminating, evaluating and improving the approach further.

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Koivu Annariina, Luukkonen Irmeli, Martikainen Susanna, Palmen Marilla, Pentikäinen Marika, Tiihonen Tuija, Vainikainen Vilma

To strengthen the resilience of the people living in high risk urban and semi-urban areas, this project concentrates on establishing an Early Warning System through the improvement of early warning services with the support of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), in close cooperation with the National Meteorological Services (NMSs) of Malawi, government and other main stakeholders at various levels.

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In this project FMI contributes to the • Restructuring of the observation network • Renewal of the telecommunication system both in national and international level • Modernization of the climate database management system and • Wider dissemination of meteorological data.

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This research focuses on FBOs (World Vision, Fida International and Free Pentecostal Church of Tanzania) and their development projects by employing the capability approach and examining how the faith base influences assessments of valued functionings as aspects of good life, capabilities, and freedoms. Research is based on fieldwork in several regions in Tanzania.

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Project "Developing Development Studies" is a capacity building project between Finnish and African universities aiming to produce highly qualified professionals in socio-economic development, capable of participating in official policy dialogue, training future professionals, and carrying out basic and applied research of excellence and relevance in Africa.

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Tiina Kontinen, Adalgot Komba, Colman Msoka, Chrispin Matenga

The objectives of the project are to analyze the emergence of bioenergy governance systems and regulation from a transnational scale to local environments. This research project aims to study means how the conflicts are dealt with and develop tools to include stakeholders to governance processes. The study aims to: 1) Study how conflicts and stakeholder involvement are taken into account in the emerging transnational BEG by focusing on two cases: Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) and EU bioenergy policy. 2) Scrutinize concrete local bioenergy projects through case studies in Europe and Africa (Kenya, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone). 3) Examine bioenergy conflicts globally by constructing a broad database, as well as develop related educational resources.

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Jarmo Kortelainen, Javier Arevalo, Moritz Albrecht

The aim of the CAPOLSA project is to establish a strong literacy centre with international visibility and impact, specifically in African countries facing similar challenges to Zambia. The literacy training approach is based on the Grapho Learning Initiative and the innovative and efficient digital-based learning game, GraphoGame that has been developed based on scientific studies led by Professor Heikki Lyytinen.  THe project was funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the HEI ICI programme. Project Award Number: HEI ICI‐2010‐P1‐000153

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Professor Heikki Lyytinen, Professor Robert Serpell, Head of Planning & Development Päivi Fadjukoff

Converged Infrastructure for Emerging Regions (CIER) will design and implement the prototype of a self-configuring, cost- and energy effective, multi-radio, wireless backhaul network suitable for providing broadband connectivity to rural areas throughout the world, which are experiencing limited or none connectivity to the internet. Our vision is that communication infrastructure in emerging regions (Africa and parts of Europe) will be based on heterogeneous wireless mesh networks to connect geographically very large areas in an extremely harsh environment.

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Sami Ruponen, Kimmo Ahola, Elisa Jimeno, Juha Zidbeck.

The white rot fungus Rigidoporus microporus is the most economically important pathogen of the tropical tree Hevea brasiliensis with yearly economic losses of millions of dollars in the tropics. The control and management of the white rot disease of rubber in most tropical countries have been hampered due to limited knowledge of the population genetics of the different isolates as well as molecular basis of virulence mechanisms. Additionally, being a white rot fungi, members of the Rigidoporus genus are known to play major roles in nutrient and carbon cycling in tropical forest.

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Abbot Oghenekaro

The Internet is one of the most important innovations in today’s ICT domain. It is a tremendous, undisputed force for economic growth and social change (Dalberg Survey Report, 2013). The Internet technology is significantly changing the costs and modes of communication within Africa as well as between Africans and the rest of the world (Foster et al., 2004). This innovation is required to enhance information processing in order to execute applications and deliver services (Mofleh et al., 2008 and Raji et al., 2006). Africans living at home and abroad are experiencing the significant benefits of the Internet as well as its impact on economic development of their countries (Langmia, 2005).

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Almamy Touray, Airi Salminen, Timo Hämäläinen, Anja Mursu