ACE II Launch - Breakout Session 1 Major Challenges Faced by ACEs and possible solutions – AGRICULTURE Cluster Presented by: JUDE SSEBUWUFU (Centre Leader, ACALISE, UMU) Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Challenges from within the ACEs List Top 2 – 3 Challenges Workload Managing expectations of a multiplicity of stakeholders Timely and cost-effective procurement

Challenges from within the ACEs Challenge: (most difficult of the 2 – 3 challenges) Workload Suggested Solutions (top 1-2 practical solutions ) Management should release key staff to concentrate on ACE Hiring ACE full time staff Innovative but transparent ways of incentivization

ACE Host University Related Challenges List Top 2 – 3 Challenges Too much bureaucracy in approvals Aligning institutional procurement procedures with Government and World bank procedures Accreditation of programmes (especially beyond national level)

ACE Host University Related Challenges Challenge: (most difficult of the 2 – 3 challenges) Bureaucracy Suggested Solutions (top 1-2 practical solutions ) Give some degree autonomy to the ACE leadership Organize a workshop/retreat to enable Management and middle managers appreciate the nature of the ACE II project

National Government Related Challenges List Top 2 – 3 Challenges Government Bureaucracy Aligning ACE Procurement practices with National procedures/requirements

National Governments Related Challenges Challenge: (most difficult of the 2 – 3 challenges) Bureaucracy/delays in approvals Suggested Solutions (top 1-2 practical solutions ) Intervention of WB and RFU

Challenges with Building Partnerships List Top 2 – 3 Challenges Coordination of a multiplicity of partnerships (interest groups) Meeting the expectations of private sector

Challenges with Building Partnerships Challenge: (most difficult of the 2 – 3 challenges) Partnerships coordination Suggested Solutions (top 1-2 practical solutions ) Establishing a partnership coordination office Agreeing in advance with partners on all the activities and ToR

Other challenges Sustainability Harmonization of procedures and standards Inspiring all staff to come on board Recruitment of regional and female students Agreeing on publication standards Effective and timely communication from IUCEA to ACEs Support from administrative officers at various levels Suggestions for remedy On sustainability: a) proposal writing by teaming up with the the experts and other partners, b)have attractive programmes and support services to students, c) short courses, market and fundraise through alumni and the diaspora, d) community outreach and ensuring that your outreach impact is communicated to the whole world to attract funding, e) soliciting for funding and scholarships from embassies and international agencies given your name as a WB-approved Centre of excellence, f) budget for seed money to facilitate teams to respond to calls for proposals, g) begin now to think of what is next after 31 Dec 2022., h) budget for seed money for enterprise development with students. On harmonization: Standardize procedures in all activities for everyone to read from the same page Buying in of staff: Have retreats for staff to create awareness and buy in; incentivise Recruitment : Provide scholarships to regional students and especially females Quality of publications: work with Elsevier Communication: IUCEA should copy all communications to the VC and PI