AFRICAN CENTRE FOR TECHNOLOGY STUDIES(ACTS)
ACTS is an international intergovernmental science, technology and environmental policy think-tank that generates and disseminates new knowledge through policy analysis, capacity building and outreach. The Centre strives to rationalize scientific and technological information to enable African countries to make effective policy choices for improved living standards.
The ACTS Energy and Water Security Programme addresses the myriad water and energy challenges that have moved to the fore of global debate on sustainable development. These challenges relate to technological inefficiencies in exploitation and use of water and energy resources, at a time when critical developments have occurred in the range of available technologies. Despite drops in the investment costs associated with these technologies over the past decade, the technologies still remain inaccessible to the majority of African communities. Furthermore, rampant poverty continues to undermine the capacity of African communities to adapt to the vulnerable energy and water situations.
ACTS has been able to meet the capacity building objective through the Science Technology Institute which offers short policy courses throughout the year.
Role in PISCES: co-leading of Policy working group with Practical Action East Africa. The overall objective is to bring together policy makers, stakeholders and experts to develop a combined methodology on participatory policy dialogue and apply the same in developing bioenergy policies with a focus on Kenya and Sri Lanka.
Responsible for implementing the Communications and Public Awareness Strategy. This is coordinated by ACTS’ Communications and Public Relations Department, with full-time specialist staff committed to the project.
PRACTICAL ACTION CONSULTING EASTERN AFRICA
Based at the regional office of Practical Action in Nairobi, the consultancy benefits from the expertise, knowledge base and global reach of the parent organization. Operations in Eastern Africa began in the early 1990s and have expanded through extensive promotion of PAC Eastern Africa services and capacity-building locally and regionally. PAC Eastern Africa provides demand-driven, value-added services to a range of clients, including local and international NGOs, donor agencies, government departments and the private sector.
The team consists of permanent staff and associate consultants from diverse professional backgrounds. It specialises in assignments that add value to the development work of Practical Action, contribute to knowledge-based development, and enable the dissemination of ideas and best practice throughout the region. Practical Action Consulting has a long-term vision to expand its sphere of influence and partnership working throughout Eastern Africa.
PAC Eastern Africa has a track record of experience in the following activities:
• Institutional strengthening, organizational capacity assessments and training inputs.
• Programme/project reviews, surveys, feasibility analyses, and baseline studies.
• Programme monitoring and evaluation, mid- and end-term reviews.
• Participatory Market Chain Mapping (DFID funded).
• Technical support for program design and development.
• Gender and development issues.
• Business development services, including small- and medium enterprise development.
• Community energy, water, housing & sanitation.
• HIV/AIDS awareness training, surveys and capacity development.
• Agri-business: market development and linkages .
• Drought cycle management support.
• Conflict management. • Pastoral livestock and markets development.
• Biodiversity conservation and environment.
• Market assessment and analysis.
• Project and programme management support.
Role in PISCES: See PAC UK
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