RUFORUM and LIBSENSE have collaboratively designed a series of initiatives to provide cutting-edge digital services to higher education and research institutions, promoting open agricultural data repository development while reducing associated costs. This workshop, dedicated to RDM principles, policies, and practices, is vital to this endeavour. The 19th RUFORUM AGM in 2023 focuses on "Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Foster Prosperity in Africa." In this context, impactful, reproducible, and well-disseminated research is a key driver of sustainable agricultural practices. The establishment of robust RDM policies and practices aligns with this goal.
The RUFORUM Secretariat and LIBSENSE will present the final findings of the needs assessment survey undertaken from February to June 2023 with RUFORUM institutions. The workshop will also incorporate focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders to explore in-depth results from the findings. Member universities of RUFORUM will gain a more thorough understanding of the requirements of open data repositories and the benefits of RDM. The Secretariat will coordinate the development of the open data repository developed as a result of this needs assessment survey.
Aim and Objectives
The workshop aims to open up a discussion about the need to improve RDM principles, policies and practices in light of the current agricultural research landscape in Africa and to expose attendees to key issues concerning the provision of an open agricultural data repository. To achieve this, the following specific objectives will be pursued:
Expected output
The main deliverable for the workshop will be a report to be distributed post-workshop addressing:
Participants
Several stakeholders are invited to take part. Participants will have different roles and expectations as outlined below: