icipe is offering two PhD positions, one working on plant-based biorationals for management of Fall armyworm and the other working on factors influencing the ability of maize to compensate for damage by FAW.

More infomation: http://cbid.icipe.org/apps/fall-armyworm-2019-readvertisement/index.php

Hippobosca camelina, also known as camel fly or camel ked, feeds only on blood and is present year-round in dry and humid areas. Its major host is the camel but they can also feed on goats, sheep, cattle, wild animals and humans. Because of its blood feeding habit on different domestic and wild animals, it is a vector of many pathogens including African trypanosomes and Anaplasma, the two most economically important pathogens of domestic animals. There are about 15 million camels in the Horn of Africa region, the largest concentration globally. Camels are resilient yet under-researched animals for marginalized communities coping with climate change, where they provide meat and milk. Diseases transmitted by the camel fly cause loss of productivity and abortions in camels. icipe’s study of biting flies, such as the camel fly, is geared toward improving livestock health, with a focus on the smallholder farmer. 

1. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is an intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya that carries out research and training in sustainable management of insects (arthropods) for improving comprehensive health and agricultural productivity in the tropics (www.icipe.org). icipe is embarking on the implementation of the MOre Young Entrepreneurs in Silk and Honey (MOYESH) program in Ethiopia. The program aims to create jobs for 100,000 male and female youth in the Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and SNNP Regions. The programs is supported by Mastercard Foundation (MCF).
2. icipe intends to engage a qualified consultancy firm to establish digital data collection, management and information dissemination platforms. The platforms will help to map  targeted youth, and certified  input suppliers and outputs buyers, facilitate exchange of information among actors along the value chains, monitor and evaluate  progress of the program implementation and lay foundation for assessing the performance of the program against the goal of creating jobs for 100, 000 youth in beekeeping, sericulture and associated businesses. See attached Terms of Reference (TOR) for more details: http://www.icipe.org/sites/default/files/icipe_ToR_for_ICT_Consultant__Moyesh_Project_Jan_2020.pdf
3. icipe now invites interested parties who are able to demonstrate technical capability to undertake this assignment.
4. Interested parties should be a well-established ICT company with the know how in system, platform, Portal and mobile phone application development that meets the following key criteria:

• Proven experience in delivering medium-sized to complex software projects.
• Proven capacity to work at offshore or on-site location.
• Proven experience in delivering services on the following technologies:
  • User interface / experience design (Web/Mobile);
  • Expert knowledge of XML-RPC, NET-RPC, JSON-RPC, NGINX, Bootstrap, Node.js, Python, Less, D3.js, SOAP and MVC;
  • Comprehensive Dynamic Workflow Builder;
  • Cloud development (Microsoft Azure);
  • Cloud development (Amazon Webservices);
  • Business Intelligence using open source BI tools such as Pentaho Business Intelligence;
  • Health Information Systems (DHIS2);
  • Geospatial Analytics (ArcGIS);
  • Databases development and administration (Open Source);
  • Cenit module for integration with other modern systems or integration tool
  • Web development (Python, Django);
  • Two Factor Authentication;
  • QR code with CRC16 Checksum on all generated documents;
  • Proven ability to work and communicate in English.

5. Expressions of interest may be delivered to the following address on or before on 31^st Jan 2020, and mention “EOI for the development of a digital data collection and Information exchange platforms for the MOYESH program.

The document should addressed to:

Nebiyu Solomon

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Mobile: +251 (0) 911 745902

Fax: +251(0) 116172001

Email:  nsolomon@icipe.org

1. The Bioresources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development (BioInnovate Africa) Programme is a regional biosciences research and innovation initiative established in 2010 with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It is based at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), and operates in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The Programme assists these countries to benefit from the revolutionary advances in biosciences, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development.Bionnovate Africa is hosted and managed by icipe in Nairobi, Kenya.
2. Bioinnovate, through icipe, intends to procure the services of a private firm to prepare Bioinnovate Africa Projects for a transition into pilot commercial enterprises. See attached Terms of Reference (TOR) for more details: http://www.icipe.org/sites/default/files/icipe%20_TENDER%20NOTICE_22%20_...
3. Bioinnovate now invites interested parties who are able to demonstrate technical capability to provide the above-mentioned service.
4. Interested parties should:

• Provide consulting firm’s registration documents, PIN and Tax Compliance certificates, and addresses, physical location, website and contact persons. The firm should preferably be operating within eastern Africa.
• Provide organization’s profile detailing organization chart, and CVs of key and relevant technical staff who will deliver the project, clearly indicating technical skills, academic qualifications and years of experience.
• Demonstrate sufficient (over 6 years) practical experiences in business incubation and acceleration, entrepreneurship, business management/administration and other relevant areas listed under section 4 relevant for biobased and/or agribusiness sectors.
• Demonstrate good working knowledge of BioInnovate Africa objectives and goals including nature and type of innovation projects.
• Demonstrate experience in supporting start up enterprises as they transition into fully fledged businesses and supporting growth of SMEs.
• Provide a competitive fee quote (in US$) to perform the assignment.

5. The Invitation for Bids (IFB)must be delivered, in sealed envelopes, to the address below on or before 11:00 hours East Africa Time on 24^th February 2020. The bids will be opened the same date and time, in the presence of those submitting. The submissions in hard copy should be clearly marked: ‘Invitation for Bids – Provision of Consultancy service to prepare Bioinnovate Africa projects for a transition into pilot commercial enterprises”. Electronic submissions to icipetenders@icipe.org are permitted. Late submissions will be rejected.

Procurement Manager

Through icipe Tender Box

1. Duduville campus, Carroll Wilson Building,

Off Thika Road, Kasarani

P.O. Box 30772-00100, NAIROBI

Project Name:  The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) for Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Grant No.: D347-3A

Assignment Title: Development and design of a Scholarships and Grants Information Management System

Reference No.            KE-ICIPE-155036-CS-QCBS

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include: Development and design of a Scholarships and Grants Information Management System for the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund of PASET. The website should provide mechanism to reach key RSIF audiences that include icipe staff, African host universities, other universities, international partner institutions, RSIF scholars and future alumni, governments, the wider scientific community in Africa and in the diaspora, private sector, donors, investors and the general public.

The goal of this assignment is to develop a fully functional scholarship and grants application system for the RSIF to support RSIF implementation. The Application is will be hosted by icipe, with continuous maintenance and support by the consultant. The consultant is expected to deliver a web portal (in English and French) and a backend application that will enhance the scholarship and grant application process, management operations, notification and disbursement. The application should be three (3) tiers with separation of presentation, application and data layers.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: http://www.icipe.org/sites/default/files/TORs_for_Grants_Information_Man...

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

1. Evidence of firm’s legal status, e.g. statutory registration documents (Certificate of Incorporation for Limited companies only, Tax Compliance certificate, PIN and VAT registration Certificates) and postal address, physical location, Tel/E-mail/Website addresses and contact persons.
2. At least five (5) years of progressive experience with open source software development environment in a reputable organisation.
3. Core business of the firm in providing development and design of Information Management System services as demonstrated in the firm’s organisational profile, and number of years in business.
4. Relevant Experience: Examples of at least three (3) references from reputable organisations and links to at least three Information Management System, whom the firm has provided services of similar nature as sought by icipe.
5. Technical and managerial capability of the firm.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub- consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at this address (rsiftenders@icipe.org) during office hours 08:00 – 17:00 hrsEast Africa Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form, in sealed envelopes addressed to the address below, and deposited in the icipe Tender Box, located at icipe Duduville campus, Kasarani, Nairobi (Carroll Wilson Building, Ground Floor) on or before 7^th February, 2020 at 11:00 hrs, East Africa Time. The bids will be opened the same date and time, in the presence of those submitting. The submissions, in hard copy should be clearly marked: ‘Expression of Interest – Development and design of a Scholarships and Grants Information Management System”. Electronic submissions will not be permitted.

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

Attn:  Susan Kariuki, Procurement Manager

Duduville campus, Kasarani, Nairobi

P.O. Box 30772, 00100 GPO

NAIROBI, KENYA

Tel:  +254-20-8632000

Fax: +254-20-8632001/2

E-mail:  rsiftenders@icipe.org

Website:  www.icipe.org

With a gross production value of 5.6 billion USD, tomato is an essential crop for Africa. Besides its nutritional value, tomato offers a reliable source of employment and income to smallholder farmers through domestic and regional trade, especially for women. The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, originates from Latin America and invaded Africa in 2010 through Spain, where it is now present in 31 African countries. In Northern Nigeria, more than 80% of production was lost in 2016, leading to a 10-fold increase in tomato prices, dubbing the invasion as ‘tomato ebola’. Alarmed by rampant spread and the destructive nature of this pest, growers resort to indiscriminate widespread use of broad-spectrum insecticides. icipe is at the forefront of developing an environmentally friendly integrated pest management approach for this pest, based on mass trapping, classical biological control using Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris and development of fungal-based biopesticides. 

1. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is an intergovernmental organisation research and training in sustainable management of (arthropods) for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics (www.icipe.org).
2. Following the closure of its St. Jude’s Clinic at Mbita, icipe invites interested parties to bid for assorted Medical equipment. Interested bidders are invited to view the equipment at icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus (ITOC), Mbita any time during weekdays from 10:00 hrs – 16:00 hrs. icipe reserves the right to refuse admission to its premises without stating the reason. Detailed list (Annex 1) of the said equipment is available here: http://www.icipe.org/sites/default/files/List-of-equipment-St-Judes-Clin...
3. Please submit your bid via e-mail to: icipetenders@icipe.org indicating the full name and contact details of the bidder and the quoted price.
4. The closing date for receipt of bids is 21^st February 2020 at 11:00 hrs.
5. These equipments shall be sold to the highest bidder ‘as is where is’, and subject to the icipeConditions of Sale. icipe reserves the right to accept or reject any offer.

Procurement Manager

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

Carroll Wilson Building, Duduville Campus

Off Thika Road, Kasarani

P.O. Box 30772, 00100 GPO

NAIROBI

For more information please contact:  E-mail:  icipetenders@icipe.org

RIVERSIDE HOUSE

Along Riverside Drive

(Built up Area = 1,529 sqm; Compound Area is Approx. 0.422 hectares)

1. PRICE ON ENQUIRY
2. icipe@icipe.org

Project Name:            The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) for Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Grant No.:                  D347-3A

Assignment Title:     Social Risk Management Capacity Strengthening

Reference No:           KE-ICIPE-159375-CS-INDV

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include: Enhancing institutional capacity for social risk management and inclusion including enhancing overall safeguards capacity.

icipe intends to hire the services of competent Individual Consultant on a retainer basis, to provide technical assistance on social risk management and safeguards required to achieve this goal. The overall purpose of the assignment is to support the Regional Project Coordination Unit at icipe, the country level Project Coordination teams and host universities in identifying, understanding and effectively responding to project related social risks in accordance with the national policies, legal, regulatory and institutional framework and where relevant, the applicable World Bank Policies, Guidelines and Standards.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: http://www.icipe.org/sites/default/files/ToR-for-Social-Risk-Mgt.pdf

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology now invites eligible consulting individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

• The Safeguards/Social Risk Management Specialist with an Advanced Degree in either Psychology, Law, Social Work, Social Sciences and other related field
• She/he must be familiar with World Bank safeguards requirements, social risk management guidance procedures and participated in WB funded projects particularly in supervision, management and monitoring.
• At least 5 years of practical experience in implementing, social safeguards and gender interventions for education and other similar projects or programs funded by World Bank and/or other donor funded projects
• Demonstrated understanding of World Bank Environmental and Social safeguard policies and/or standards, IFC Performance Standards, and working knowledge of various country policies and procedures (relevant Laws, Regulations and Guidelines).

• Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Consultants may associate with other consultants to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub- consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the criteria laid down in “Selection Based on Consultants Qualification” (CQS) method set out in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, Revised November 2017 and August 2018 which can be found at the following website: www.worldbank.org

Further information can be obtained at this address (rsiftenders@icipe.org) during office hours 08:00 – 17:00 hrsEast Africa Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person and deposited in the icipe Tender Box, located at icipe Duduville campus, Kasarani, Nairobi (Caroll Wilson Building, Ground Floor) on or before February 28th, 2020 at 11:00 hrs, East Africa Time. The bids will be opened the same date and time, in the presence of those submitting. The submissions in hard copy should be clearly marked: ‘Expression of Interest – Consultancy for Social Risk Management Capacity Strengthening”. Electronic submissions can be sent via email to:rsiftenders@icipe.org

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

Attn:  Susan Kariuki, Procurement Manager

Duduville campus, Kasarani, Nairobi

P.O. Box 30772, 00100 GPO

NAIROBI, KENYA

Tel:  +254-20-8632000 , Fax: +254-20-8632001/2

E-mail:  rsiftenders@icipe.org

Website:  www.icipe.org

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF VIDEO CONFERENCING EQUIPMENT AND CAMERA FOR THE REGIONAL COORDINATION UNIT AT icipe

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has received financing in the amount of USD 15 million (Fifteen Million) equivalent from the World Bank toward the cost of the Africa Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) for Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds to payment of goods, works, related services and consulting services to be procured under this Project.

This document is a formal Request for Quotations from prospective suppliers for the Supply, delivery and Installation of video conferencing equipment and camera to icipe Duduville Campus Nairobi. The information you disclose will be handled in the strictest confidence by icipe. The Supplier will also be held responsible for disclosing incorrect or misleading information.

The bidders must comply with all the instructions, terms and conditions and ensure that all the forms required are properly completed and submitted in a sealed envelope (not disclosing the source), which should be dropped and registered at the icipe Tender Box.

Further information can be obtained at this address (rsiftenders@icipe.org) during office hours 09:00 – 17:00 hrsEast Africa Time.

The attention of interested bidders is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Request for Quotations must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person and deposited in the icipe Tender Box, Carroll Wilson Building, Duduville Campus, Kasarani, on or before 28^th February, 2020 at 11:00 hrs, East Africa Time. The bids will be opened the same date and time, in the presence of those submitting. The submissions in hard copy should be clearly marked: ‘Request for Quotations – Supply, Delivery and Installation of Video Conferencing Equipment and Camera for the RSIF project at icipe. REF: KE-ICIPE-159378-GO-RFQ. Electronic submissions will NOT be permitted. Late submissions will be rejected.

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

Attn:  Susan Kariuki, Procurement Manager

Duduville campus, Kasarani, Nairobi

P.O. Box 30772, 00100 GPO

NAIROBI, KENYA

Tel:  +254-20-8632000

Fax: +254-20-8632001/2

E-mail:  rsiftenders@icipe.org

Website:  www.icipe.org

GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOTICE

• All the information contained in this RFQ and in the Supplier’s response will be handled with confidentiality by both the Supplier and icipe.
• In issuing this RFQ, there is no obligation on icipe to select and procure all or some of the goods offered.
• Any information given by the Supplier will form the basis of any contract that may be entered into between icipe and the Supplier.
• shall not be liable for or required to pay any costs, expenses or losses that may be incurred by the Supplier in the preparation of their Quotation.
• All required information will be submitted on the documents specified in this RFQ.
• does not bind itself to accept the lowest bid of any Quotation and reserves the right to accept a portion of any quotation.
• The Supplier is to submit a fully qualifying bid.
• reserves the right to conduct unannounced site visits to the Supplier premises.
• may contact or arrange site visits to the referees stated in this Quotation.
• reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation without assigning any reasons thereof.
• Interested bidders are invited to a site visit/survey and debriefing on Friday 21^st February,2020 at 2.30 pm local time. Kindly send an email confirmation for security booking to rsiftenders@icipe.org

SECTION 1:  QUALIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be eligible and be considered for pre-qualification prospective suppliers must prove that they qualify to participate and submit all the information in the format requested herein as part of mandatory documents:

1.1       Mandatory requirements

The quotation must be submitted in one copy, bound, typed and completely printed in one sealed envelope. The quotation MUST be submitted in the format below.

1.2       Video Conferencing Equipment

Lot 1a : Video Conferencing equipment required shall include the following:

Logitec Rally Plus video conferencing equipment or Equivalent are preferred for compatibility with existing ICT systems at icipe.

Lot 1b

Logitec Meetup conferencing equipment or Equivalent are preferred for compatibility with existing ICT systems at icipe.

Lot 2: Portable Camera and accessories.

Minimum Camera Specifications

NOTE: For the Video Conferencing equipment and Portable Camera provide brochures of the products quoted and indicate the Warranty period (preferred period is 2 years and a service contract for 2 years), Training and installation and delivery timeline.

1.3       Directors and Partners

List below the names, nationalities and addresses of all the Directors and/or Partners (executive and non- executive) of your company:

1.4       Other companies

List below other firms, holding firms, or other organizations, and their addresses, holding major interest in your company.

1.5 Account Management

List below the names of the persons assigned to supervise the Clients account by your firm explain the roles clearly.

1.6 Bank Reference

List below bank (s) which your company has account (s)

1.7  Financial Statements

Please submit your signed audited accounts for the past three years (2018, 2017 & 2016).

1.8 Client/Business References

List 3 major clients whom you have provided similar goods to in the last three financial years that you would recommend for Reference - must be relevant to the items you have expressed interest to supply.  Pease break them down into the following categories:

• Non-Profit/Donor Funded Organizations:

• Commercial Organizations:

1.9       Sub-Contractors

Does your company intend to sub-contract any of the proposed services to another firm?

If yes,

To who?

What portion and why?

1.10     Business Principles:

• Conflict of Interest

1.9.1    icipe insists on honesty, integrity and fairness in all aspects of the business relationship with your company. Direct or indirect offer, payment, soliciting and acceptance of bribes in any form are unacceptable practices. Please confirm your agreement to the above.

            Y / N

1. To avoid conflict of interest between their private financial activities and their part in the conduct of company business, icipe employees or member of their immediate family or relatives should not acquire financial interest in any company or organization with which icipe has commercial relationship.

1.9.3    Is a member of your immediate family or relative an icipe employee?

            Y /N. If yes, please provide details.

icipe now invites you to submit quotation for the provision of listed items below: -

NOTES–

• THIS IS NOT AN ORDER.Read the conditions (c) Your quotation should indicate price per unit and instructions on reverse before quoting, which includes all costs for delivery, product brand, country of origin, warranty period (preferred is 2 years and a service contract for 2 years), and training and installation cost (if any), and best value discount (final offer).Please provide your details in the format below clearly showing the VAT amount:

NB:     1. Quote separately for Lot 1 and 2.

2. The two Lots can be awarded separately.

CONDITIONS

1. The offer shall remain valid for 30 days from the closing date unless otherwise stipulated by the candidate.
2. Prices offered must be net discounted prices and VAT exclusive and the VAT value indicated separately and totaled up.
3. The Procuring Entity shall not be bound to accept the lowest or any other offer, and reserves the right to accept any offer in part unless the contrary is stipulated by the candidate.
4. Samples of offers when required will be provided free and before the closing date of the quotation. If not destroyed during tests they will, upon request, be returned at the candidate’s expenses, or may be collected by the owner.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. All entries must be typed or written in ink. Mistakes must not be erased but should be crossed out and corrections made and initialed by the persons who signed the quotation.
2. Quote for each item separately, and in units as specified.
3. This form must be signed by an authorized representative of the candidate and preferably it should also be rubber stamped.
4. Each quotation should be submitted separately in a sealed envelope with only the Quotation Number endorsed on the outside. Descriptive literature or samples of the items offered may be forwarded with the quotation.
5. If you do not wish to quote, please endorse the reasons on this and return it, otherwise your name may be deleted from the Procuring Entity’s mailing list for the items listed hereon.

SECTION 2:  EXPECTATIONS AND DECLARATION

2.1       Continuous improvement and Performance Measurements

The supplier will be required to participate positively in the client’s performance measurement systems, which will include the following:

• Ensure the most efficient and high quality service delivery.
• Ensure high quality standard materials are used and may be subject to random checks.
• Ensure good communication and be ready to offer any information to the client in regard to the contract/project.
• Be ready to address and rectify any queries that may arise during the contract/project period.

2.2       Credit Facilities

Upon delivery of invoice, what would be the expected maximum credit period offered by your firm?

• Where prices have been offered - they must be net discounted prices and VAT exclusive and the VAT value indicated.
• Indicate terms and conditions of delivery and installation.
• Indicate the extended warranty period for items where applicable.

2.3       icipe observes green procurement regulations therefore suppliers and manufacturers should ensure that goods and services are compliant with emerging Environmental Management Standards.

2.4       Supplier Declaration:

The year 2020 marks the 50^th anniversary of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). 

icipe was established in 1970 by the late internationally renowned Kenyan scientist, Prof. Thomas Risley Odhiambo, at a time when the very notion that insect science – or indeed, the then woefully small indigenous scientific communities – could contribute to a prosperous future for Africa must have seemed audacious to say the least.

icipe has progressed and flourished just as envisioned. Today, the Centre stands as a source of pride for Kenya and for Africa, with well-deserved regional and international acclaim as the only institution on the continent working primarily on insects and other arthropods, and a hub of scientific excellence and capacity building. 

This esteem has been achieved through unwavering commitment to the Centre’s original vision of elevating the lives of communities across Africa, by providing solutions that are environmentally safe, pre-empt the use of harmful chemicals, are affordable, accessible and easy-to-use, for the management of pests of crops, and disease transmitting insects. Moreover, our science-led strategies are helping communities, especially those in marginalised areas, to exploit beneficial insects, like bees and silkworms, while protecting the environment. We have also pioneered research in the exciting area of insects as alternative sources of food for people and feed for livestock, and other uses like organic waste conversion. Our holistic approach contributes to improving household and national incomes, employment and nutritional security of many people in Africa, transforming livelihoods in an inclusive manner, especially for women and the youth.  

Our golden jubilee is embodied in the slogan: ‘Insects for Life’ – a dual expression of the interlinkage between icipe 4H research approach that encompasses: Human, Animal, Plant and Environment Health; and the unwavering commitment of the Centre to its vision and mission. In tandem, we are running an Insect of the Month series that provides an illustration of intricate interlinkage between insects and livelihoods, in Africa and beyond.

The desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria

The desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria, represents the most challenging and harmful of all major plant feeding insects. It can transform from a solitary lifestyle to a highly cohesive and mobile gregarious form under appropriate environmental conditions. In the gregarious form it threatens agricultural crops and grazing land in as many as 65 countries of Northern, Eastern and Western Africa, the Near East and Western Asia. Loss of food puts communities at risk in localities where food supplies are already precarious. Uncontrolled outbreaks can grow explosively, resulting in plagues, which can last several years. Control strategies based on a large-scale application of synthetic pesticides results in enormous economic and environmental costs. It is estimated that during the 1986-89 plague, over 15 million liters of broad-spectrum synthetic liquid pesticide and 5,000 tons of pesticide dust at an estimated cost of more than US$ 200 million were used over 17 million hectares of ecologically fragile lands. In 1992-4, a major upsurge occurred and about US$ 45 million was spent on 4 million hectares. The full effects of these on the environment, and specifically on beneficial organisms including pollinators, detritus feeders, predators, parasitoids, birds, fish and other aquatic animals, and humans, are often not fully assessed. The need for a significant change in the strategy adopted and, in the tools, employed to control the desert locust is widely recognized. By studying the chemical ecology of the desert locust, icipe scientists in the early 2000s developed a “Preventive Locust Control” strategy based on combining early detection of locust hoppers and treatment with a blend of pheromones and sublethal doses of biopesticides and insecticides.

In light of the situation relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the commemoration of icipe’s 50^th anniversary ceremony has been postponed from 3^rd April 2020 to 20^th November 2020, still being held at our Duduville Campus, Nairobi, Kenya.

This decision has not been taken lightly; it has been reached after weighing all prevailing circumstances on the evolving outbreak of COVID-19 and in consideration of the emerging and potential difficulties around travel and the health and safety of all. 

We apologize for any inconveniences this change may cause and sincerely hope to be able to hold the ceremony as rescheduled, later in the year.

The 50^th anniversary is a great milestone for icipe and through our website (www.icipe.org), and social media pages, we will continue to share information on other planned activities taking place during the year, including sharing in due course, our 50^th anniversary special publication.

Date: 20 March 2020

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK.

PREAMBLE
 
The icipe family, alongside the rest of the world, continues to grapple with the reality of the coronavirus pandemic. The Centre recognises the emerging and evolving nature of this threat, as well as its sweeping and sheer magnitude on just every sphere of society, right down to individual level.
 
We believe that events of this kind mandate us to play our personal roles while also acting collectively; to be cautious, but also resilient and determined; and to counterbalance vulnerability with courage. In particular, at icipe, this has been a time to remind ourselves of our place as workers in the frontline of poverty alleviation. Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic finds us stark in the middle of contributing to the battle against the desert locust devastating many parts of eastern Africa since the beginning of 2020; and the fall armyworm that arrived a few short years before it. That, alongside efforts to tackle a number of other menaces facing the continent that are within our mandate.
 
And based on this consciousness, our response to the COVID-19 situation has been purposeful; envisioned to safeguard our staff and their families, as well as our visitors, while minimising disruptions on commitments to our stakeholders, including our development partners, donors, collaborators and beneficiaries. 
 
In accordance, icipe has aimed to develop a package of measures around COVID-19, informed by the best and latest evidence. Towards this goal, the Management has remained vigilant and proactive. We have tapped into the Centre networks; paid heed to host governments directives; and amalgamated information from international organisations, scientific literature, and the media. Since January 2020, we have maintained a consistent flow of information to staff along the following objectives:

• Provide basic understanding of COVID-19;
• Encourage and facilitate intentional preventative actions;
• Create awareness and assurance, and enhance preparedness;
• Build an atmosphere of solidarity, support, hope and purpose;
• Emphasise the importance of staff to follow country-specific directives issued by authorities and local health officials.

Dissemination of basic information on coronavirus to staff have been continually directed to useful online links and literature to update themselves. The aim has been to make teams alert, not just to the facts about the disease, but also to scientific progress being made to find solutions to it.
 
In response to the declaration of coronavirus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February, icipe developed an initialcontingency plan, creating a reasonable level of preparedness across the Centre’s campuses. As the situation has evolved, this plan has been upgraded accordingly, leading to the measures outlined below.
 
COVID-19 MEASURES CURRENTLY IN PLACE AT icipe
 
Hygienic procedures have been promoted consistently, including the need for regular and proper hand washing with soap, or using alcohol-based sanitizers installed in central locations across the Centre’s campuses. 
 
Awareness raising of other “barrier gestures”, for example, keeping hands away from the face; avoiding handshaking, hugging and kissing, and close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms; covering nose and mouth with tissue, or coughing and sneezing into one’s flexed elbow; and staying at home, avoiding interaction with others, and seeking medical help in case of symptoms associated with COVID-19.
 
Preparations for evacuation of staff members who become unwell on-duty to appropriately equipped and prepared hospitals.
 
Social distancing, including flexible (remote) work arrangements, where roles allow, with appropriate provisions to ensure continuity of work.
 
Restriction of events, meetings and other gatherings, except when absolutely necessary. In the latter case, meetings rooms must be cleaned before and after, and sitting placements should allow safe distance between participants.
 
Reinforcing of cleaning protocols, including periodic de-contamination of high-risk areas within the Centre, like entrances and washrooms; diligence of cleaning teams, for example by sanitizing themselves in between locations and wearing masks as they perform their tasks. Cleaning has also been rationalised in favour of spaces that require more frequent attention.
 
Re-stocking and replenishing of vital items like masks, gloves, and disinfectants.
 
Training of staff especially those involved in cleaning and decontamination.
 
Instalment of TVs at multiple locations on campus with videos on how to wash hands properly and on how to decontaminate surfaces including tables, light switches, stair rails, door handles, etc
 
Switch to cashless modes of payments, preferably mobile money.
 
Enhanced catering procedures, including protection kits for food service staff; constant disinfection around service areas and dining tables; self-clearance and designated areas for used crockery/cutlery, and clearly marked dustbins for disposable items. As of March 18^th  the Centre’s cafeterias and guest centres have been closed.
 
Pre-empting the need to touch the handles by keeping doors to washrooms, offices and other constantly used areas open.
 
Revision of security checks at entrances to eliminate physical contact, while not compromising safety. 
 
Suspension of travel to countries that have a level 3 travel health notice; while invitation of visitors from such countries is discouraged. Non-essential travel to other countries with reported cases of coronavirus for events expected to have large gatherings of people has also been restrained. International visitors to the Centre and its campuses from such countries are asked to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of their arrival.
 
Additional requirements for self-quarantine as follows: as events have an unfolded, more stringent requirements for those travelling have been enacted. As a result any staff who a) is returning from a country with reported coronavirus cases; or b) has had contact with someone who has been in such a location recently; or c) has had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the coronavirus; is required to report the incident and self-quarantine for a period of at least 14 days from the time they return, or from when they became aware of, or suspect the diagnosis.
 
Household preparedness and safety recommendations, for example through development of household plans informed by respective needs and daily routine, as well as community collective COVID-19 preventive measures. The plans should include emergency contacts of friends, family and medical services, and should be designed towards strategic, rather than panic buying of food supplies and other necessities.

 
icipe@50 ANNIVERSARY
 
The most significant decision that we have taken in light of COVID-19, is the postponement of the icipe@50 main ceremony. Previously scheduled for 3 April 2020, this has been postponed to 20 November 2020. The 50^th anniversary is a major milestone for icipe and through our website (www.icipe.org), and social media pages, we will continue to share information on other planned activities taking place during the year. In due course, we will send you special publication marking this landmark.
 
We hope to be able to hold the icipe@50 ceremony as rescheduled. Indeed, we move forward with the aspiration that the current danger will pass, and that we will all prevail. Our confidence would be impossible without the unwavering support, empathy and flexibility of our donors and partners; factors that have allowed us to meet our obligations as best as possible amidst existing circumstances. We express our utmost gratitude to you all and look forward to better times.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Segenet Kelemu, PhD
Director General & CEO

The year 2020 marks the 50^th anniversary of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). 

icipe was established in 1970 by the late internationally renowned Kenyan scientist, Prof. Thomas Risley Odhiambo, at a time when the very notion that insect science – or indeed, the then woefully small indigenous scientific communities – could contribute to a prosperous future for Africa must have seemed audacious to say the least.

icipe has progressed and flourished just as envisioned. Today, the Centre stands as a source of pride for Kenya and for Africa, with well-deserved regional and international acclaim as the only institution on the continent working primarily on insects and other arthropods, and a hub of scientific excellence and capacity building. 

This esteem has been achieved through unwavering commitment to the Centre’s original vision of elevating the lives of communities across Africa, by providing solutions that are environmentally safe, pre-empt the use of harmful chemicals, are affordable, accessible and easy-to-use, for the management of pests of crops, and disease transmitting insects. Moreover, our science-led strategies are helping communities, especially those in marginalised areas, to exploit beneficial insects, like bees and silkworms, while protecting the environment. We have also pioneered research in the exciting area of insects as alternative sources of food for people and feed for livestock, and other uses like organic waste conversion. Our holistic approach contributes to improving household and national incomes, employment and nutritional security of many people in Africa, transforming livelihoods in an inclusive manner, especially for women and the youth.  

Our golden jubilee is embodied in the slogan: ‘Insects for Life’ – a dual expression of the interlinkage between icipe 4H research approach that encompasses: Human, Animal, Plant and Environment Health; and the unwavering commitment of the Centre to its vision and mission. In tandem, we are running an Insect of the Month series that provides an illustration of intricate interlinkage between insects and livelihoods, in Africa and beyond.

Malaria mosquito: Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (HH)

The Latin name Anopheles originates from Ancient Greek and means ‘useless’. The genus was first described in 1818 and over 400 species are known to date worldwide of which around 30 are malaria vectors of major importance. Anopheles mosquitoes are among the deadliest animals in the world killing over 430,000 people a year due to their efficiency in transmitting the malaria parasite. Anopheles gambiae is one of the best-known species, because of its predominant role in the transmission of the most dangerous parasite species to humans – Plasmodium falciparum. Anopheles gambiae and other major vectors in sub-Saharan Africa are currently controlled through high coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual insecticide spraying exploiting the vectors’ habit to preferentially bite humans inside their houses at night. However, intense insecticide use indoors has led to spiralling physiological insecticide resistance in the vectors and behavioural adaptations, i.e. increased early and outdoor biting. icipe is spear-heading research into innovative vector control tools that can complement current interventions by studying the behavioural and chemical ecology of malaria vectors for targeting all physiological stages with an emphasis on novel tools for outdoor control.

7 April 2020: On this date in 1970, the International Centre of Insect Physiology (icipe), Africa’s only institution dedicated to the study of insects and other arthropods, was officially registered by the government of Kenya, its host country.

icipe was founded by the late internationally renowned Kenyan scientist, Prof. Thomas Risley Odhiambo. This was at a time when the very notion that insect science – or indeed, the then woefully small indigenous African scientific communities – could contribute to a prosperous future for Africa, must have seemed audacious to say the least.

And yet, icipe has progressed and thrived as envisioned.

Today, the Centre prevails as a model of scientific excellence, uniquely combining generation of world-class knowledge, and the translation of such insights into innovative technologies, transforming the lives of numerous communities across Africa. The Centre is also distinct in its holistic approach, working across Human Health, Animal Health, Plant Health and Environmental Health.

With its headquarters and field stations in Kenya; country offices in Ethiopia and Uganda; operations in more than 41 African countries; 79 donors; and over 300 partnerships with a diverse range of organisations including academic, research, public and private institutions across the world, icipe is truly African, and remarkably global.

Unique from the start

Right from its founding, icipe stood out in several ways; first as an idea conceived by an individual scientist. And then, in an era when most African countries were aiming to establish national institutions, icipe was conceived as an international organisation, with a mandate for Africa and the tropical regions.

Moreover, the Centre’s overall vision was to push the frontiers of science, not just for the sake of it, but because of the direct relevance to significant challenges affecting the continent. This foresight of undertaking advanced mission-oriented research and technology development was in contrast to traditional approaches to science in Africa over the eras, which accorded exclusive emphasis to one aspect – either basic or applied research – at the expense of the other.

icipe may be described as an experiment that worked – a study in the intellectual communion of Africa’s scientific communities and research institutions across the world to solve the continent’s priority problems.

(Selected) examples of success*

Human Health Theme:icipe’s most significant contribution is in malaria control, where the Centre’s extensive and ongoing studies on mosquitoes and the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites have led to the development of a range of tools and strategies. icipe continues to employ these solutions with commendable success, through an integrated vector management (IVM) approach. Indeed, the Centre is noted for its leadership in IVM; a process that seeks to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ecological soundness and sustainability in the control of insect transmitted diseases.

Animal Health Theme: The tsetse repellent collars stand out as a fascinating centrepiece. This technology is based on chemical cues identified by icipe researchers from waterbuck (an animal that is common in tsetse habitats but is not fed upon by the insects). A blend of these chemicals has been packaged in innovative dispensers which, when worn as collars around the neck of cattle, essentially make the animals unattractive to tsetse flies. The tsetse repellent collar technology has undergone intense trials and has now reached a stage of full-scale commercialisation.

Plant Health Theme: The icipe push-pull technology is another fascinating example of success, due to its ability to provide a platform to address a complex set of issues. Push-pull, an innovative companion cropping technology developed over the past 25 years by icipe in close collaboration with national partners in eastern Africa, and Rothamsted Research, United Kingdom, is modelled along the African smallholder farming system of multiple cropping. Push-pull was originally created for the control of stemborers, the key pests of cereal crops in Africa. The technology involves intercropping cereal crops with insect repellent legumes in the Desmodium genus; and planting an attractive forage plant as a border around this intercrop. The intercrop emits a blend of compounds that repel (‘push’) away stemborer moths, while the border plants release semiochemicals that are attractive (‘pull’) to the pests. In addition, push-pull has also been found to control the parasitic Striga weeds, aflatoxins and other mycotoxins, while improving soil health and providing high quality fodder, since the companion crops are superior forages. The technology therefore facilitates crop-livestock integration, thus expanding farmers’ income streams. Most recently, push-pull has been found to be effective in controlling the invasive and highly devastating fall armyworm, whose arrival into the continent in 2016 spelt potential doom for production of cereals (and many other crops) in Africa. A climate-smart push-pull has recently been developed and disseminated, in view of increasingly dry conditions in many parts of Africa.

Environmental Health Theme:icipe activities in the sustainable exploitation of commercial and beneficial insects have enabled the establishment of beekeeping and silk farming value chains in several parts of Africa. These initiatives have become lifelines for rural communities, especially those living in fragile or natural resource-rich ecosystems. Moreover, such ventures have provided a basis to create dignified jobs for young people, specifically through initiatives in Ethiopia.

Insects for food, feed and other uses: The Centre is a leader in this globally emerging research area, originating knowledge on aspects such as: diversity, host plants and abundance of various edible insects; their nutritional profiles; rearing protocols; and developing simple methods to extract insect oils that could be used as food ingredients and in skincare products. In addition, icipe has been involved in determining aspects that will enable insect-based enterprises, for example through training of researchers and potential entrepreneurs; and preparation of policies and industry standards.

Capacity building: The longstanding focus on strengthening skills and leadership capabilities in insect science across Africa is one of icipe’s most sustained achievements. While the Centre has impacted thousands of researchers and stakeholders, the African Regional Postgraduate Program in Insect Science (ARPPIS) remains paramount as a continental effort to nurture and retain young African talent. Between 1983 and 2019, 723 postgraduates (PhDs and MScs) from 33 African countries (plus 67 postgraduates from 15 countries outside of Africa) completed their training, including 242 through ARPPIS. Many of the ARPPIS graduates (about 75%) are today contributing to Africa’s future via their research, development or higher education roles across Africa. The African alumni (377 MSc, 346 PhD students, and more than 50 postdoctoral fellows) represent an outstanding community of researchers in relevant fields who are well- positioned to advance research for development and higher education on the continent. This is evidenced, for example, by four icipe alumni members, all women, having taken the position of Vice Chancellor at public universities in Kenya in the past 10 years.

Innovation and bioeconomy for socio-economic transformation: In recent years, icipe has re-examined its contribution to Africa’s concerted goals of achieving inclusive and sustainable development. One way is by creating much needed technical and scientific capacity, to enable incorporation of bioscience research into developmental agendas. This vision, backed by the Centre’s demonstratable institutional strengths, has resulted in icipe being mandated to host and manage two novel and landmark initiatives: the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF – https://www.rsif-paset.org) of the Africa-led Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET); and BioInnovate Africa Programme (https://bioinnovate-africa.org), one of Africa’s largest regional innovation-driven science initiatives.

*A special report providing the first comprehensive narrative of icipe, from inception to present day and the Centre’s future forecast, will be available soon.

Notes for Editors

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org): Our mission is to help alleviate poverty, ensure food security, and improve the overall health status of peoples of the tropics, by developing and disseminating management tools and strategies for harmful and useful arthropods, while preserving the natural resource base through research and capacity building. icipe gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the following core donors: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); UK Aid, from the government of the United Kingdom; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Kenya; and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In addition, icipe receives restricted project funding from a range of institutions from across the world, among them, governments, private foundations and United Nations agencies. icipe also benefits from extensive partnerships with research collaborators (including universities and research institutes in Africa and beyond), private sector partners, and communities across Africa. A comprehensive list of icipe donors and partners is available at: http://www.icipe.org/donors-and-partners. For further information on icipe visit: www.icipe.org.

On 25 April 2020, the international community marked the World Malaria Day, an occasion set aside to recognise global efforts to control this disease. The global theme is: “Zero malaria starts with me”.

At the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), we used this occasion to retrospect on our accomplishments over the past 50 years. The Centre was founded at a time when malaria control in Africa largely focused on diagnosis and treatment. At this point, there was limited attention on mosquitoes; the transmission drivers of malaria. Moreover, the emergence in 1978 of resistance of malaria parasites to chloroquine, which was until then the widely used anti-malaria treatment, underlined the urgency to develop new management strategies. icipe opted to focus on several interrelated but under-researched topics, like the behaviour and ecology of Anopheles mosquitoes.

The Centre has maintained this initial motivation, while also remaining alert and adjusting its research and advocacy efforts in view of evolving challenges in malaria control. For example, in the 1990s, concerned that the world’s attention was over-shifting to emerging health challenges in Africa, icipe was extremely vocal on the need for sustained efforts in control of malaria, a preventable and treatable disease that continued to impact heavily on Africa. Moreover, the Centre cautioned against ‘single bullet’ approaches; instead supporting integrated vector management. Also, icipe was in the frontline in advocating against the use of the environmentally harmful DDT in mosquito control. Indeed, in 2011, icipe was selected as a regional centre under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

By the 2000s, there was evident progress in malaria prevalence reduction, largely resulting from intensified use of insecticide treated nets, with significant gains evident by 2015. icipe recognised that the sustainability of these accomplishments was being undermined by various factors. These obstacles include: increasing resistance by mosquitoes to insecticides; adjustments in feeding behaviour of the vectors; and growing ability of the insects to bite people outdoors, as well as a shift in their biting times. As a result, while past efforts had led to reduction of malaria cases by an estimated 40%, from around 2016 there has been a noticeable plateau.

This scenario stipulates the need for continued surveillance and vigilant tracking of changes in vector populations; vector-parasite; vector-host; host-parasite interactions; and malaria transmission patterns. In turn, this knowledge will guide the development of novel or locally adapted strategies to control the disease.

Below is a summary of some of icipe’s achievements over the past 50 years.

Basic research

1970 – 1995

• Identification of the local sibling species of the Anopheles gambiae species complex; their egg-laying behaviour; and the population regulation of the sibling species found both in brackish and freshwater habitats. As a result, icipe pioneered knowledge on the identity of the local vector species in the gambiae species including An. gambiae sensu stricto, An. arabiensis and An. merus.
• These findings also paved way for the development of methods to intercept female mosquitoes as they lay eggs. In addition, the research advanced understanding of local vector systems and species distribution, as well as information on their survival and biting rates.

1995 – 2005

• Advanced knowledge on the larval ecology of mosquitoes, including the environmental and climatic factors affecting the development of the malaria vectors in natural aquatic habitats across the continent.
• Progress in the identification of mosquito species and subspecies; egg-laying behaviour and bloodmeal sources necessary for the development of eggs.
• Intensified studies on semiochemicals in An. gambiae mosquito that could be exploited to develop novel tools to interrupt contact between this mosquito and people. 
• Made the first, and globally exciting report outside laboratory trials, that human foot odour attracts An. gambiae. While this attractiveness had been reported before, confirmation studies under field conditions had largely remained unsuccessful.
• Exposed a growing, and previously largely unexamined trend, on the connection between socio-economic activities (for example, changes in land use in Africa); and increases, and geographical diversification of malaria incidence and prevalence.
• Revealed cattle as preferred alternative blood-meal hosts of malaria vectors in certain parts of Kenya.  Since cattle are 'dead-end' hosts of malaria parasites, these findings pointed towards zooprophylaxis – the use of animals to protect people from disease – as  a potential strategy for malaria control.
• Develop a proof-of-concept, with encouraging results, on improved development of a malaria drug from Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua). This research was based on the recommendation, in 2004, by the World Health Organisation (WHO), for the adoption of Coartem, an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), as the first-line treatment for malaria in Africa. icipe was concerned that the use of purified artemisinin could lead to resistance. Moreover, the Centre hoped that commercial cultivation of A. annua, and the establishment of extraction companies in East Africa, would open up enterprise opportunities, and make the drug more easily accessible and affordable in the continent.

2005 – October 2013

• Advanced chemical ecology studies in the investigation of compounds and their blends to disrupt malaria transmission. Attractive odours that significantly affect mosquito behaviour were evaluated to assess their competitiveness against human odours, for the development of odour-baited traps for mosquitoes.
• Explored the “floral dimension” of malaria in Africa based on previous preliminary research conducted by the Centre that generated extensive evidence that certain plants are part of the nutritional ecology of An. gambiae. The studies revealed host plant attractants from three plants and synthetic blends were developed.
• Found that malaria-infected mosquitoes develop an enhanced attraction to plant odours as well as intensified probing of nectar sources. In turn, this alteration broadens the geographic range of mosquitoes, as they expand their search due to this craving for sugar.
• Showed that some agricultural practices, such as the use of nitrogenous fertilizers in flooded rice irrigation schemes could potentially increase suitability of mosquito breeding habitats and therefore aid in the transmission of malaria.

November 2013 – present

• Identified one of the first endosymbiotic microbes in malaria transmitting mosquitoes that is capable of blocking transmission of the disease from the insects to people. By virtue of its vertical (mother to offspring) transmission, this microbe could be part of a novel and highly sustainable strategy to control malaria. This finding is part of icipe’s recent push to explore the potential of endosymbionts that make insects more resistant to pathogens as tools or strategies to prevent the transmission of diseases.
• In a world first, established that a naturally occurring chemical attracts pregnant malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The chemical, cedrol, found in mosquito breeding sites near Lake Victoria, Kenya, could be used in traps that would ‘attract and kill’ the female mosquito, preventing reproduction before egg-laying.
• Reported that a highly aggressive invasive weed known as Parthenium hysterophorus, and within East African as famine weed, could increase malaria incidents in the region. This is because Parthenium has the ability to sustain the malaria transmitting mosquito, An. gambiae, by feeding on it for sugars and extending its life even in the absence of a blood meal.
• Advanced knowledge on genetic make-up of mosquito groups, specifically Anopheles funestus mosquitoes that have recently been implicated in persistent malaria transmission. Found locally adapted populations in An. funestus, which can impact the distribution of genes of interest such as insecticide resistance genes and gene drive initiatives.
• The Centre found a wider array of species in the group than previously reported in Kenya and also observed a changed behaviour in biting and resting outdoors feeding on diverse livestock as well as people.
• The researchers also uncovered a potential new malaria vector in Kenya within the An. funestus group.
• Found that specific human odours have significant potential for development into robust, non-invasive diagnostic markers and predictors of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections.
• Evaluated the use of an environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis technique in monitoring the malaria transmitting An. gambiae larvae in experimental aquatic habitats. The study shows that eDNA detection at species level rather than species complex level is achievable, which could potentially save costs and time in monitoring these vectors.

Tools, technologies and strategies

(Developed and implemented by the Centre in varying degrees at various periods, over the past 50 years)

• Mbu cloth: a technology developed in the 1980s, that proved effective in controlling both mosquitoes and sandflies. The cloth was impregnated with WHO-recommended pyrethroid insecticide and used as wall lining in homesteads, with efficacy lasting for up to six months. (At the time mosquito resistance to pyrethroids had not been detected).
• Tilapia zilli, a larvivorous fish, was confirmed to significantly reduce mosquito larvae, highlighting the fish as a potential mosquito control agent, and as a rich source of protein.
• Biolarvicides, for example derived from neem , to kill mosquito larvae, showing better performance than conventionally used insecticides.
• Solar powered mosquito trapping system (SMoT), baited with a synthetic odour blend that mimics human odour, that led to a 70% decline in the populations of Anopheles mosquitoes. The technology was tested through a project known as SolarMal between 2012 and 2015 in Rusinga Island, western Kenya. Households using SMOTs recorded malaria infection rates that are 30% lower than those not using the technology.
• Mozigone a herbal-based, low-cost mosquito repellent.
• Uzimax, a plant-derived mosquito larvicidal product registered in Kenya in 2019 by the Pest Control Products Board.
• Mosquito push-pull strategy (in progress), by exploring the use of spatial repellents to push away mosquitoes from peri-domestic areas, and attractants to pull them towards odour-baited traps. Laboratory experiments have shown that proposed technology can reduce mosquito biting in people by more than 50%.  

Integrated Vector Management

The knowledge and tools discussed above have formed the basis for icipe to embark in earnest on an integrated vector management (IVM) approach in different ecological settings in Africa, as per the examples presented below.

• Mwea Irrigation Scheme, the largest rice growing enterprise in Kenya (1984 –1997; 1999 – 2012). icipe introduced improved water management by changing flooding schedules, and rotation of rice cropping with dry-land crops like soyabeans. The Centre and partners also conducted extensive and highly successful social mobilisation on control of mosquitoes and malaria. This led to reductions in mosquito breeding sites and in malaria parasite reservoirs. Cultivation of soyabeans boosted incomes and household nutrition, and improved soil texture and fertility.
• Eritrea (1999 – 2001): icipe provided technical assistance to the Eritrean National Malaria Control Programme. The Plan articulated several specific objectives, priorities, cross-cutting themes, interventions and strategies. It also described an integrated approach combining the use of available interventions (case management, chemoprophylaxis, bednets and vector control) with efforts to improve surveillance, programme management, operational research and community awareness and mobilisation.
• Malindi, coastal Kenya (2006 – 2012): icipe and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) addressed the interlinked challenges of tourism and malaria, and socio-economic issues. At its conclusion, the project stood as a good example of the onus of IVM. This recognition was based on effective collaboration between interdisciplinary teams from icipe and KEMRI, and various Malindi stakeholders – from businesses, schools, public sector and communities – that ensured effective use of resources and capabilities. The establishment of a functional IVM strategy founded on a systematic assessment of the mosquito control needs, followed by the development of required tools, and the strengthening of capabilities among researchers, ensured efficient IVM implementation. Combined, these factors resulted in considerable reduction of mosquito and malaria prevalence.
• Nyabondo plateau, western Kenya (2005 – 2019): The problems tackled include brickmaking and its contribution to malaria risk, and an array of environmental issues including poorly managed fish ponds. As a result of environmental management and use of biopesticides, mosquito larval densities were reduced by 71%, while those of adult mosquitoes resting indoors went down by 41%. By 2009, malaria prevalence in the region had subsided by 62%.
• Tolay, Ghibe Valley, Ethiopia (2008 – 2019): icipe’s activities built on a previous successful initiative to manage animal trypanosomosis. Tolay is a settlement scheme within the Ghibe Valley, now populated by communities that migrated from various parts of Ethiopia due to food insecurity, recurrent drought and natural resource degradation. The area has high incidences of malaria and trypanosomosis. The prolonged use of synthetic pesticides to control disease vectors had become an environmental and health hazard to the communities. icipe interventions led to a set of accomplishments, including reduction in mosquito densities by as much as 50%. Moreover, the Centre introduced development and use of eco-friendly botanicals, to tackle the problem of pesticides resistance, conserve the environment, and create new avenues for income generation for local communities.
• Southern Africa (2017–2022): icipe’s success in IVM implementation has provided a new impetus for a major IVM regional project, commonly referred to as AFRO-II project, developed with support and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WHO-AFRO. icipe is the key technical partner for this multi-country project that is assisting countries in Africa aiming for malaria elimination, to expedite implementation of IVM approaches. The project is currently being implemented in: Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A complete list of icipe Donors and Partners is available here:  http://www.icipe.org/donors-and-partners

1. The Bioresources Innovations Network for Eastern Africa Development (BioInnovate Africa) is a regional biosciences research and innovation initiative established in 2010 with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It is a regional Programme based at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), and operates in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, and collaborates with partners in South Sudan. The Programme assists these countries to benefit from the revolutionary advances in biosciences, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development.
2. BioInnovate Africa, through icipe, seeks to engage a private firm to assist the BioInnovate Africa (BA) Programme Management Office (PMO) in designing and delivering a 3-5 day bioscience bootcamp involving early-career entrepreneurial scientists at universities, research organizations and firms within the BA participating countries in eastern Africa. The aim of the bioscience bootcamp is to enable entrepreneurial scientists to develop innovative and commercially viable biological based ideas. Qualifying teams will gain skills and improve their capacity to develop competitive proposals in response to BA or other similar calls for innovation projects. Find attached Terms of Reference (TOR) for more details. http://www.icipe.org/sites/default/files/ToR_Bioscience_Bootcamp_April20...
3. BioInnovate Africa now invites interested private firms who are able to demonstrate technical capability to provide the above-mentioned service.
4. Interested private firms should:

• Provide the consulting firm’s registration documents, PIN and Tax Compliance certificates, post address and physical location, website and contact persons.
• Provide consultants’ registration and license documents with relevant statutory bodies.
• Provide the firm’s profile detailing organization chart, and CVs of key technical staff who will deliver the project, clearly indicating technical skills, academic qualifications and years of experience.
• Demonstrate sufficient practical hands-on experience (over 3 years) in preparing, facilitating and executing bioscience bootcamps. The firm must demonstrate the ability to manage a call and selection process and share some examples of success stories from previously conducted science-related bootcamp activities.
• The firm should have good working knowledge of BioInnovate Africa mission and objectives including nature and type of sustainable innovation projects.
• Provide a competitive fee quote (in US$) to perform the assignment.

5. The Request for Quotations must be delivered to the address below on or before 11:00 hours East Africa Time on 29^th May 2020. The submissions should be made electronically through e-mail at icipetenders@icipe.org and clearly marked: ‘Request for Quotations – Provision of consultancy service to design and deliver a bioscience bootcamp for entrepreneurial scientists in BioInnovate Africa participating countries”. Late submissions will be rejected.

Procurement Manager

Duduville campus, Carroll Wilson Building, Off Thika Road, Kasarani

P.O. Box 30772-00100, NAIROBI

4 May 2020: Researchers from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and the University of Glasgow, UK, have identified a microbe in malaria mosquitoes that is capable of blockingtransmission of the disease from the insects to people.

In a study published in Nature Communications journal (paper link:  https://go.nature.com/2xwzbyl), the scientists report that the microbe, which they have named Microsporidia MB, was found in Anopheles mosquitoes. The study was conducted on mosquitoes in their natural environments, mainly on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya. The researchers established that mosquitoes carrying Microsporidia MB do not harbour malaria parasites either in nature, or after experimental infection in the laboratory. The research also showed that Microsporidia MB is passed from female mosquitoes to their offspring at high rates, and the microbe does not kill or cause obvious harm to the mosquito host.

“The bodies of all animals are inhabited by microbes which are either detrimental – in other words pathogens; or neutral / beneficial symbionts,” explains Dr Jeremy Herren, current icipe Scientist who led the study while jointly affiliated with icipe and the University of Glasgow, UK. “Healthy insects often have microbial symbionts inside their bodies and cells, which can have major effects on the biology of their hosts. At icipe, my team’s research is focused on this type of microbial symbiont, especially when they may be interfering with transmission of diseases by insects.”

Key characteristics

Although the new Microsporidia MB symbiont is naturally found at relatively low levels in malaria mosquitoes in Kenya, the researchers believe that there may be ways to increase the proportion of moquitoes that carry it, to block their capacity to transmit malaria. This type of transmission-blocking intervention has been shown to have transformative potential for controlling Dengue, a disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Until now, there have been few examples of microbes that affect malaria transmission mosquitoes.

“We were excited to find that the Microsporidia MB symbiont is transmitted from mother mosquitoes to their offspring, and that the microbe does not compromise the ability of mosquitoes to survive,” adds Lilian Mbaisi, a Kenyan scholar who was involved in the study, as part of her MSc research at icipe, registered at the University of Nairobi.

The authors note that these two attributes are key, as they could enable the spread of symbionts through mosquito poplulations, and their maintainance across many malaria transmission seasons.

The researchers stress that further studies will be needed to determine precisely how Microsporidia MB could be used to control malaria. The next phase of the research will investigate the dynamics of the microbes in large mosquito populations in screen house ‘semi-field’ facilities.

The case for scientific and technological advancements

While significant achievements have been made in tackling malaria, with a reduction of cases by an estimated 40% noticeable by 2015, progress has now plateaued. Therefore, there is a need to ensure current control measures are maintained and strengthened, while also advancing novel control strategies. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently warned that any interruptions in malaria control efforts due to the COVID-19 pandemic could increase malaria incidences and impact.

Further, as icipe Director General, Dr Segenet Kelemu observes: “Given recent developments in Africa and globally, the importance of scientific advancement has never been more real. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the current locust outbreak in eastern Africa, and the fall armyworm invasion that has been ongoing since 2016, place a most urgent call-to-action for science and scientists, policymakers and development partners.”

She adds: “These events also serve as a clear demonstration of the opportunity cost brought on by deficiencies in support for critical research and the effective translation of knowledge into innovative solutions. We must all remain alert and unwavered; aware that every breakthrough is vital.”

And as icipe commemorates its 50^th anniversary this year, it is with a recommitment to the long-running vision of nurturing the  best and brightest young talent. This goal will ensure that Africa’s has adequate scientific capacity and leadership, for the sake of continent, and that of humanity, animals and the environment across the globe.

Notes for Editors

Publication details:  

Herren J.K.; Mbaisi H.; Mararo E.; Makhulu E.E.; Mobegi V.A.; Butungi H.; Mancini M. V.; Oundo J.W.; Teal E. T.; Pinaud S.; Lawniczak M.K.N.; Jabara J.; Nattoh G.; Steven P. and Sinkins S. P. A microsporidian impairs Plasmodium falciparum transmission in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes. Nature Communications 11, 2187 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16121-y

Corresponding author: Jeremy Herren; Email: jherren@icipe.org

Funding: This research was supported by the Wellcome Trust [107372, 200274, 202888, 206194]; BBSRC [BB/R005338/1, sub-grant AV/PP015/1]; Scottish Research Council; Swiss National Science Foundation [P2ELP3_151932], and R. Geigy Foundation. icipe gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the following core donors: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); UK Aid, from the government of the United Kingdom; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Kenya; and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of these donors.

Research collaborators: MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK; Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (CEBIB), University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; University of the Witwaterstrand, Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK; and Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences Technology & Innovation, Nairobi, Kenya.

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org): Our mission is to help alleviate poverty, ensure food security, and improve the overall health status of peoples of the tropics, by developing and disseminating management tools and strategies for harmful and useful arthropods, while preserving the natural resource base through research and capacity building.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR MSc. SCHOLARSHIPS – 15^th May 2020

Description

The Eastern Africa Network for Bioinformatics Training (EANBiT) is a collaborative network supported by Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (FIC-NIH, USA) under Award Number U2RTW010677 with supplementary co-funding from the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL). EANBiT has three Universities; Pwani University, Makerere University and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences(MUHAS), and four Research Institutes; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology(icipe), KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Biosciences eastern and central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI hub) and Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).

EANBiT aims to develop a critical mass of practitioners in this region who can develop and utilize Bioinformatics approaches to Biosciences. The focus over the 5-year period of this phase of the project is to enhance bioinformatics training at Masters level and increase the size and quality of the pool of potential PhD students and researchers. We have had two successful fellowship cohorts of students registered at Pwani University and Makerere University which have a very competitive MSc. Bioinformatics course running. MUHAS is preparing to launch their program.

EANBiT will offer 12 highly competitive fellowships for the MSc. in Bioinformatics for the 2020-2021 academic year (up to FOUR at each of the participating universities). The fellowships are to cover a maximum of two years of study, including both course work and the thesis work.

Eligibility

✓ The EANBiT fellowships are open to nationals of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania only.

✓ Applicants must meet each of the separate university admission requirements for the MSc degree.

The MSc Scholarship Package

The network will provide full scholarships for MSc Fellows in the 2020 academic year and will cover the University tuition fees for the entire course, and a stipend to cover reasonable living expenses.

Requirements

The applicant must submit together with the application:

✓ A comprehensive curriculum vitae including any relevant research work and experience

✓ A one-page letter of motivation explaining why one wants to pursue an MSc. in Bioinformatics

✓ Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificate

✓ Contacts of at least two referees

How to Apply

The application process is two-fold:

1. Applications for places should be made to the preferred host training institution.

Pwani University; Kilifi, Kenya

Please access the following website for more details:

http://spas.pu.ac.ke/

Makerere University; Kampala, Uganda

Please access the following website for more details:

https://www.mak.ac.ug/academic-programmes/postgraduate

1. Once the applicant meets the university qualifications, then they can proceed to apply for the scholarship here: http://cbid.icipe.org/apps/eanbit-2020/index.php

NOTE:

Only online applications will be accepted

Only fellows who have secured admission with the Universities will receive sponsorship

In case of queries kindly contact us on eanbit@icipe.org

PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) PhD Scholarships

PhD Scholarships available to support 3-4-year doctoral training

in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Call for applications is now open.

Deadline for submission: 15^th June 2020 at 5:00 pm (East Africa time; UTC+3)

Background

The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) is an African-led initiative with the goal of strengthening skills in the Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology to further socio-economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) is the flagship program of PASET. RSIF focuses on transformative technologies that have a far-reaching positive impact on society. It is funded by contributions from African governments, the World Bank and the Government of Korea and facilitated by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya.

RSIF aims to train quality PhD students and post-doctoral researchers at selected African universities (‘African Host Universities’) to address the human resource gap of highly qualified specialists in the fields of applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET) and to contribute to improving research and innovation capacities in those fields in SSA. RSIF also supports the strengthening of research and innovation ecosystems at the African Host Universities by providing funding through competitive grants.

RSIF supports training, research and innovation in five PASET Priority Thematic Areas: (1) ICT including big data and artificial intelligence, (2) Food security and agri-business, (3) Minerals, mining and materials engineering, (4) Energy including renewables and (5) Climate change.

The specific objectives of RSIF are to:  

1. Create a stock of highly skilled scientists, professionals and innovators in ASET areas.
2. Identify and nurture young talented Africans who wish to further their studies in ASET fields where expertise is needed most.
3. Address imbalances in the number of women and disadvantaged groups in ASET fields in Africa.
4. Build African university capacity to provide relevant ASET training and to ensure continued investment in scaling up the ASET education and workforce.

About the PASET-RSIF PhD Scholarship Program

• RSIF PhD Scholarships are open to candidates interested in receiving international-quality PhD training.

• Applicants apply for a scholarship to conduct PhD research in a PASET Priority Thematic Area at one of the African Host Universities.
• Independent selection panels will review applications to select candidates for scholarship awards.
• Once scholarships are awarded, successful candidates will be instructed to register with their selected African Host University. Further details will be provided at this time.
• The duration of the PhD Scholarship is 3 to 4 years, including a 6-24 month ‘sandwich’ placement at an international partner university, research institute or private company.
• RSIF PhD scholarships will be awarded in September 2020.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a RSIF PhD Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a relevant master’s degree in one of the fields of study. The master’s degree must have been completed less than six years before 30 April 2020.
• Meet the specific admission requirements of the African Host University they are applying to.
• Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan Africa country.
• Be willing to enroll full-time in a PhD program at an African Host University in the 2020-2021 academic year.
• Be willing to spend 6-24 months in ‘sandwich’ training at an international partner university, research institute or private company.
• Demonstrate that their research goals are well aligned to the RSIF Priority Thematic Areas and contribute to Africa’s development.
• Priority for the scholarships will be given to women and existing young academic faculty who do not have a PhD.

Benefits

RSIF PhD Scholars will receive the following benefits:

• The RSIF PhD Scholarship covers university tuition and related fees, competitive stipend to cover living expenses, travel, medical insurance and research costs.
• RSIF PhD scholars will be supported to spend 6-24 months on ‘sandwich’ training at an international partner university, research institute or private company.
• RSIF PhD scholars become part of a growing network of emerging leaders in ASET fields in SSA.
• RSIF PhD scholars will have access to RSIF competitive research grants upon completion of their PhD.

Further information and application guidelines available here: (English) or (French)

Applications

Applications are accepted through the online application platform: https://www.rsif-paset.org/calls/.  Applications submitted by email or in hardcopy will not be accepted.

Submission deadline

15^th June 2020 at 5:00 pm (East Africa Time; UTC+3)

Please address any questions to:

The Manager

RSIF-Regional Coordination Unit (RCU)

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

rsifscholarships@icipe.org