October In Review
| Dear LDRI Community, Welcome to the latest edition of the LDRI newsletter! This year is extra special as we celebrate 10 years of driving data-driven policy and innovation across Africa. From pioneering research to transformative partnerships, we remain committed to advancing open data, governance, and sustainable development. Our newsletter compiles content, including a reading list, avenues for capacity building, and events from various stakeholders worldwide, focusing on the use of data for improved service delivery in sectors such as Governance, Gender, Agriculture, and AI. Connect With us Are you following us on our socials? You can now follow us on our X, and LinkedIn accounts to stay up to date with our latest publications, events, and news. |
| FEATURED THIS MONTH: LDRI PRACTICE AREAS SPOTLIGHT |
| Artificial Intelligence Practice: LDRI to Lead the AI4D Research and Innovation for Climate Hub. The Local Development and Research Institute (LDRI) is proud to announce that we are leading the new Research and Innovation for Climate Hub, in collaboration with AfriClimate AI, an NGO dedicated to the development and usage of AI tools for sustainable and climate-resilient Africa. This work will be conducted as part of the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program, with the financial support of the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, Development Office (FCDO) and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).This initiative is dedicated to scaling impactful Artificial Intelligence solutions by providing resources, research and data that empowers African innovators to drive responsible and sustainable climate action. Through rigorous research on climate-AI innovation, the environmental sustainability of scaling AI applications, and the development of evidence-based policy frameworks, the Hub will advance both knowledge and practice that supports the widespread adoption of responsible climate technologies across Africa. In addition, the Hub will contribute to the African AI and climate innovation ecosystem’s research, innovation, policy advocacy and community insights and help to address the pressing challenges caused by climate change on the continent. Building on this foundation, this grant compliments LDRI’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local capacity for African AI development and its governance. It also reinforces our efforts to promote climate-smart agricultural practices by governments and farmers such as our AI powered, localized early warning system which offers actionable climate-change mitigation recommendations on plant health and yields. LDRI looks forward to working closely with African governments, researchers, innovators, and communities to accelerate responsible AI-driven solutions for climate action. The initiative will be led by Leonida Mutuku, LDRI’s AI Research Director and Professor Rendani Mbuvha, the co-founder and Executive Director of AfriClimate AI. We are excited to shape Africa’s climate future through responsible AI innovation and invite you to join us on this journey. To explore collaboration opportunities or learn more about this initiative, please reach out to us via email. Global Index on Responsible AI: Second Edition in Progress  Data collection for the second edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) is now underway! The GIRAI measures countries’ commitments and practices toward responsible and ethical AI. Building on the success of the 2024 inaugural edition, LDRI is once again collaborating with GIRAI and researchers across Africa to bring this important data to life and amplify regional insights. In case you missed it, explore the African Regional Report from the first edition. Download here Governance Practice: Data Storytelling Training  In partnership with Data2X, the LDRI and GROOTS Kenya teams recently participated in a Data Storytelling Training aimed at strengthening our capacity to use gender data for advocacy and inclusive decision-making.The workshop enhanced participants’ skills in transforming data insights into compelling narratives that influence policy and promote equitable development outcomes.We extend our sincere appreciation to Data2X for their continued partnership and support in advancing gender data advocacy across Africa and globally. Learn more about how we’re collaborating with sub-national governments to amplify the use of gender data in decision-making for sustainable development. Learn More FROM THE BLOG Empowering Farmers and Transforming Agriculture Through Farmer Field Schools  LDRI’s Farmer Field School model is rooted in the principle of “learning by doing”. Smallholder farmers acquire practical skills directly in the field. This model integrates hands-on training, a flexible curriculum and strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders. This holistic approach ensures farmers not only train on improved agricultural practices but also gain the necessary skills and support to implement them effectively. Read More |
| RESOURCES FROM OUR NETWORKS |
Data2x: Building Responsible AI with Equity at the Core Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we live, work, and make decisions — but whether it drives fairness or deepens inequality depends on the choices we make now. That’s the focus of AI: Alternative Intelligence, a new podcast from Data2X, exploring how we can build technology that works for everyone. In the debut episode, Responsible AI Consultant Dr. Emily Springer and Data Scientist Gratiana Fu— co-authors of Data2X’s research paperThe Gender Data Foundations of Responsible and Equitable AI — unpack what “responsible AI” means and why gender data is the missing building block for fairness. Read More. AGRA: Africa Food Systems Report 2025 The Africa Food Systems Report (AFSR 2025), titled “Drivers of Change and Innovation,” highlights the urgent need to move beyond fragmented progress toward integrated, systemic transformation of Africa’s agrifood systems. It underscores the importance of governance, innovative finance, infrastructure, and knowledge as drivers of change, while introducing new food systems indicators to track performance across the continent. By harnessing Africa’s talent, resources, and youthful energy, the report provides actionable insights to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems that advance food security, economic growth, and global leadership. Download the report. Equality Insights: Accelerating Inclusive Data-Tools To Leave No One Behind With 2030 fast approaching, the urgency to close persistent data gaps has never been greater. Inclusive, multidimensional data is critical not only for tracking progress across the Sustainable Development Goals, but for ensuring that all people, especially those historically marginalised, are visible in policy and decision-making.What we know is that the tools already exist to build more inclusive, intersectional, and accountable data systems. The challenge now is to scale and sustain them, and embed them into how development is designed and delivered. Read More. |
| UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES/EVENT |
| Remote Consultancy PARIS21 is seeking a consultant to develop innovative demand and supply forecasting models for financing development data. This work will help strengthen the Clearinghouse for Financing Development Data, a global platform that promotes transparency and coordination in how development data is funded. By modelling how much countries need to invest in their national statistical systems, and forecasting expected financing flows, this work will support smarter, evidence-based investment in statistics. 🗓️ Application deadline: 16 November 2025 📍 Remote consultancy | December 2025 – March 2026 Apply Here Have Something to Share? If you have any ideas for collaboration with us, or if you have any blog posts on Data, AI, or Primary health care, Gender, Agriculture, and Open Government that you would like us to promote through our platform or any events, opportunities, research, or research projects you would like for us to share within our growing network please email us at comms@developlocal.org. To receive our newsletter straight to your inbox click here. |
