Introduction to Sustainable Consumption and Production in Africa
The ability of national actors in Africa to incorporate Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) into national governance is key for sustainable developmnt. With the goal of scaling up learning on SCP in the region, UNEP and UNITAR are partnering, under the SWITCH Africa Green Project, to deliver for the first time this interactive e-learning course especially tailored to the regional context of Africa.
The course is offered in parallel in English and French language.
Participants will learn about different concepts and facets of the SCP, as well as regional, national and sector-specific challenges and opportunities to implement policies for SCP in the context of the 2030 Development Agenda. Additionally, participants will begin to develop basic skills for applying the SCP concept in a real world economic, policy and professional context.
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Define the concept of SCP and explain its value for sustainable development and 2030 Development Agenda
- Distinguish key elements of effective policy planning in support of SCP
- Identify enabling conditions for mainstreaming and implementing SCP policies in national governance
- Discuss principal challenges and opportunities for advancing SCP in national contexts
- Summarize the range of global and regional initiatives that support implementation of SCP policies
- Apply SCP to a real-life policy-making context.
The course is composed of 5 modules:
Module 1: Introduction to SCP: Definition, Rationale and Fundamentals
Module 2: Designing and Implementing National SCP Policies
Module 3: Applying Policies to Key Thematic Areas for Supply-side Change and Sustainable Production
Module 4: Applying Policies for Demand-side Change and Sustainable Consumption
Module 5: International Collaboration, Regional Initiatives and Priorities to Achieve SCP in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
Total number of learning hours: 32 over 8 week period (4 hours per week), including study time (2 hours/week) and participation in online course activities (about 2 hours/week). Weeks 1-5 encompass the 5 Modules listed above. Weeks 6-8 are reserved for wrap-up and completing course assignments.
The course pedagogy is adapted to professionals in full-time work. Participants are provided with the opportunity to learn through various experiences: absorb (read); do (activity); interact (socialize); and reflect (relate to one’s own reality). Total number of learning hours: 32 over 8 week period (4 hours per week), including study time (2 h/week) and participation in online course activities (2 h/week).
- Assessment tests appraise the comprehension of the key facts and concepts at the end of each module.
- Discussion forums foster interaction and reflection on a specific issue selected either by the course moderator or participants.
- The interactive exercise on resource efficnecy indicators aims to urge peraticipants to explore available data on resource use and effficiency for their country and reflect on how their findings can inform the policy making process
An applied case study provides participants with the opportunity to apply the SCP concept in the framework of a real world situation.Participants will identify the problem context, relevant issues, define appropriate measures, and develop a SCP action plan for a particular setting. Each case study is peer-reviewed by a group of course participants, as well as the course moderator.
- On the ground implementation of SCP projects: the course further provides opportunity for several projects developed during the course to receive small grant and be realized in the follow-up of the course.
The course is geared towards high- to mid-level civil servants from Africa, directly involved in the process of developing, implementing and evaluating policies supporting the transition towards SCP. The target group includes:
- Civil servants in national ministries, provincial departments and local authorities
- Environmental managers in private sector, e.g. engaged in SWITCH Africa projects
- Representatives from civil society organizations
- Academia representatives and researchers
- Other individuals engaged in policy processes
Fellowships
With support from the EU SWITCH Africa Green Porject and the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP), 47 fellowships are available for each of the two editions of the course - in English and in French language, for participants from Africa working in the public sector, academia or NGOs. UNITAR, working in close collaboration with UNEP, will identify and select the participants to be awarded with a fellowship.
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion will be issued by UNITAR to all participants who complete the course-related assignments and assessments successfully.
Technical Requirements
Access to internet is an essential condition for participation. UNITAR recommends the following as a minimum in hardware and software to take our e-Learning courses. Please consult your Network Administrator or Systems person to ensure that you have the following:
- Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME, XP or superior; MacOS 9 or MacOS X; Linux (or newer)
- Hardware: 64 MB of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space
- Software: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Microsoft Office (Windows or Mac) or Open Office
- Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or higher or Firefox 3.6 or higher Modem: 56 K