Community Engagement Research Articles

Nursing education leadership strengths in South Africa: An exploratory study

Introduction and backgroundNumerous multifaceted issues continue to pose a serious challenge to the success of nursing education and training worldwide. In South Africa, distinct situations, such as the transitioning of public nursing colleges to higher education to be part of a unified higher education system, amplify the problems faced by nursing education leaders. To unravel these complexities, an exploration of South Africa’s existing nursing education leadership strengths was undertaken. PurposeTo describe the leadership competencies deemed as an existing leadership strength in a challenged and transforming South African nursing education context. MethodAs part of a larger study, embedded in social constructionism, an exploration of the country’s existing nursing education leadership strengths was conducted with the purposefully selected nursing education leadership experts. Qualitative, descriptive, and contextual data yielded by the ten participants were analysed using thematic analysis. FindingsFour main themes emerged namely, leadership competencies; governance, leadership, legislation, and policy; staff development as well as community engagement. ConclusionThe authors propose that the described leadership competencies offered by the nursing education leadership experts as the existing nursing education leadership strengths in the country be considered as a foundational basis to navigate emergent challenges in wider contexts.

Understanding Socioeconomic Inequalities in Zero-Dose Children for Vaccination in Underserved Settings of Ethiopia: Decomposition Analysis Approach.

Despite considerable global efforts to enhance vaccine distribution in low-income countries, a significant number of children remain unvaccinated, particularly in Ethiopia. The underlying socioeconomic challenges in these regions are recognized as primary contributors to the low vaccination rates. However, the reasons for this persistent disparity in Ethiopia's remote and underserved regions need further analysis. The study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted as part of the Project HOPE Zero-Dose Evaluation from 1 February to 31 July 2022. Concentration indices were utilized to quantify the extent of inequality, with further decomposition aimed at identifying contributing factors to this disparity. The findings underscored that populations with lower socioeconomic status encounter high numbers of children receiving no vaccinations. Key factors influencing the number of zero-dose children included distance from healthcare facilities (61.03%), economic status of the household (38.93%), absence of skilled birth assistance (20.36%), underutilization of antenatal care services (<four visits; 8.66%), lack of postnatal care (8.62%), and rural residency (7.69%). To reduce the number of zero-dose children in Ethiopia, it is essential to implement context-specific strategies that address socioeconomic barriers and integrate innovative approaches with community engagement. This approach will help to ensure equitable access to vaccines for children across all socioeconomic statuses.

A new direction for neighbourhood governance and community construction in China: the case of Zhejiang province’s ‘Future Communities’

ABSTRACT In March 2019, Zhejiang province introduced a new approach to China’s neighbourhood governance, placing digital technology at the centre of communities. Utilizing a case study design, we examine this approach and the role of technology in cultivating community autonomy, public participation, and local social interaction. The findings show how sociospatial dynamics guide the orchestration and reception of smart innovations for community engagement and empowerment, indicating what works and for whom. The empirical work provides a basis for future recommendations, signalling the limitations of digital innovation within communal life and reinforcing a human-centred approach to developing smart systems of community development.

A research on Fethiye Babadag commercial tandem paragliding participants within the scope of experiential tourism

The tourism sector has continuously evolved and restructured due to technological, economic, and social transformations. Experiential tourism is an approach that takes tourists from being mere observers to placing them at the center of the experience, encouraging them to learn new things and personally develop during their travels. The study explores the perceptions of tourists who participate in paragliding regarding their experiences with adventure and experiential tourism. Paragliding involves uncertainty, risk, adrenaline, adventure, and experience, as opposed to the traditional understanding of travel as safe and guided. This study aims to uncover the relationships between risk, benefit, evaluation, co-creation, trust, satisfaction, and future intention among local and foreign tourists participating in paragliding activities within an experiential context. Therefore, the study examines the relationships of the experiential perceptions of tourists participating in paragliding. In the data collection phase, researchers conducted face-to-face questionnaires with 381 local and foreign tourists who experienced tandem paragliding activity in Fethiye Babadag. After eliminating incomplete or incorrectly filled surveys, 321 surveys were analyzed. The data were processed using SPSS 27 and AMOS 23 statistical package programs. The research focuses on the perceptions of paragliders’ experiential risk, benefits, value, co-creation, trust, satisfaction, and future intentions. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine these perceptions. The results suggest that there are positive correlations between various aspects of experiential tourism, such as benefits and satisfaction, benefits and trust, satisfaction and future intentions, and trust and future intentions. However, the study did not find any connection between experiential evolution and satisfaction, or between experiential evolution and trust. Similarly, there were no observed relationships between experiential co-creation and satisfaction, or between experiential co-creation and trust. Additionally, the study revealed that risk perception does not impact satisfaction and that trust does not influence risk perception. These results align with the adventurous nature of paragliding. Management implicationsParagliding is a thrilling sport that offers participants a unique and adrenaline-filled experience. The study results provide insights for tourism operators, particularly those involved in adventure and experiential tourism. In today's experience-driven economy, the insights gained from those who take part in this activity are extremely valuable to the tourism sector. Research findings have provided valuable insights into the impact of paragliding on participants' overall experience.Tourism operators should prioritize providing clear and transparent information about the risks and safety measures associated with paragliding. This transparency helps participants make informed decisions and can enhance their overall satisfaction. Understanding these insights, particularly for providers such as pilots, travel agencies, tour operators, and site managers, can help the industry create exceptional paragliding experiences.The study's results showed that participants' perception of risk did not have a negative impact on their satisfaction. This indicates that individuals engaging in risk-involved activities like paragliding consciously acknowledge the risks and that these risks do not diminish their overall satisfaction. Within the tourism sector, providing customers with precise and transparent information can help them better comprehend the risks and make informed decisions about participating in such activities. Specifically, in paragliding, the perception of managed risk may significantly contribute to overall satisfaction.The study's findings indicate that enhancing the experiential value of paragliding activities influences participant satisfaction and trust. Therefore, businesses should focus on improving the quality of the paragliding experience through high-quality services and engaging experiences. By emphasizing unique and meaningful experiences, operators can increase tourist interest and contribute to the local economy. Strategic marketing and promoting paragliding as part of experiential tourism can further attract tourists seeking authentic and memorable experiences. Focusing on these areas can lead to higher satisfaction, trust, and future intentions for participation by tourists. In the tourism industry, providing customers with more precise and transparent information can encourage them to fully understand the risks and make informed decisions to participate in such activities.Local, national, and international regulations related to paragliding activities should be organized from a managerial perspective. These regulations encompass licensing, certifications, operational standards, and training programs for staff and customers. Regularly updating and certifying instructors will help maintain high safety standards. Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment ensure safety standards. Decision-makers should implement a strict protocol for the repair and replacement of gear.Conducting thorough risk assessments is essential for all paragliding activities. Emergency response plans should be practiced. Regular drills must be available to prepare for potential incidents. Customer experience, customer education, personalized experiences, and customer feedback are considerable issues with marketing, operational efficiency, financial management, sustainability, and community engagement. Addressing these managerial implications can ensure safe, efficient, and profitable operations for a paragliding business because they provide customers with a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Setting a Course Towards Climate Justice for Alaska Native Communities: The Alaska Alliance for Community Engagement – Climate and Health

Setting a Course Towards Climate Justice for Alaska Native Communities: The Alaska Alliance for Community Engagement – Climate and Health

Two-way community engagement in environmental (in)justice research: lessons learned from northwest Indiana, USA

Two-way community engagement in environmental (in)justice research: lessons learned from northwest Indiana, USA

Examining the development and utilisation of Community-Based Health Information Systems (CBHIS) in Africa: A Scoping Review.

The community-based health information system (CBHIS) is a vital component of the community health system, as it assesses community-level healthcare service delivery and generates data for community health programme planning, monitoring, and evaluation. CBHIS promotes data-driven decision-making, by identifying priority interventions and programs, guiding resource allocation, and contributing to evidence-based policy development. This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the use of CBHIS in African countries, focusing on data generation, pathways, utilization of CBHIS data, community accessibility to the data and use of the data to empower communities. We utilised Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. We searched eight databases: PubMed, EMBASE, HINARI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature databases (Open Grey and OAIster). We synthesized findings using a thematic approach. Our review included 55 articles from 27 African countries, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by West Africa. Most of the studies were either quantitative (42%) or qualitative (33%). Paper-based systems are primarily used for data collection in most countries, but some have adopted electronic/mobile-based systems or both. The data flow for CBHIS varies by country and the tools used for data collection. CBHIS data informs policies, resource allocation, staffing, community health dialogues, and commodity supplies for community health programmes. Community dialogue is the most common approach for community engagement, empowerment, and sharing of CBHIS data with communities. Community empowerment tends towards health promotion activities and health provider-led approaches. CBHIS utilizes both paper-based and electronic-based systems to collect and process data. Nevertheless, most countries rely on paper-based systems. Most of the CBHIS investments have focused on its digitization and enhancing data collection, process, and quality. However, there is a need to shift the emphasis towards enabling data utilisation at the community level and community empowerment.

The Complex Pathway to Green Fields: Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Agriculture in Thailand

This article explores the complex dynamics of organic agriculture in Thailand, focusing on the interplay of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and consumer awareness. Since the implementation of the National Economic and Social Development Plan in 1961, Thailand has emphasized cash crop production, leading to increased reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have raised significant environmental and health concerns. The article highlights the pivotal role of non-governmental organizations, such as the Alternative Agriculture Network, in advocating for sustainable farming practices and facilitating knowledge transfer between producers and consumers. Despite the potential benefits of organic farming, challenges persist, including labor-intensive production methods, declining interest among younger generations in agricultural careers, and a general lack of consumer understanding regarding organic products. The article underscores the importance of local financial support systems, such as cooperative loans, and government initiatives aimed at promoting organic agriculture. It argues that enhancing consumer awareness and demand for organic products is essential for fostering a sustainable agricultural future in Thailand. Ultimately, the findings suggest that a multi-faceted approach involving policy support, education, and community engagement is necessary to overcome the barriers to organic farming and ensure its growth in the Thai agricultural landscape.

Local community engagement and gazettement approach in managing and conserving Pangani historic town in Tanzania

Pangani is a historic coastal Swahili town situated at the mouth of the Pangani River, which empties its waters into the Indian ocean. Archaeologists have traced the origins of this town back to the seventh century through evidence from material cultures found in this area. Despite its historical importance and archaeological interest, Pangani faces substantial conservation and management challenges, primarily due to low awareness levels among its local community. These residents are largely unaware of the town’s historical value and of the impact of factors such as climate change, stone quarrying, wave erosion, and development pressures, so effective conservation plans are lacking. In finding the best practices for managing and conserving this historic town, a critical question remains as to how to rescue the town's significance and value from these challenges. This paper proposes a gazettement approach for managing and conserving Pangani, emphasising a bottom-up approach that involves local communities and other stakeholders in the conservation process.

A resilient disaster recovery model for Puerto Rico: a qualitative case study

ABSTRACT Environmental disruptions cause various damages to cities and communities. Many Puerto Ricans have endured catastrophes, suffered the loss of friends and family, resided in temporary shelters, and have been uncertain when they could return home. Thus, this study aims to understand the factors that help Puerto Rican communities better respond to and recover from shocks. Through a multiple-case-study design, the study analyses four Puerto Rican communities to identify the indicators that most significantly contribute to resilient disaster recovery. Data is collected via in-person interviews and analysed via qualitative inductive coding. The study results emphasise the role of internal – social cohesion, community engagement, and local leadership – and external factors – political vulnerability, available resources, social participation in preparation planning, and sustainable development – in resilient disaster recovery. This research deepens our comprehension of the critical factors that shape resilient disaster recovery efforts within Puerto Rican communities. It also aids communities in enhancing their preparedness, coping mechanisms, and adaptation strategies and offers guidance for urban planners and policymakers to concentrate on the internal and external factors that bolster the adaptive capabilities and resilience of communities in Puerto Rico.

From perception to action: Participatory water risk assessment in Nagaon District of Assam, India

This paper presents an examination of water risks in rural communities within Nagaon district of Assam, India. It employs a participatory approach to integrate community perspectives into the assessment process. The objective is to engage local people, gain an understanding of water risks they encounter in their everyday lives, and incorporate their opinions and experiences. To achieve this objective, the present analyses employ mixed methods, including stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, household surveys, and community forums. Additionally, the development of the Participatory Water Risk Index (PWRI) provides a novel metric for quantifying and prioritizing water risks, aligning with local priorities and perspectives. The findings highlight the identification and evaluation of seven key parameters of water risk which include availability and sufficiency of drinking water, water quality issues, prevalence of water-related diseases, irrigation facilities, vulnerability to floods, and utilization of public water infrastructure. The study underscores the importance of community involvement and empowerment in addressing water-related challenges and promoting resilience. Policy recommendations derived from the research emphasize the need for context-specific approaches to water resource management, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of each community within the district. The transferability of the PWRI to other locations offers substantial opportunities for improving water security worldwide, contingent upon careful consideration of context-specific parameters and community engagement. Thus, this paper contributes to the advancement of sustainable water management practices by integrating local knowledge into the assessment process, guiding future interventions to build a water-secure future for rural communities in Nagaon district and beyond.

Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers

BackgroundIt is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach.MethodsThis multi-methods study was conducted in five rural communities in the Grampians region, Western Victoria, Australia. It involved six concept mapping steps: (1) preparation, (2) generation (brainstorming statements and identifying rating criteria), (3) structuring statements (sorting and rating statements), (4) representation of statements, (5) interpretation of the concept map and (6) utilization. Community forums, surveys and stakeholder consultations with community members and health professionals were used in Step 2. An innovative online group concept mapping platform, involving consumers, health professionals and researchers was used in Step 3.ResultsOverall, 117 community members and 70 health professionals identified 400 health and healthcare issues. Six stakeholder consultation sessions (with 16 community members and 16 health professionals) identified three key values for prioritizing health issues: equal access for equal need, effectiveness and impact (number of people affected). Actionable priorities for healthcare delivery were largely related to access issues, such as the challenges navigating the healthcare system, particularly for people with mental health issues; the lack of sufficient general practitioners and other health providers; the high travel costs; and poor internet coverage often impacting technology-based interventions for people in rural areas.ConclusionsThis study identified actionable health and healthcare priorities from the perspective of healthcare service users and providers in rural communities in Western Victoria. Issues related to access, such as the inequities in healthcare costs, the perceived lack of quality and availability of services, particularly in mental health and disability, were identified as priorities. These insights can guide future research, policy-making and resource allocation efforts to improve healthcare access, quality and equity in rural communities.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and HIV/AIDS Prevention among Youth in East Africa

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a pivotal strategy for reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence among youth in East Africa, where the growing young population presents significant challenges for effective prevention. This review examines the role of CSE in equipping young people with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed decisions about their sexual health. We explore the importance of culturally relevant and evidence-based curricula, the impact of teacher training programmes, and the integration of CSE into both school and community settings. We highlight the crucial role of youth-friendly health services in providing accessible and confidential care and identify peer education and youth-led initiatives as key strategies for engaging and empowering young people in HIV prevention. We examine the role of economic empowerment strategies, such as microfinance and vocational training, in reducing HIV vulnerability. We discuss gender-sensitive approaches to address the unique needs of different genders, including LGBTQ+ youth. The review also explores the potential of innovative technologies and digital solutions, such as mobile health applications and social media campaigns, to enhance HIV prevention efforts. The review emphasises community engagement and support systems, policy advocacy, and research as essential components for a comprehensive response. By integrating these diverse strategies, the review underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to effectively address HIV/AIDS among youth in East Africa, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and achieve sustainable prevention goals. Keywords: Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), HIV/AIDS, Youth, East Africa

Peningkatan Kapasitas Produksi dan Penjualan Produk Kelapa Gongseng Aceh Pasca Pandemi COVID-19 Melalui Teknologi Tepat Guna dan Pemasaran Digital

This article delves into the strategic enhancement of production capacity and sales of Acehnese roasted coconut products in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging the application of appropriate technology and digital marketing approaches. The focus of this community engagement initiative lies in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the local community, including disruptions in traditional market access and production inefficiencies exacerbated by the pandemic. The objectives of the program are meticulously outlined, detailing the implementation of innovative technological solutions and digital marketing strategies designed to increase production efficiency, product quality, and market reach. The study also discusses the anticipated socio-economic impacts, particularly the potential for sustained community empowerment and economic resilience. The integration of these modern approaches aims to foster long-term sustainability and competitive advantage for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Aceh, thereby contributing to broader economic recovery and growth.

Student voices within Indigenous social work practicum recommendations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings

This article examines the integration of Indigenous perspectives, particularly the Seven Grandfather Teachings, in Indigenous social work education and field practicum, focusing on student experiences. Colonization has had significant impacts on Indigenous communities, leading to intergenerational trauma, which calls for the need for culturally appropriate social services. Historically, mainstream social work has been complicit in the oppression and genocide of Indigenous peoples, leading to negative perceptions among Indigenous communities. Western theoretical hegemony in education has marginalized Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing the need for inclusivity. Indigenous social work, rooted in acknowledging colonialism and oppression, promotes self-determination and cultural revitalization, highlighting the importance of Indigenization in the profession. Field education is emphasized as crucial for students, encouraging self-reflection and cultural sensitivity. The Seven Grandfather Teachings—love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, wisdom, and truth—are introduced as guiding principles in ethical behaviour and relationships. The integration of these teachings into coursework and practicum experiences is highlighted, aiming to prepare students for culturally responsive social work practice. Student narratives are utilized to illustrate personal experiences and the application of the teachings in real-world settings. Overall, the article underscores the importance of cultural competency, self-reflection, and community engagement in addressing the unique needs of Indigenous peoples in social work practice.

(Invited) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Consortium for Advanced Water Splitting Materials

The goals of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) support those of the Biden Administration to build a clean and equitable energy economy and address the climate crisis through development and deployment of hydrogen technologies to the benefit of all Americans. HFTO is dedicated to meeting the goals of DOE’s Hydrogen Shot,1 which targets affordable clean hydrogen production at $1/kg within the decade, and the H2@Scale Initiative,2 which aims to advance affordable hydrogen to enable decarbonization and revenue opportunities across multiple sectors.HFTO’s HydroGEN consortium (https://www.h2awsm.org) for advanced water splitting (AWS) materials, part of the DOE’s Energy Materials Network (EMN), focuses on multiple clean hydrogen production pathways, including several relevant to renewable fuels via artificial photosynthesis. Since the consortium’s establishment in 2016, HydroGEN researchers have made significant progress in the areas of low and high temperature electrolysis, as well as solar thermochemical (STCH), and most relevant here, photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production pathways. The HydroGEN consortium facilitates collaborations between national laboratories, academia, and industry, bringing together world-class technical expertise with state-of-the-art facilities made available to project partners. HydroGEN offers an extensive collection of materials research capabilities for addressing R&D challenges. Project participants can choose from over 40 unique capability nodes. Each capability node is comprised of a combination of a tool, technique, and expertise that is unique to the national laboratory system.HydroGEN has supported over 30 competitively selected R&D projects with industry and academic partners by providing streamlined access to national lab resources and expertise. The consortium is also involved in fostering cross-cutting activities to advance material performance and durability through community engagement and protocol development and initiating critical laboratory-led efforts to address specific R&D gaps in the AWS portfolio.A new cohort of solar fuels focused projects were recently selected through the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0002792 with additional funding in this area expected in the future. A total of 11 new projects were selected, six in PEC and five in STCH, to work with the HydroGEN consortium towards advancing solar fuels production technology. Projects from both technology pathways must define materials metrics and targets for meeting the interim hydrogen cost target of $2/kg-H2 with extrapolation to additional requirements for meeting $1/kg-H2.Selected PEC projects focused on the development of materials or material systems for efficient and durable PEC water-splitting with a focus on innovations in bandgap and bandgap alignment, functional interfaces, stable surface catalysis, and protective coatings. A successful PEC photoelectrode project will need to achieve 15% STH efficiency for the entirety of operation exceeding 1,000 hours, with proposed pathways for achieving efficiencies up to 25% and durability up to 10,000 hours. Further, PEC systems will be required to demonstrate hydrogen production at a rate of 0.1 g/h for diurnal operation over two weeks.Selected STCH projects focused on accelerating discovery, development, and demonstration of alternative redox materials for a two-step STCH process and addressing projected costs and materials challenges associated with the required operating temperatures. Successful STCH projects will need to include a demonstration of the STCH process using sunlight or simulated sunlight. STCH systems must demonstrate hydrogen production at a rate of 1 g/h for diurnal operation over two weeks.For the first time, in line with the Justice40 Initiative,3 applicants were required to submit DEIA (diversity equity, inclusion, and accessibility) plans. Objectives from these plans were incorporated into the project objectives with specific goals identified for each year.Despite the progress, there is still significant ground to be covered through water splitting materials R&D. With the support of HydroGEN, these selected projects will help to address remaining challenges and enable low-cost and large-scale hydrogen production. An overview of consortium and project goals and objectives will be discussed. Hydrogen Shot | Department of EnergyH2@Scale | Department of Energy,The Justice40 initiative, created by Executive Order 14008, establishes a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Figure 1

Food insecurity versus public health? Social resilience.

The health problems of low-income communities and their relationship to food insecurity are a widespread problem worldwide. Understanding the complex relationship between these two conditions of food insecurity and health outcomes is the focus of this study. In addressing these issues, managing food security and adopting comprehensive strategies that consider the broader public health of the poor and socially vulnerable requires a multi-pronged approach that integrates sustainable food systems, social protection interventions, community engagement, and nutrition-specific interventions. This study is useful for improving our understanding of the relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes, which ultimately contributes to better health and social resilience strategies.

Social impacts arising from road infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: better management of social issues is needed in road construction, upgrading and rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Despite the use of environmental and social impact assessments for road projects, severe social impacts continue to occur. We discuss the social impacts associated with the construction, upgrading, widening and/or rehabilitation of roads in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to a literature review, we analysed 10 road projects in Uganda by examining project planning documents, and undertaking in-depth interviews, group interviews and field visits. While there were some benefits from these road projects, especially dust reduction where roads became sealed, the significant land acquisition necessary for these linear projects has led to physical displacement, economic displacement, and disruption to the livelihoods of local people. Other issues included: inadequate community engagement; delayed payment of compensation and inadequate compensation; gender-based violence; poor road construction practice causing community safety concerns; project-induced in-migration or influx; sexual harassment; impacts on children; and issues around sex work. The lack of local community acceptance (social licence to operate) of the projects resulted in construction delays and increased costs. For more acceptable road projects, better community engagement, improved planning and management, and adequate funding for resettlement and compensation are essential.

The role of anesthesiologists in supporting workforce diversity via education and community engagement

The role of anesthesiologists in supporting workforce diversity via education and community engagement

Climate change and societal transformation: a cohort-based international experiential learning program with an interdisciplinary focus on environmental education for graduate students

Climate change is not geographically homongeneous and disproportionally affects African nations, making the acceleration of knowledge sharing and mobilization among African-centric researchers critical for developing adaptative and preventative solutions. An interdisciplinary approach to environmental education is therefore essential. While mechanisms like short-term international exchange programs have been explored, little research has focused on a cohort-based approach centered on environmental education of international and interdisciplinary doctoral students and early career researchers. Drawing from the literature on international experiential learning and cohort-based models and employing a Theory of Change framework, we report on the outcomes of an innovative four-year environmental education short-term study program in Canada involving three cohorts of post graduate scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings demonstrate that an interdisciplinary cohort approach is beneficial in accelerating research capacity for tackling complex problems such as climate change. Furthermore, participating scholars benefited from cross-learning, research dissemination, community engagement, network development, and enhanced soft skills. Recommendations for successfully organizing and delivering a cohort-based international exchange program are also discussed.