African Natural Products Network

 

In the face of rapid population growth, loss of agricultural lands, and insufficient human capacity, RISE-AFNNET worked to develop Africa’s rich biodiversity into a natural products industry of social and economic significance. The research taking place within RISE-AFNNET sought to address issues associated with building value chains for natural products, including: the ecology and biodiversity of natural products; indigenous knowledge systems; intellectual property issues; and product development, value addition, quality, marketing, and trade.

 

Building on an active research network of 10 member countries called NAPRECA, RISE-AFNNET expanded existing research programs and formalized educational activities in such fields as engineering, biochemistry, environmental science, pharmacology, and nutrition.