What We Do

Why Research?

In Africa's dynamic landscape, where challenges and opportunities converge, bwi stands as a beacon of innovation and progress. With a focus on health care, food security, environment, and biodiversity, bwi is at the forefront of transformative change, addressing pressing issues with bold solutions.

Picture this: In tropical Africa, where biodiversity flourishes, climate and insects wield a double-edged sword. While they enrich ecosystems, they also threaten agricultural productivity, posing a significant hurdle to food security. At bwi, we've embraced this paradox, leveraging cutting-edge research and innovative strategies to combat climate change, pest infestations and disease vectors. Through our work, we're empowering communities to protect their crops and safeguard their harvests, ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector for generations to come.

But the challenges extend beyond the fields and into the realm of public health. Africa bears the burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as trachoma, with mosquitoes and tsetse flies spreading malaria, sleeping sickness, and other debilitating illnesses. These diseases not only pose a threat to human health but also impede economic development and stability. We believe that health is a basic human right. Everything we do ensures lasting health change for all.

Yet, environmental degradation looms large, threatening livelihoods and exacerbating poverty and food insecurity. Deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity are among the pressing issues facing communities across the continent. Here at bwi, we're committed to cultivating resilience through sustainable practices. From advocating for agroforestry initiatives to championing water conservation measures, we're empowering communities to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental challenges.

At the heart bwi's mission lies a dedication to empowering change, one innovation at a time. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic partnerships, we're building a brighter future for Africa and beyond. Join us as we cultivate a world where prosperity, health, and harmony flourish. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and bloom a brighter tomorrow for all.

What we do

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, bwi was established in 2019, to address this very paradox of climate change and accompanying challenges. The Centre’s mission is to use research and development for sustainable development, to ensure food security and improve the overall health of communities in Africa by addressing the interlinked problems of poverty, poor health, low agricultural productivity and environmental degradation.

Since its founding, bwi has remained committed to developing and disseminating environmentally safe, affordable, acceptable and accessible tools and strategies for sustainable food security and healthcare in our communities. bwi's mandate further extends to the sustainable conservation and utilization of Africa’s rich biodiversity.

bwi is a home of innovators and researchers in Africa. Therefore, capacity building of individual researchers and institutions in Africa is an integral part of all the Centre’s research and development activities. bwi also aims to empower women, harness the youth and build capacity to use, transfer and teach the Centre’s technologies.

How We Work

At bwi, we pride ourselves as a center of excellence, where our commitment to the highest standards of research and innovation practice meets Africa's critical developmental needs. Our approach is multifaceted, designed to address the complexities of our mission effectively.

Harmony Nexus Approach (HNA): A cornerstone of our methodology, the HNA embodies a holistic and integrated approach that encompasses human, animal, plant, and environmental health. By recognizing the interconnectedness of these components, we're able to develop comprehensive solutions that address root causes and promote sustainable development.
Multiple Disciplinary Approaches: At bwi, we understand that complex challenges require diverse perspectives. That's why we bring together experts from various disciplines, including entomologists, behavioural biologists, molecular biologists, population ecologists, biochemists, and social scientists. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, we're able to leverage the full spectrum of knowledge and expertise to drive impactful change.
Collaborations: We believe that partnerships are the key to unlocking our full potential. BWI's research is conducted through close collaboration with national, regional, and international organizations. By pooling our resources and expertise, we're able to amplify our impact and reach communities far and wide. Through these partnerships and collaborations, bwi’s ultimate goal is to strengthen the Centre’s own capacity and that of its partners towards improving the livelihoods of millions of people in Africa towards enabling smallholder farmers, on whom most agricultural activity in Africa depends, access the appropriate technologies and strategies to address existing and emerging constraints. It is the home base for researchers and scientists from Europe, Africa and Latin America; it creates a globalised ‘research family’. Join us as we work towards a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, and where communities are empowered to overcome challenges and realize their full potential.