After a two-year hiatus, the Rift Valley Institute will return to running annual field courses, with the first one scheduled in the summer of 2022 . Now in their seventeenth year, each course examines a different sub-region within eastern and central Africa: Sudan and South Sudan, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes.
The courses will offer a dawn-to-dusk programme of lectures, seminars, panel discussions and debates. Bringing together new research, fresh analysis, established and emerging experts, the courses consider current political and development challenges in their historical, social and economic context.
The courses are designed for diplomats, development practitioners, researchers and the private sector, both those living and working in the region or those about to start. The Great Lakes is not available this year as an annual course but can be delivered as a bespoke course upon request.
The fee for each course is USD 4,500, payable in advance. If you would like to participate in an RVI field course, you can apply online now. Applications are considered in order of receipt.
Horn of Africa Course
27 June - 01 July, Kenya
The Horn of Africa Course examines the Somali-speaking lands, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and northern Kenya. It explores the historical and contemporary features that make the Horn the world’s most crisis-ridden region. The 2022 Course will be directed by Michael Woldemariam and Peter Chonka.
Apply for the 2022 Horn of Africa course
Sudan and South Sudan Course
04 - 08 July, Kenya
The Sudan and South Sudan course covers all areas of Sudan, South Sudan, and the borderlands between them. It provides an overview and current analysis of the causes of ongoing and historical conflicts in the Sudans and the prospects for resolution. The 2022 Course will be directed by Kuyang Logo & Alden Young.
Apply for the 2022 Sudan and South Sudan course
Alumni testimonials
‘I take valuable insights and lessons from this week which will influence the way I look at the Sudans and act as a donor. All in all, a fantastic learning experience on both a professional and personal level.’ Stefanie Küng, Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland, Sudan & South Sudan Course.
‘As someone who knew very little about the wider region, I thought the design was spot on – starting with the overviews and then getting into the detail…I wish I’d done the course last year. I will definitely recommend it to friends and colleagues.’ Kate Ferry, Adam Smith International, Horn of Africa Course.
‘Very informative and enlightening: both the lectures and offline conversations with the lecturers and fellow participants. I go away with a better understanding and picture of the issues and a larger network on which to draw to work on the issues.’John Kelley, US Embassy Kinshasa, Great Lakes Course.
An excellent course, in particular I appreciated the historical context and perspectives from the political economy and land rights issues. Teachers were excellent: clear, good power points and good presentations.’ Maaike van Vliet, Embassy of the Netherlands, Bujumbura, Great Lakes Field Course.
‘The course is quite intense and rich, the breakout groups and social activity worked well as part of the exchange and learning. The teachers were excellent, combination of hard facts, research and personal stories was brilliant.’ Wafaa Saeed, UNOCHA, Sudan and South Sudan Course.
‘I dare say I have done nothing comparable in so comprehensive a package.’ Bob Snyder, Canadian International Development Agency, Horn of Africa Course.
‘There was an intelligent balance between leading indigenous and western thought.’ Geraint Jenner, British Peace Support Team, Horn of Africa Course.
‘The course exceeded by expectations in several ways, not least the extensive in-depth knowledge of the panelists… What I learned from the course will be an enormous help in my continuing work as Editor of International Affairs at Chatham House and with furthering links and the exchange of information with outside organizations.’ Caroline Soper, Chatham House, Great Lakes Course.
