Savanna landscape with woodland, baobab trees and rocky hills under a wide sky

Shaping Africa's Savanna Futures

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Research, Innovation and Policy for Resilient Savanna Futures

SAFI connects knowledge, people and action — African-led research, innovation, indigenous knowledge and policy for resilient landscapes, healthy communities, sustainable economies and peaceful societies.

Savannas are living landscapes where people grow food, sustain livelihoods, exchange knowledge, protect biodiversity and build their futures.

Climate, land use, health and governance change these relationships together. SAFI studies the connections so decisions in one area can account for consequences in others.

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Savanna village landscape in dry season light
Why savanna futures matter — living systems linking environment, livelihoods and culture.

Connecting research, indigenous knowledge, innovation and policy to advance resilient landscapes, healthy populations, peaceful societies and inclusive development. These four institutional priorities complement SAFI’s five Research and Innovation Centres. Indigenous knowledge, culture, policy engagement and community participation remain cross-cutting across the Institute’s work.

Freshwater river systems in the savanna landscape

Polluted Rivers: Clean, freshwater systems vital to functioning savanna ecosystems

1. Climate-Resilient Landscapes & Natural Resources

Advancing research and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable water management and the restoration of savanna landscapes, wetlands and river basins.

Explore climate & landscapes →
Community health outreach in the savanna

Community-based, health campaigns and action ensure healthy people

2. Population Health Innovation Systems

Strengthening population health through interdisciplinary research on climate-related health risks, One Health, health equity, disease prevention and innovative, community-responsive healthcare systems.

Explore population health →
Community dialogue for peace and neighbourliness

Community dialogue and understanding ensure peaceful neighbourliness

3. Peace, Security & Indigenous Governance

Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies through research on conflict transformation, borderland security, indigenous knowledge, traditional governance, cultural heritage and community-led peacebuilding.

Explore peace & governance →
Farmer with a large sweet potato harvest in the field

Indigenous food supplements are increasingly valued in local diets

4. Food Futures, Innovation & Inclusive Economic Transformation

Supporting resilient food systems, sustainable agriculture, local enterprise, responsible investment and place-based regeneration through research, innovation and strategic partnerships.

Explore food futures →
Community leaders in traditional dress at a regional gathering

The Savannah Futures Institute (SAFI) is a Ghana-based, African-led organisation connecting research with communities and decision-makers across Africa's savanna regions.

From Accra, we partner with universities, governments, traditional institutions, civil society, businesses and international collaborators to shape resilient futures.

About SAFI

Capability building through the Savannah Futures Academy.

Short courses, methods workshops, executive learning and fellowships connecting research with practice.

Explore the Academy
Participants in a SAFI Academy learning session seated around tables in a training room
The Academy connects research with the people who use it.
Community gathering in the savanna region

Build the Future with Us

Researchers, universities, governments, communities, investors and development partners — we welcome conversations that turn knowledge into action.

Healthy landscapes. Healthy people. Peaceful communities. Resilient savanna ecosystem.