Objectives: Problem oriented research training at African Universities, at PhD-level and supportive MSc-level, aiming at human and infrastructural capacity building for field research in environmentally sound crop, soil and water management for sustainable agriculture in semi-arid Africa. Expansion of the application of this so called "Picnic" model of University research training in Africa and lately in Asia. In initial phases emphasis is on University staff development but in later phases other NARS staff is trained at these Universities.