The PURSUE Project — Promoting Sustainable, Affordable Housing Construction Technologies Using Environmentally Sound Locally Available Resources — is an Erasmus+ CBHE initiative aimed at addressing the critical housing challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Why PURSUE?

Access to durable, hazard-resilient, sustainable, and affordable housing is vital for ensuring equality, public health, education, and the delivery of social services. However, many least developed countries, particularly in Africa, face a significant housing deficit, worsened by natural and man-made hazards. For instance, countries like Somalia face ongoing displacement due to drought, floods, and conflict.

The housing sector not only offers shelter and security but also drives economic growth, health outcomes, educational success, and gender equality. It also stimulates job creation across the real estate ecosystem and supports the development of local supply chains and infrastructure. Given the environmental impacts of traditional construction, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly, locally sourced materials, such as earth, known for its affordability, sustainability, thermal insulation, and low environmental footprint.

PURSUE’s Mission

PURSUE aims to promote the use of locally available, eco-friendly construction materials by fostering collaboration among higher education institutions (HEIs), professionals, and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The project brings together partners from Turkey, Portugal, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Somalia, with shared goals aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals including:

• Industry innovation and infrastructure

• Sustainable cities and communities

• Responsible consumption and production

• Climate action

• Partnerships for development

Project Development and Objectives

The project was shaped by a comprehensive needs analysis, including regional data and stakeholder surveys. It aims to:

• Enhance capacity in HEIs

• Develop innovative teaching modules

• Deliver cutting-edge training programs

• Improve laboratory infrastructure

Target groups include students, academics, technicians, and professionals in civil engineering and architecture. Stakeholders involve research centers, public authorities, NGOs, embassies, and the private sector.

Work Packages (WPs)

PURSUE is structured around seven interlinked Work Packages (WPs):

1. Project Initial Activities

2. Course Development

3. Laboratory Capacity Enrichment

4. Training of Trainers and Practitioners

5. Quality Assurance and Evaluation

6. Dissemination and Exploitation of Results

7. Project Management and Coordination

A total of 29 tasks and corresponding milestones and deliverables are included within these WPs.

Methodology & Implementation

PURSUE employs a blended methodology combining academic innovation with stakeholder collaboration. It uses a phased approach including:

• Pilot initiatives

• Feedback mechanisms

• Collaborative frameworks

The project emphasizes quality planning, active management, and inclusive partner engagement throughout all phases.

Impact and Sustainability

Key indicators of success include:

• Awareness of earthen materials

• Enrolment in new educational modules

• Use of modern equipment

• Visibility and dissemination of outcomes

The project ensures long-term impact through a balanced budget, well-defined partner roles, and alignment with EU funding and reporting standards. Active participation by all partners ensures ownership, accountability, and the sustainability of results beyond the project’s duration.

Our Vision

PURSUE envisions an empowered generation of engineers, architects, and educators capable of addressing Africa’s housing challenges through sustainable, affordable, and resilient solutions — rooted in local knowledge and global collaboration.