Archive for July 2024
Biogas plant addresses energy poverty in Malawi
Researchers in Malawi are helping communities reduce waste and improve sanitation through biogas production. By: Charles Pensulo [BLANTYRE, MALAWI] A biogas plant in Malawi has transformed the lives of mothers, girls, and children in local communities by reducing reliance on firewood and providing them with clean and sustainable energy, its developers say. Only ten per…
Read MoreMass breeding of desert locusts unlocks new food source
Researchers have developed a way of breeding locusts as a source of protein for animals and people. By: Dann Okoth [NAIROBI] Mass breeding of desert locusts in a controlled environment could provide a sustainable source of protein for animals and humans as well as business opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers say. With nearly 282 million…
Read MoreIndigenous plants support nutrition in Southern Africa
Researchers in Southern Africa turn indigenous plants into food products to tackle micronutrient deficiencies. By Nelson Mandela Ogema Food recipes developed from indigenous plants and adapted to local climates could improve nutrition and alleviate food shortages in rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers say.The African researchers created products – including jams, juices, syrups, yogurts, and…
Read MoreMozambique’s new STI policy to drive development
Mozambique’s new science, technology and innovation policy aims to drive sustainable development and productivity. By Francis Kokutse Mozambique’s new science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy will drive economic growth and sustainable development while addressing societal challenges, researchers say. Approved by Mozambique’s cabinet on 21 May, the policy aims to leverage STI to achieve sustainable development…
Read MoreUganda fights wheat gap with heat-resistant crop
Uganda develops new heat-resistant wheat varieties to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. By Funke Ishola New climate-resistant wheat varieties developed in Uganda will reduce reliance on foreign exports and support local food production, according to agricultural researchers. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing demand for wheat, but rising temperatures are putting…
Read MoreGo Data, software to improve malaria surveillance in Burkina Faso
L’outil numérique développé par l’OMS et le Réseau mondial d’alerte et d’action en cas d’épidémie contribue à lutter efficacement contre la maladie. Par : Abdel Aziz Nabaloum L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) et le Réseau mondial d’alerte et d’action en cas d’épidémie (GOARN) ont mis au point un logiciel qui contribue à la surveillance des…
Read MoreMalawi aims to increase ethanol production despite difficulties
Malawi relies on ethanol as a sustainable and economical alternative to imported gasoline. Malawi is working to increase its ethanol production through public-private partnerships with the aim of producing a cheaper, cleaner fuel, according to a senior official. Ethanol, which is made from the starch in corn kernels, transformed into sugar and then fermented, is…
Read MoreResearch project to boost innovation in Africa
A research and innovation management program helps scientific research granting agencies to select and fund the most effective projects. By Afeez Bolaji A new project tackles the research and innovation challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa, bridging funding gaps and gender imbalances to boost development in the region. The Research and Innovation Management (RIM) project was driven…
Read MoreResearch in Africa “stifled by unequal partnerships
Equitable research partnerships produce better results. By Gilbert Nakweya [NAIROBI] African researchers are often underestimated and marginalized in collaborative research projects. As a result, the scientific issues are flawed and the interpretation of the data is biased, said university officials in a debate. Academics spoke out on this subject at an online seminar on equitable…
Read MoreResearchers forge partnerships with the private sector in Malawi
Partnerships with business and the public sector enable Malawi’s researchers to tackle “real-world problems”. By Michael Kaloki The Science Funding Agencies Initiative (SFAI) uses the “triple helix” approach to enable African researchers to collaborate with national government departments, the private sector and other researchers to advance science and address research funding challenges. Gift Kadzamira, Director…
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