Posts by Davis Weddi

Across the African continent, Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in Africa are key to driving evidence-based science, technology, and innovation policies. These councils play an important role in shaping national development agendas and driving progress through strategic research funding and coordination. They, however, face significant challenges in their digital transformation efforts, including limited funding, outdated infrastructure,…

The Science Granting Councils across Africa are increasingly transforming science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystems, the 2024 SGCI annual forum report says. According to the report, the councils have significantly raised their profiles as funding bodies, evidenced by growing interest and proposal submissions from researchers across the continent covering the core thematic areas of the…

African scientists have been conducting cutting-edge research to tackle the continent’s challenges but need to improve engagement with policymakers to make an impact. In a virtual workshop on 23 April, researchers from diverse fields, including agriculture, health, education, and energy, gathered to learn how to transform their scientific findings into persuasive policy briefs that can…

[NAIROBI] Rose Osore has been growing cassava on her small farm in Busia County, western Kenya, for decades. Like many farmers in the region, she inherited the practice from her mother but never found it to be particularly profitable. “I have been farming for my household consumption … sometimes I donate to my neighbours when…

[LILONGWE] Closing his eyes as he battled smoke wafting from fish-smoking kilns in front of him, Issah Amin put more wood into one of seven ovens at Chikombe beach, a fish-landing site on Lake Malawi. “This is one of the hardest parts of this work,” Amin said, his eyes teary as he poked the firewood…

[KAMPALA] Ugandan researchers are transforming discarded banana stems into textiles, hair extensions and sanitary pads, positioning the East African nation to capitalise on growing global demand for sustainable fibres. The Banatex-EA (Banana Textiles in East Africa) project at Busitema University, eastern Uganda, has created spinnable banana fibre that can be used in textile production, presenting…

As the landscape of global research and innovation is evolving, Africa is taking steps towards building a robust research management system. At the forefront of this transformation is the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), whose collaborative efforts with regional Research and Innovation Management Associations (RIMAs) are reshaping how research is managed, funded,…

Here is a recap of stories published in the latest Footprint Newsletter. Across the continent, researchers are working hand in hand with farmers to develop practical solutions that respond to the challenges of food insecurity and climate change. This month’s edition brings you three such stories. From Uganda’s coffee fields to vegetable farms in Kenya…